Suggested Lock Sequence list

[Kolisar]

As opposed to just asking "what lock should I do next" I will request a more general and complete list so I will not have to ask at each level. If such a list exists please post a pointer, otherwise, perhaps the more experienced people here could debate for a while and create a list for those of us who are trying to learn (possibly post it in FAQs).

How I would like to see this list organised is as follows:

Key locks from beginner to expert
Key padlocks from beginner to expert
Combination locks from beginner to expert
Combination padlocks from beginner to expert

The "padlock" lists are for those who want smaller, more portable locks to practice on.

Would a list of inexpensive locks of varying levels of difficulty (ordered from beginner to expert) be of interest also?

I do not know if all types of locks are available everywhere (i.e. Are MasterLock locks available worldwide?) so we may want to have muptiple locks at each "level" so people will be able to find at least one at each level in their country.

Thanks in advance for either the pointer to the lists or your input in creating these lists.

[Jow]

getting a lock that can be "rekeyed" is a great way to go... i just got one and it allows you to add different combinations of pins aswell as security pins as you skills progress.

[Hojo]

Get yourself a euro cylinder, that way you can carry it around, it doesnt weigh much and you can have to pin configurations in it, mabey Easy and a Hard, either way, I love mine, And if I pin it and cant pick it I just undo the trusty litte screw on top and its open, and are easy to re-pin.

[Kolisar]

Since both responses so far are along the same lines am I correct in assuming that there is no sequence of locks that one can buy off the shelf (e.g. at the local hardware store)? For keyed locks I was thinking the first could be a MasterLoock #1, then perhaps a MasterLock #3 (I have both an can pick both).

My original thought for this list was just that, locks that someone could walk into a store and purchase. If that is not the recommended path then is a "euro cylinder" the way most people learn?

What about combination locks? I have a few MasterLock 1500 series and have opened all of them. What would be the next step for combination locks?

Thanks again for your input,

Kolisar

[hzatorsk]

VARIETY VARIETY VARIETY!!!

As far as key locks... The bigger the variety the better. Some of the locks mentioned as easy by some members cause me grief and some of the locks that others struggle with... I can open easily. So... Perhaps the answer isn't really what brand in what order, but how many different brands/styles have you mastered. You'll find your nemesis somewhere.

Look towards working up the type of anti-pick mechanisms. there are all kinds of funnyness that are in the higher end offering of the various brands that will keep you busy. Spool, mushrooms & serrated pins are available in different brands.. .etc... Each with their own challenges.

For combos... beyond the basic 1500... look for combo locks that have different styles of operation. There are 3 and 4 dial combo padlocks, Simplex and all kinds of other styles of pushbuttons locks. Most available at a hardware store or a local locksmith. Most have a 'technique' to go with them. but... alas... we don't discuss that in the open forums.

And when your ready for some REAL challenges... pick up a S&G, a Diebold or ILCO safe lock. These progress from the basic consumer models used in small safes up to very high security vault locks. They are offered here occasionally in the Buy/sell/trade forums. A typical Group II lock will keep you busy for two hours and a Group I is 'supposed' to keep you out for 20 hours.

I've got several safe combos and one I can open in about 30 minutes and just about the time I started to brag about it... the other one I recently received took me about two days ( Thanks Varjeal ) ...

[Kolisar]

Thank you hzatorsk,

I guess my next step would be to find some locks I can pick up with security pins. I will also pick up some other combination locks. If you have particular models that you could suggest (for both keyed and combination) I would be greatful. I will also look through the buy/sell/trade forums. When in the hardware store is there a way to tell the "Group II" from the "Group I" locks (if they are marked I apologize, I have not looked for anything beyond padlocks).

Thank you,

Kolisar