Practice kits

[ddc]

Hello All

I've been browsing for practice gear, as what I have is either simple (small locks, open easily), low quality (lock seized to function after being picked several times) or too difficult for me (standard corbin has plated pins, can't re-pin without making a mess, or can't re-pin with more than 3 pins). so I saw many cutaways and practice cylinders, and stumbled upon this:

http://www.lockpickersmall.com/youtube-lock-picking-practice-kit.html

what is your opinion? I have several questions, if someone knows the product(s) it would be very helpful:

1. what is the recommended set of the 3 in the above link?
2. is there a cheaper alternative? I don't have equipment or the time to actually make these things on my own.
3. is it worth the money?
4. from what I understand, none of the cylinders in the link is euro. can I flip the lock holder upside down so the cylinder stands euro-style, e.g. pins at the bottom?

thanks a lot!

Dori

[lock2006]

Well if you ask anyone here, we will tell you is a waste of money
I already pass that level of Schlage and Kwikset
but,if i would be a bigginer i would it go with the first set
Assuming this is the money i want to spend
if i would not have the money to buy this set
then i would it go to home depot and get me a Schlage and kwikset deadbolt
way cheaper than this set you want to buy
but then again is up to you, how much money you want to spend
good luck.

[ddc]

thanks for your sincere answer. I will try to explain - I don't want to spend money with no good reason, of course! but I still lack the skill to re-pin locks like it was suggested here (start with 2 pins etc.). I tried doing it with a standard euro style bi axial cylinder I found, but putting 2 pins was a pain, and I still haven't figured a way of putting 3 pins or more (thinking of cutting it to 2 pcs)...also, I figures that at some stage I will need a fixture of some kind, and it's included...they also include a pick set (southord/HPC)...
I keep looking for cylinders to practice on (here in Israel most are euro, haven't found American style yet, deadbolts are also rare. ). mind you, I'm certainly not beyond schlage or kwikset, or any other brand for that matter. so a cutaway is very helpful to me, or at least I think it would be.
so, I humbly ask whoever answers to try and consider their answer as a total newbie, if you can.


by the way, other suggestions for rookie training are also welcome!

[femurat]

Yes, cut your double cylinder in half: I did the same with my first one, then repinning it became easy

Being able to repin is one of the skills required to understand how a lock works. It helps you to visualize what's happening inside the lock when you pick it.
You don't need neither a cutaway nor a complete set. Don't spend money to get more things than needed. Save them to get more locks in the future.

Cheers

[pjzstones]

i'd say to just buy a pick set, a couple locks, and a vise. that stand looks nice and all for if you were just starting out but your going to lose need for it really quickly because it's only for those types of cylinders. you'd be a lot better off just buying a vise. that way you can use it for practicing with your locks and also a hundred other things.

[ddc]

Thanks you all for your answers - I took your advice and bought 2 cylinders and a vise. going to practice...

[pjzstones]

cheers to that!
best of luck
hope you stick with it