Cheap locks?

[vandelay]

Id like to make a bit of a collection of different types of locks to practice on. So far all i have though is a number of random padlocks, all of which are pin tumblers, some with security pins. Are locks on Ebay generally cheaper than buying them from stores? i dont have any locks that are made to be fitted to doors. Where do most people here get their locks from? Thanks in advanced.

[sparkster]

A few locks can be bought cheap from ebay, i've also seen locks being sold on here for a fair price, try going to a double glazing company and asking for the locks off their old doors, i dont know your location but theres plenty of shops here in the UK that sell cheap 1 pound locks, i've even seen locksmiths give them away for the cost of postage.

[nostromo]

Flea markets are a good place to get locks, especially ones with lost keys. In the Uk you call them 'boot sales'?

Junk yards are good places, too. You can harvest an awful lot of wafer cylinder locks from the older cars and trucks for cheap.

A great source is visiting, very politely, the local locksmiths after you visit the scrap dealers and find out their going rate for buying scrap brass both mixed and pure. Lockies are always hustling, especially nowadays. Ask if you could buy their scrap cylinders, pins, busted padlocks and locksets for the brass price or better. Be straight up and tell them you are a hobbyist / lockpicker with the local chapter of TOOOL.

Don't cherry pick or fuss, take whatever they offer. Empty their trash.

Maybe one in five will do something for you but when they do, oh BOY!!

Follow up with a thank you card, too.

[slimjim123]

Try doing a search on google, I bet tons of people are selling assorted locks for practice.
I know in the near future I am going to get my collection together and post it up somewhere.

Since the summer is coming up, check any garage sales for items,
if you have any friends that have a lot of junk in their house, ask to check their garage or basement.

There are soo many places to search, just keep an open mind.
Best of luck.