Locks I've opened and tools I'm interested in

[tpark]

I'm still new to this as well. I'd recommend watching YouTube videos, not because you'll magically have their skill, but you'll pick up on what to look for. I also second the motion that tension is key. It's real easy in the beginning to over tension. Really the only thing I have to add is buy single picks right now that are quality. Like mentioned, you can pretty much do anything with a couple hooks. Personal preference will come in later when it comes to half diamonds and hybrids (I like them). If you just need a kit, or want a small case to keep them in- check I to the sparrows tuxedo. It's cheap enough, good enough quality and perfect pocket sized case to be a fantastic beginners set. I don't have experience with southord... And stay away from the $10-15 Chinese 20+ piece sets.

Search eBay for "no key lock" or some variation of that. Lots of time you can find people selling a handful of locks and get them real cheap.

This is all good advice. I purchased a number of different sets and made a number of picks to see what ones worked best for me. The Sparrows Tuxedo kit is a good one. One of the problem with kits is that they often contain items that aren't all that useful for hobbyists.

Westcoastpicks' earlier suggestion about making your own has a lot of validity. If you buy picks, make sure you sand them since if the surface of the pick is smooth it's much easier to feel what is going on when picking a lock. Also, if the lock is well lubricated, it's easier too.

I have purchased Southord picks and I've been happy with them. If you like the plastic handles, the Southord Max picks are nice.
Petersen makes a couple of items that I really like - the Peterson Gem is a great pick. There's one labeled "H1" that's good too. The flat tension wrench set is also worth buying.

[Pickin 312]

I posted a day or two ago that I have an American series 2000 puck lock. Since then I've been handed a Master 930/6230 padlock, an American series 700 padlock and a Best padlock/deadbolt. The "Best" lock is from a commercial building and has a removable core with keys (7 pin). My question for anyone who may know these locks is what lock should I start with? Easiest to hardest I guess is the question I'm asking. I'm also trying to understand the different type of pins used in higher quality locks (that’s what the price tag makes you believe). Luckily I have friends letting me borrow there locks. I have watched YouTube videos on two of these, but being new I'm not sure what or how the better pins installed in these locks should be approached... less tension, more pressure on the pick? I'm guessing it depends on the lock brand? I look forward to your replies. Thanks again.

[kwoswalt99-]

I posted a day or two ago that I have an American series 2000 puck lock. Since then I've been handed a Master 930/6230 padlock, an American series 700 padlock and a Best padlock/deadbolt. The "Best" lock is from a commercial building and has a removable core with keys (7 pin). My question for anyone who may know these locks is what lock should I start with? Easiest to hardest I guess is the question I'm asking. I'm also trying to understand the different type of pins used in higher quality locks (that’s what the price tag makes you believe). Luckily I have friends letting me borrow there locks. I have watched YouTube videos on two of these, but being new I'm not sure what or how the better pins installed in these locks should be approached... less tension, more pressure on the pick? I'm guessing it depends on the lock brand? I look forward to your replies. Thanks again.

Start with the Master or American. SFIC's are not easy to spp.

[Pickin 312]

Thanks kwoswalt99...
Obviously, I can do some research on this. To save me some time, would you mind telling this beginner what SFIC's are? Also, what should I feel for with the better pins installed in the locks I posted about.

[WestCoastPicks]

I posted a day or two ago that I have an American series 2000 puck lock. Since then I've been handed a Master 930/6230 padlock, an American series 700 padlock and a Best padlock/deadbolt. The "Best" lock is from a commercial building and has a removable core with keys (7 pin). My question for anyone who may know these locks is what lock should I start with? Easiest to hardest I guess is the question I'm asking. I'm also trying to understand the different type of pins used in higher quality locks (that’s what the price tag makes you believe). Luckily I have friends letting me borrow there locks. I have watched YouTube videos on two of these, but being new I'm not sure what or how the better pins installed in these locks should be approached... less tension, more pressure on the pick? I'm guessing it depends on the lock brand? I look forward to your replies. Thanks again.

The best will most likely be the hardest lock, not because of the types of pins, but because of the configuration.
SFIC = Small Format Interchangeable core Essentially there are 2 keys and 2 shear lines in the lock. One shear line when lined up with the correct key (access key) will allow you to rotate the plug thus turning the cam in the padlock and opening it. The other shear line when lined up with the other key (control key) only draws in a small piece of metal that retains the core itself in the locks body. Thus you can remove the core very fast with a Control key. They are both totally different bittings and you cannot mix and match the bittings. Even if you have 6 of the pins on the control shear line, and 1 pin on the access shear line, it will not open. You need to have all of the pins on one of the two shear lines top open or control the lock.

The Americans are pretty much all the same, 5 - 6 pins (usually 5) all Serrated. Maybe a chance at a spool every now any then. To get an understanding of the different type of security pins and how they act/feel in a lock, it's better to start with spools. Most brass abus locks have spools in them. Anything with a replaceable core will most likely have serrated pins in it. Guard is another brand of cheap padlocks that use spools.

Starting with spools is usually recommended because the amount of feedback they give is pretty dramatic. They are designed this way so that the core has to rotate far enough back to set the spool, that you drop other pins you had already set in the process. Because pushing down on a spool pin causes the core to rotate back, you can easily feel it in your tension wrench if you're using light tension like you should be. Spool pins are actually nice cause they announce themselves.

Once you get programmed to the feeling of feedback of spools, serrated isn't so hard. Some serrated pins will give you very minute feedback. The main rule of serrated pin is, Light tension (ofc), one click at a time and if it doesn't want to go, don't force it.

Long story short, Start with the master and hope it has spools in it. If not find one that does. Abus and Guard both use spools in their cheap locks. Once you get used to spools move on to serrated.

[Pickin 312]

Does applying pressure to the shackle when picking hurt or help? I saw a video that had a guy picking a lock when open, so I tried it. It's easier I think. The spring pressure on the shackle is gone. Thus the question... If the lock is properly closed, does applying pressure to the shackle help?

[kwoswalt99-]

Does applying pressure to the shackle when picking hurt or help? I saw a video that had a guy picking a lock when open, so I tried it. It's easier I think. The spring pressure on the shackle is gone. Thus the question... If the lock is properly closed, does applying pressure to the shackle help?

It should make no difference, except on a few locks.

[WestCoastPicks]

Yeah wouldn't matter till after all the pins are set anyways. It would only make it easier to turn once you've already picked it.

[Pickin 312]

So I took a couple days off for family fun, but I'm back with a question. When you grab a lock you haven't attempted yet, how long after you start feeling your way around do you start fresh? I've definitely started with a more gentle touch (Thanks to all your advice). I'm starting to believe that I pursue the first, second or even third "pick" way too long. I am also realizing that I should focus with "easy " locks and stop trying to run to the next level. When I get a better feel for the Master and American lock, I'll be able to navigate a higher security lock down the road. My new thought process is helping a friend get into his house with a Schlage, and not trying to conquer a Medeco. Thanks to all that reply.

[Joshua904]

As far as resetting and starting over- it would depend on what you feel really.
Say you set a second pin and everything is springy now- could be you over set that last pin.
Set a pin and everything is bound up? Maybe you dropped into a subtle false set you didn't notice and now the pins aren't aligned.
Been working on the lock for 20 minutes? Probably getting frustrated, hands getting tired and applying more and more tension- take a break.

It all depends on variables.
I can put a lock in a vise and have more control over my picking, but it's not comfortable and I get hand fatigue faster.

[Pickin 312]

Thanks for your reply (Joshua904). Now that I've been practicing, I'm trying to be more patient. I did find myself doing exactly what you said in your reply. Now I usually reset after about 5 minutes. I've been practicing on a Master no.532. I'm not sure what kind of pins are in this, but I think it’s a good practice lock. I took the advice of "West Coast Picks" and made some home made tension tools and purchased a few new picks. For the price of a pick, I couldn't justify making them. I'm thinking of picking this Master lock until I get consistent with it. So here's the next question... When I get a new lock open, should I move on to the next challenge or get more consistent with it? I'm looking forward to all replies. Thanks

[PowerHaus930]

I found this video on the Master 532 and it looks like it is a 5 pin lock with 4 spools and 1 standard pin. Check out the video if you're interested in seeing what's inside of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jew6q5Rzhk I would recommend practicing on a lock until it becomes too easy and you feel like you want to challenge yourself with something new and different. That's when I would move on to another lock.

[Pickin 312]

Thanks "PowerHaus930". I'm hoping a spool can't be picked by someone who started doing this yesterday!!! . Your reply makes me believe that I'm on the correct path. I would love if someone could school me on what's more difficult as far as pins. If someone could post the easiest to hardest, it would be appreciated. Thanks again

[PowerHaus930]

For me personally spools are the easiest because of the feedback that they give. Serrated pins seem to be the most difficult. As far as standard pins go I find them to be a little more difficult than spools because of the lack of feedback. It could just be that I don't have enough practice with them yet. Most people say to start off learning how to pick with standard pins. If you want some more detailed information on learning how to lock pick I would recommend checking out this site - http://lock-lab.com/locklab-university/ ... ng-course/

[Joshua904]

The first lock I ever picked actually had two spools in it. Took me a while.. I think 45 mins or so the first time. Once my hand cramped and I got tired and quick gripping it so hard I felt the feedback, remembered what I saw on YouTube and over came it. Next pick took me like twenty mins then it just got to where I could do it in a minute no problem.

I wouldn't think it's the easiest way to start out, but I learned a lot through that lock.. Made most master locks I tackled after that appear like the joke everyone on YouTube makes them out to be.

And yeah, don't try to spp that sfic lock yet. I tried to tackle one like a month after joining here. Got pretty annoyed and began raking it like crazy. I got it open, and broke my favorite bogota in the process.