Understanding lock levels...

[pepsijoe]

I find this little disheartening. I am able to pick (most) 5200 series padlocks--military grade--with little to no problems. I normally use a small half diamond, and a twisted torque bar. And yet, I have difficulty with many of the smaller padlocks whether they be master 4 pin, or similar. I try to "feel" the setting pins, but don't always catch them. I have no feeling for any other pick or rake, and am not proficient with any of these. What type of lock should I start with in order to work my way through these easier ones?

In other words what lock should I start my practice with?

[pepsijoe]

By the way, I have a 74 piece lock pick set which I purchased from SouthOrd.

[mcm757207]

Well, a couple of things. First of all American 5200 series padlocks, although sometimes used in low-security military installations, are by no means "military grade" locks. They do have spool and serrated pins, so if you can get those pretty well than you're off to a decent start. Some very cheap padlocks are difficult to be simply because they are so cheap and sloppy.

I personally think some of the best practice locks are various commercial KIK cylinders. If you can, try to get your hands on locks such as Sargent, Corbin/Russwin, and the lock. Commercial Schlage isn't bad either, and is more difficult than their residential ("F line") stuff.

If you want to take a step back a bit, many of us recommend beginners buy a Kwikset deadbolt because it's fairly straightforward to pick, and is very easy to rekey yourself to try different bittings (the bible cap pops right off and back on again).

Also, it's a shame you wasted all that money on that huge pickset. Those are sold as a novelty item, most of us use a max of four or five different picks and a bunch of tension wrenches (so 10-20 picks tops).

Good luck