Novice looking for a new challenge

[pr0digy]

I've dabbled with lock picking off and on since I was in 5th grade and I've recently regained interest in the art of picking. I bought a few cheap locks from the local hardware store (Master Lock 40mm, #3 and #40 ) and also one or two that I had around in my garage, none of which really gave me too much of a problem. I struggled with the #3 for a good couple of hours, so I searched Google looking for help and found this site. I've learned a lot over the past few days from reading the threads and I even found the solution to my #3 problem; I was using too much tension. Anyways, I say all that so that you can get a feel as to where I stand skill-wise.

I'm looking for advice as to where to go from here. Should I stick with padlocks for now, and if so, which do you recommend? I'm thinking maybe some with security pins, I just don't know which ones would be the best to start with.

I was looking at the deadbolt selection at my local Lowe's and I know many of you recommend Schlage brands. Are there any specific models to go with, or are most equivalent?

Thank you for your time in reading (and hopefully responding) to my questions.

[freakparade3]

Personally I recommend staying away from padlocks alltogether as a beginner. Any Schlage deadbolt will work for you. Most of them will have 5 pins 3 of them will be spool pins. Kwikset locks are also great for beginners but are very easy to pick so offer little challenge. You can't go wrong with Schlage, they can be very challenging for beginners and sometimes even experts.

[J-Hood]

For your next step after padlocks and into the door lock world should be a Kwickset dead bolt. Someone else pointed out getting a double sided one will be a couple extra dollors but will give you 2 cyls to play with. If you can get ahold of a pin kit you will have two locks to work with and reset. It should be about $12-20 for a Dbl sided DB

J

[pr0digy]

Thanks for the suggestions. If I don't have to work late, I'll stop by to see what type of Schlage deadbolts my local Lowe's carries.

[apb]

if you are still considering yourself new to the hobby get a lock you can repin easily (schlage deadbolts are good for this too). If you don't know how, the LSI guide (found on this site) will show you how.

[bumber]

when you get a little bit better I would look into the Brinks line of padlocks, they can be kinda hard for beginners but they provide some good fun for awhile after you get them and they sell about $11-$13 at most places...

So let us know what you end up getting have fun and good luck

[pr0digy]

Well, I decided to purchase a mid-range Schlage deadbolt (B360 if that helps). I made a simple stand out of a 2x4 and mounted the lock to make it easier to pick. After about an hour of not being able to pick it, I removed the cylinder from the deadbolt and carefully removed the pins to see what I was up against. It's a 5 pin lock (4 spool pins and 1 regular pin, in that order). I decided to follow the method described in the beginner's tutorial, so I started with just the first pin (spool) and picked it for 10-15 minutes, trying to learn what the spool pins feel like when they false set and when they actually set. Once I felt comfortable with the first spool pin, I began adding the others, one at a time, and picking the lock 4-5 times before moving on. Currently, I'm up to 4 pins (all spool), which I'm able to SPP in about 2 minutes. Once I'm comfortable picking the lock with all the pins, I'll probably shuffle the pins around to change things up.

I'm pleasantly surprised that I was able to learn the spool pins as quickly as I did. One thing that helped was that I got my SouthOrd PSX-14 pick set in, which was a HUGE step up from my paper clip hook I've been using until now. The new picks allow me to really feel what the pins are doing and they are definitely more comfortable to hold on to.

Is is possible to buy other upper pins for my Schlage lock? I'm thinking mainly about other types of security pins: mushroom, serrated or spool-serrated hybrids.

I really appreciate all the suggestions you all have offered me.

[bumber]

WOW sounds like you would have no trouble at all with this sport/hobby, its great that you started out with spool pins, and caught on so well.

As for pins you can find kits for them, I would suggest a locksmith or look online there are lots of places online to get them...Im sure someone else will post a link, because I dont have one Mainly because I use a locksmith.