1st set of picks on the way-Is this a good 1st lock to pick?

[LeeNo]

I just ordered my first set of picks from locksmithshop.com. I have a Master Commercial #21 and was wondering if that is a good first lock to practice with.

Would the keyway be considered average in roominess?

I am most interested in learning how this lock compares with others in regards to how much room you have to manipulate your tools.

[JK_the_CJer]

Hey there,

First of all welcome to lp101! I suggest you read as many sticky posts and possible before asking questions, but I'll entertain this one. Most everyone here (including me) suggests buying a plain old Kwikset deadbolt from the hardware store (I think Schlage is ok for beginners too). Learn to rekey it and follow the method outlined in digital_blues beginner thread sticky. Basically start with 1 or 2 pins and pick it until you feel comfortanble and then start adding pins and repeat until you can pick it fully pinned.

Masterlocks (including the #21) are odd. Most of them just pop right open and you don't really learn much from them and some of them bitted just right and can be very hard to open. This combination makes most Masters not very good for hobby picking in my humble opinion. That said, if you own lock and its not in use, go for it. I learned on a Master #140, maybe it'll work for you.

Bottom line: I suggest a rekeyable deadbolt + db's beginner method, but the #21 shouldn't be out of the reach of a newbie.

[Gordon Airporte]

I just ordered my first set of picks from locksmithshop.com. I have a Master Commercial #21 and was wondering if that is a good first lock to practice with.

Would the keyway be considered average in roominess?

If it's the usual Masterlock keyway then it's easy to work in if you tension from the top (pin end) of the keyway.
There really aren't that many difficult keyways on American locks, apart from some BEST keyways. European locks are more likely to be a challenge like that. Certainly the most common US keyways from Schlage, Kwikset, and Master won't give you trouble with a decent wrench.