A question about what locks to start with

[Mr. C]

I did a search but didn't find a similar thread (if I missed it I apologize).

I am wondering what people recommend to start with, lock wise. Lock picking seems to be like other hobbies/activities in the sense that there is a progression in difficulty as you get better. On youtube I found several people showing a master lock #5 being picked and it seems the general opinion on those videos is it is a good place to start. I guess what I am asking for is a list of locks in order from easy-hard (relative of course) for a beginner. Obviously some of this will be personal preference, but any advice is helpful.

Thanks for your time.

[WolfSpring]

There are a lot of threads on which locks to start with and different people will tell you different locks for different reasons. A master #5 seems to be a good one, I've never had one. I started on something way outside my skill and learned the hard way, but If I had to go back and do it again and a lot of people recommend it too, a cheap kwikset deadbolt, you can repin it so that it changes as you pick it, you can take pins out to slowly learn SPP they are usually about $15USD at any store that would carry any locks. Other than that personally I like the Master Contractor grade locks that are rekeayable, they are easy to pick and again you can change the pin combinations, usually under 10 bucks if you can find them. Just my opinion.

[Mr. C]

There are a lot of threads on which locks to start with and different people will tell you different locks for different reasons. A master #5 seems to be a good one, I've never had one. I started on something way outside my skill and learned the hard way, but If I had to go back and do it again and a lot of people recommend it too, a cheap kwikset deadbolt, you can repin it so that it changes as you pick it, you can take pins out to slowly learn SPP they are usually about $15USD at any store that would carry any locks. Other than that personally I like the Master Contractor grade locks that are rekeayable, they are easy to pick and again you can change the pin combinations, usually under 10 bucks if you can find them. Just my opinion.

Alright, thanks. Maybe I searched wrong but I didn't see the threads in mention. I am just trying this out to see if I like it (as a hobby). The idea of progressive skill + practical use makes it interesting to me (and yes, I have seen James Bond...).

I may make it out to the local hardware store later so I will look for a kwikset deadbolt. Thanks again.

[markusl-a]

I'd start with cutaway locks so you can see what you are doing. Ebay is pretty reasonable place to hunt for new locks.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trks ... Categories

[edsmiley]

Cutaways are great to see what happens when you stick a key in that works and also a key that does not work. However, I would try not to look at it while you pick. Picking is much more about feel than with look. You will go further developing your feeling skills than visual skills.

I bought a cutaway for the same reason, to be able to see what happens. However, when I moved to other locks, I was unable to see what was happening and had to rely on the feel.

I think WolfSpring hits the nail on the head. Going with something that you can repin will allow you to start with something simple, then expand to more pins and the security pins down the line. If you are in the US or Canada, check to see if you have local Restore to for used and cheap residential locks, check the site here: http://www.habitat.org/restores/default.aspx

Good luck,
Ed