sparrows shopping list.

[MolecularConcept]

So I'm gonna grab a tuxedo set it seems to be a nice starter kit. Any single picks I should have ? On the practice lock part what would be the best bang for my buck? The 2,3,4,5 pin practice set, the revolver , it the 5 pin cut away? Eventually I'll be getting a reload kit.

I've already picked a few padlocks and a deadbolt. (The deadbolt was probly luck or crappy lock) the cutaway that important when learning?

So where should I start? I don't thing the 2 and 3. Pin locks are really necessary but if the are all drilled for 6, I could technically have four 5vor 6 pin locks

[pemlock]

Don't know about pics, the Tuxedo set seems to be a good starting point. What is missing is top of the keyway tension bars, so you might want to add that, for instance the "Flat tension bar set".

[MolecularConcept]

Don't know about pics, the Tuxedo set seems to be a good starting point. What is missing is top of the keyway tension bars, so you might want to add that, for instance the "Flat tension bar set".

Hey there, that is a nice find! I didn't notice that TOK wasn't included.

[BbGenesis]

On the practice lock, while I don't have any first hand experience with any of the sparrows stuff I can relay what I've read others think about them and add in some of my thoughts on it.

General consensus from the people I've read seems to be get either the progressives or the revolver over the cutaway, they claim the cutaway feels slightly different from a normal lock (again, not sure how valid that is since I've never messed with a cutaway, but I can see it having an effect.)

The progressive locks are a nice concept but I don't really see it being too long before I would be repinning the 2, 3, and 4 pin locks with more pins in them. Alternatively you'll have 4 schlage cylinders that you can pin up and pick.

The Revolver is the practice lock that I like the most that Sparrows offers for a couple of reasons. It's 4 locks in one single housing, which is convenient for taking along with you and having a variety of locks while not having to take up a bunch of space. The other reason I like the revolver over the others is the threaded cylinders, so to rekey you just take the grub screws out of the top of the lock and dump the pins, no plug follower or anything required, which is also convenient on the go or just at home.

Another practice lock I'll throw out there that I actually have first hand experience is the "Super Max Security 7-Pin Practice Lock" it's a 7 pin schlage that has the grub screws over the chambers like the revolver has, it's sold by a member here on this forum MrWizard. It was priced around the same price if I remember correctly (~$35 or something) and comes with a ton of extra pins (key pins, drivers, security pins, extra springs, even master wafers).

Hope those thoughts help a little.

[petemoss]

The other nice thing about the Revolver is that it comes with a full kit of pins, springs, etc., which alleviates the need to purchase the reload kit.

[MolecularConcept]

Thanks for the input .sounds like it's the revolver for the win here . I will check out that 7pin at some point too!