Beginner Locks

[okmijn22]

Which specific locks should beginners start with?
And does the lock I practice with determine which lock set I should buy for example slimline which is specifically made from European and Japanese Locks as opposed to the American ones?

[Bad_Jason]

A cheap Master deadbolt from your local home depot would probably be a good lock to start with.

Play around with it and if it's still giving you fits, search the site and find out how to disassemble a deadbolt and take out a few pin stacks (see link below)...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10677

This is the best way to start, in my opinion.

You'll be fine with a standard US size pick kit to start with, but you'll probably want to add some slimlines to your tool pouch eventually. You can buy the slimlines you want individually.

[Josh K]

I think that the best beginner lock is a Schlage KIK cylinder from your local locksmith. Gut it down, and follow DB's guide.

After you get comfortable with 5-6 pins, move to padlocks and notice how the tension is much different when you have a return spring acting against you.

[twiggymm777]

When I started out, I just messed around with some of the cheap dollar store padlocks I had around the house. Tried my deadbolts a few times.. once I started getting into picking a little more, the more locks I collected. But I think any cheap small padlock from a store is a good starter. And Master brand padlocks are good to start with. Master #1, #3, etc. I found them to be pretty good starters. Hope this helps. Good luck!