Best value practice locks to get, especially for a beginner?

[HAL_9OOO]

Hey guys,

I just started getting into lock picking as a hobby and got this http://learnlockpicking.com/index.html. It's a cylinder lock that you can adjust the pins on, and I got the pick set they were selling as well. Looking at the cost of some of these practice locks im kind of amazed that they are over 20 dollars, and I was wondering what you guys thought were some of the best value and most important practice locks to get started on. I am thinking of things like the link i posted, where you can keep changing the lock saving money in the end.

Thanks!

[Rickthepick]

thats a nice practice lock but to be fair you can make your own for a fraction of the cost.

[HAL_9OOO]

Uh I can't really make my own =p. I don't have a workshop or anything and I'm not actually looking to be a locksmith, just doing this stuff for a hobby .

[Rickthepick]

when i first started i removed the pin retaining sleeve off the top of a lock and taped a bit of card over the bores to reseal.

undo tape, repin, retape.

away you go

[yng_pick]

That set does like nice, and the price doesn't seem as crazy as some sets I have seen.

I agree with that it can be made for a fraction of the cost, and I may do one for myself at the shop, but it seems if you don't work in the business and don't want to chase down all the different pins for the set up.

[yng_pick]

"but it seems REASONABLE if you don't work in the business and don't want to chase down all the different pins for the set up.

[Josh K]

I actually have one of those, decent lock and it comes with a variety of pins / springs / drivers for it. IMO it's worth it though like Rick said, you can get a plug follower and Schlage / Kwikset core for about $25.