When to move up?

[k1500]

So I recieved my pick set about a week ago. Picked up a cheap kwikset and a master 570.
Kwikset was simple, got it consistently in about a day.

The 570 was too hard so I picked up an atlas "high security-pick resistant" deadbolt. All plain pins, the only differance from the kwikset was the cylinder retainer. C-clip vs nut. Easy.

Picked up a schlage "light commercial" ANSI grade 1 high security pick resistant. Becoming faster at it 5-20min. Trying left handed, right handed, CW, CCW, ect. Still can't get the 570.

I intend to search the forum for recommended practice locks, but am curious. How do YOU know when to move up? Time? Consistence?

Once I become proficient with simple pin tumblers, what would be the next best step as far as lock type?

[vinnie]

It would seem the Master 570 would be the first lock you've tried to pick that has security pins. They certainly up the game a bit. I'm not familiar with what/how many security pins it has though, so I'd look that up to get a good idea of what you're up against then read up on techniques used for whatever type of pins it has and give it another go.

[k1500]

It is the the first with security pins that I've tried.

Forum search shows it to have 1 plain pin with the remainder being spools.

I bought a set of two, keyed alike. I will disassemble one and verify.

The Schlage I mentioned was similar with one plain and 4 spools.

570 has a much different feel.

[fgarci03]

I intend to search the forum for recommended practice locks, but am curious. How do YOU know when to move up? Time? Consistence?

Once I become proficient with simple pin tumblers, what would be the next best step as far as lock type?

First of all, congrats on your achievements!

About moving up, it depends on your patience. Theoretically, when you can open a lock fairly consistently, you can go to a higher difficulty one. But the best way to solidly move up is to explore the lock to it's dephts! Break down the binding order order completely untill you manage to pick it very quickly. Know EXACTLY what's happening inside the lock. And also practice on different, but same difficulty locks.

For the second question, you can go to lever locks and/or disc detainers, or any other you want.. All of them are different, it will all depend on your preferences. But I can tell you... I know lockpickers who only specialize in pin tumblers for years, and still learn new things.. So if you are thinking about becoming a master on pin tumblers before moving on, expect to spend about 10 years practicing hard

[Wizer]

You can try to pick more difficult locks right away, the lock tells you if you have "moved up".
Alltho you propably will not pick say 7-pin Assa, feeling the pins and looking for binding or false set can teach you a lot.
The more locks you pick/try to pick the better you get.
Happy picking!

[Squelchtone]

On that 570 padlock.. wobble your tension wrench from medium to medium-hard. A lot of the time, you have picked the lock and dont realize it until you over come the cam spring. So basically, while picking, press on the wrench as if you are keying morse code, but always maintain some pressure on the wrench, do not take your finger entirely off it or it will reset what you have already done.

hth
Squelchtone