Opinions/ Reviews Lock Holders, Tripik?

[marlowe]

Hey I was just wondering what the practical difference is between using a specific lock holder (ala Triptik II) vs a plain old vise for stabilizing locks?

I've been just using my hand, but would like something a little sturdier. I was looking at the TriPik models on the LockPickMall site, but I was unsure how solid they would be, in terms of shifting while tension and pressure are applied. The base is aluminum or PVC, which doesn't seem like it would stay put very well.

I'm also looking at this kit http://www.lockpickersmall.com/youtube-lock-picking-practice-kit.html

I already have picks, the C1510 http://www.lockpickshop.com/C1510.html from the LockPickShop, but the kit entices me with its stand and cheap assortment of practice locks - together with the picks, still less than most elsewheres. Also, I have Slimline Picks, so American picks would only be mostly redundant.

Any idea how stands work out? Also, what is the use of practice locks? Are they the same as real locks, or somehow slightly different and designed to be picked? I feel like I should avoid locks advertised as practice locks, since I would rather be using "real-world" versions (my own, and not in use). Any thoughts on this matter?

Thanks in advance for any help and information.

[Olson Burry]

I suppose the only real differences would be the tripik holds up to 3 locks at a time and can also be angled to suit your position. It may also be slightly easier to change the locks out but I dare say less versatile than a vice.

There is a marked difference between holding a lock in your hand and having one in a fixed position so far as picking goes, much more attention needs to paid to the feedback you get from the tools. Holding a lock in the hand, you can feel a pin drop or movement differently.

Have you thought about building your own lock training board out of some bits of wood and stuff? You could make one specific to the locks you own and mount them in there reasonably easily with some pretty basic tools. There are probably some great examples on the site I think. You don't need perfection, just something that stands up and holds them firm.

squelchtone made a nice example, however you probably don't need to be this elaborate:

the front:
http://nynex.s5.com/ebay/medeco-board-1 ... ont-sm.jpg

the back:
http://nynex.s5.com/ebay/medeco-board-1 ... ack-sm.jpg

view from top:
http://nynex.s5.com/ebay/medeco-board-1 ... ne-top.jpg

how the cylinders are held in place:
http://nynex.s5.com/lp101/pics/Squelch- ... review.jpg