What locks to start with?

[geekyguy83]

So I just started picking and was wondering what locks I should focus on/buy. I bought a simple 4 pin padlock, another padlock with a couple security pins, and a warded padlock so far. Also, is it worth buying a vice to hold your locks while you pick?

[geekyguy83]

sorry, "vise", not "vice"

[edsmiley]

Not knowing where you are from (US, Europe), the easiest thing would be to do a search for beginner or starter locks. If in the US or Canada, find your local Restore (http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx) and pick up some cheapo starter locks there. Should have lots of deadbolts and door knobs. Regardless of where you are, get something that is re-keyable so then you can take pins out and learn one pin stack at a time.

A vice is nice to have if you start to work on more complicated locks. I have one from Harbor Freight that is nice and small and somewhat portable:

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-3-4-quar ... -3311.html

Good luck,
Ed

[geekyguy83]

First of all, thank you. Second, in terms or re-keyable locks, would something like:
http://www.lockpickshop.com/EZPL.html
the EZ-rekey practice lock be worth buying?

[MacGnG1]

no, do not buy that. get yourself a kwikset double deadbolt for 12 bucks at target/walmart/homedepot/lowes. it is a great started lock and pretty easy to repin.

[geekyguy83]

thank you

[Gapper402]

As far as padlocks go for starting out I suggest some masters. The 1, 3, and 5 series are all easy and a great confidence booster for starting out. After that go to the 141 and then 525. The 525 has security pins in it but I found it to be a good introduction to picking security pins. I am also an amateur picker and haven't ventured outside of padlocks yet. Most people say its preference for the vice, I say try and do it without so when you come to harder locks like Edsmiley said you can you the help then. Welcome and Good luck!

[Shyfted]

Ive seen a lot of people on here suggesting to start with the different numbered master locks. Is there a way I can tell which ones are which? Like is it a certain serial number range? Is it a number printed on the lock?

[shortlineflyer]

I am a beginner as well and I highly suggest just practicing on basic 4 to 6 pin locks with no security pins at first and as you progress move onto other locks with only a couple of security pins. There is a thrift shop right down the street from where I live and i go there at least once a week just to see if they have any locks. Thrift shops are a great source to for low price locks. I got lucky once and found an Abloy classic padlock in the shop for just $8.

[Gapper402]

Ive seen a lot of people on here suggesting to start with the different numbered master locks. Is there a way I can tell which ones are which? Like is it a certain serial number range? Is it a number printed on the lock?

Just look at the bottom of the lock, should say "Master No 3", ect... They run about 3$ at your local stores, from drugstores to hardware stores. Good luck!!

[OrangePick]

Your local Habitat for Humanity "ReStore" should have a bin full of door hardware. Mine had lots of bits/pieces so I just picked out the key cylinder portions and they charged me $1 each. Some guys get charged as little as $.50 each -- all depends on the clerk, I suppose, since the unmatched/unkeyed cylinders aren't really priced.

Anyway, these are all standard "cheap" deadbolt or knob lock cylinders and are great for learning SPP, raking, and tearing apart to see pinning, etc.

[grndslm]

Is there a reason that the Kwikset double deadbolt was recommended over the single deadbolt??

The single seems to be cheaper obviously, but is the double more difficult??

[grndslm]

After thinking about this a bit more....

The double is preferred, because you can practice tensioning in BOTH directions!!!

Smart!

[gibson]

try a kwikset (just make sure it's not the smartkey type). If possible get it in the original packaging. Some in-house brands (Defiant for example) may contain spool pins. You readily get feedback from the Kwikset when a pin is set, either from the sound of the pin clicking into place, or the feel the plug turning slightly. Padlocks are widely available for a few bucks at a so-called dollar store, or maybe the old bike in the garage still has one wrapped around the seat stem. The only problem that padlocks might present is that you're also tensioning against the bolt mechanism, most locks don't require as much, as some need very little tension at all.