Locks to start on? Yes, I read the FAQ ;)

[StarKnight]

The FAQ's about which locks to start on were helpful. I got a Master #1 Padlock. Then I went to the deadbolt section, with the intention on getting a Kwikset (about $11, btw). But the packaging on all the kwikset's stated "pick resistant".

I remember reading that beginners should stay away from locks that claim as much. But I'm thinking that maybe kwikset was just using marketing hype?

The packaging did say it was rated ANSI 3. The Schlage deadbolts said ANSI 2. If I understand correctly ANSI 3 is 'weakest' and 1 is 'strongest'.

So are these kwiksets ok for a newbie like me? Or can someone recommend another deadbolt I can get in the U.S.?

Sure, I'd like to get locks some way other than purchase. But I figured I'd just buy 2 to get started...

I'm so anxious, I'm buying locks before my pick set has even arrived!

[UWSDWF]

kwikset is good for beginners pick resistant for KS means that if you yell 'open' at it that it won't

seriously anything made by them is good for beginners

[pH]

Yes, the $11 Kwickset that says ANSI 3 on it is perfect. If you have trouble picking it you can use digital_blue's exercise to learn the correct amount of tension. I was using too much tension at first and by starting from 1 pin and working my way up to 5 I can pick this lock in under 5 seconds every time.

After you get some practice try out the Schlage commercial deadbolt, it comes with 4 spools, but you can swap a few out with regular top pins to get the feel for a single spool, and work your way up again

Good luck!

[ericm115]

It was implied above without being explicitly said, but "pick resistant" refers, I believe, to the fact that the lock uses a pin tumbler mechanism instead of a wafer mechanism. Many padlock packages will say the same thing... they will say, "Pick resistant 5 pin-tumbler mechanism!!!" or similar.

When Brinks, for instance, uses security pins, they advertise it explicitly on the back of the padlock package.

Kwikset, may have a security pinned model.. (maybe you more experienced guys could correct me). I think it's called Kwikset UltraMax off the top of my head.. though it may be called Titan now (seems like I saw that in a thread recently). Kwikset's "Maximum Security" deadbolt is an awesome starter lock for db's exercise though (it's also what I started on). It has big fat pins and big fat tolerances and sets very clearly.

Good luck.

em

[Bud Wiser]

I don't think quikset uses security pins. I have the Ultra (6 pins), picks pretty easy.

I agree quiksets are good to start with, also ilco and first watch.

[fomoose]

I bought a Kwikset a couple weeks ago to get myself started while I waited for my picks to arrive in the mail. The model I got also said "pick resistant" on the box, and I wasn't sure if I should get it. I went ahead, though, and found it to be a plain old lock. No special pins or anything like that. I'm afraid I threw away the box, so I don't know what model I got. It was the cheapest one at the store, though.

[Bud Wiser]

I bought a Kwikset a couple weeks ago to get myself started while I waited for my picks to arrive in the mail. The model I got also said "pick resistant" on the box, and I wasn't sure if I should get it. I went ahead, though, and found it to be a plain old lock. No special pins or anything like that. I'm afraid I threw away the box, so I don't know what model I got. It was the cheapest one at the store, though.

Not sure where your from but if you have a Walmart pick up a Faultless, it's just as cheap as a kwikset, around $7.99, may be even on clearance now. Any way Faultless is actually more challenging then a quikset. Yes they are cheaply made, yes they are easy to pick, but not as easy as the kwiksets which seem to require setting only one pin for them to open! The faultless will actually require you to set a few more pins

Seriously not a bad beginner lock!

[lockedin]

I think it's called Kwikset UltraMax off the top of my head.. though it may be called Titan now (seems like I saw that in a thread recently).

I was just at the hardware store yesterday, and Ultramax has replaced Titan as the top of the line ANSI 1 lock for Kwikset.

As for a good lock to begin with, you might want to invest in a generic lock such as a Duraset (Home Depot or ACE Hardware) or EZ-set (Kmart), they're cheaper, and offer the same security as a Kwikset. Mountain Security (Walmart) actually has spool pins!

[ericm115]

I don't think quikset uses security pins. I have the Ultra (6 pins), picks pretty easy.

I agree quiksets are good to start with, also ilco and first watch.

Eek. I didn't know Ilco was supposed to be easy. I have an Ilco that is one of my harder locks. I can't pick it as reliably as most of my Sargents and Corbins even.

I'm gonna hafta spend some extra time on that one...


em