What locks to buy when first starting?

[connormalc]

What locks do you suggest for my first time trying lock picking?
On top of this, what are some great locks, once I have mastered the easier ones, to attempt to pick second?
I am looking for readily available locks found at local hardware stores.
I live in Canada.
Thanks

[kwoswalt99-]

For your first lock, you'll need something without security pins. Cheap locks are fine, but the really cheap Chinese laminated padlocks often have plastic parts, and that isn't helpful.
This video has some helpful tips. Masterlocks should be available in Canada if I'm not mistaken, but cheap deadbolt cylinders will work as well, and they're repinnable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI7Lx-73lU0

[zeke79]

What country are you located in? That will help us recommend locks.

[LocksportSouth]

What country are you located in? That will help us recommend locks.

I live in Canada.

I started with Master number #3s, which is what I was recommended on various YouTube vids. You can get them via your local lockshop, hardware store or via Amazon or eBay.

HOWEVER, I feel that I'll be getting more useful practice out of a Euro cylinder since that's what we use here for many things (doors and padlocks) - you might want to look into getting a cheap version of whatever kind of locks you normally use on front doors in Canada. I know US door locks are very different to UK ones but I've got no idea about Canada I'm afraid.

You could also try a practice lock, either a see-through plastic padlock or cutaway (search Amazon and eBay for things like "Practice lock" "Training Lock" "Practice Padlock" "Locksmith training lock" "padlock cutaway" and such things. You can also check out LearnLockPicking dot com for a re-pinnable cylinder which makes it easy for you to add or remove as many pins as you wish, or add security pins, etc. There's also an eBay seller who does these; I can't find his eBay auctions or name right now but his name on here is something like "Mr Wizard", maybe someone else can link you to him. My Google-fu is failing me right now

Either way - as kwoswalt99 mentioned, make sure that they are locks without security pins. The cheap Master locks are great for that, as are cheap bargain-basement door locks that you'll find in local hardware stores.

In terms of progression, go to YouTube and search for "(185) Improve Your Lock Picking Skills (for Beginners)" - it's a video by BosnianBill which runs through the first few locks that you should practice on, and why.

Good luck!

[zeke79]

Lol. Further proof I should not post before coffee !

[MBI]

You could also try searching around the forum a bit. This question has come up dozens of times and there are many good suggestions in threads all over the forum.

[kwoswalt99-]

In terms of progression, go to YouTube and search for "(185) Improve Your Lock Picking Skills (for Beginners)" - it's a video by BosnianBill which runs through the first few locks that you should practice on, and why.

This video has some helpful tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI7Lx-73lU0

[LocksportSouth]

In terms of progression, go to YouTube and search for "(185) Improve Your Lock Picking Skills (for Beginners)" - it's a video by BosnianBill which runs through the first few locks that you should practice on, and why.

This video has some helpful tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI7Lx-73lU0

D'oh! I didn't click the link, apologies!

[Ralph_Goodman]

So I am not sure if it is kosher to post this or not, but I did write an article on the subject...

[EDIT: link to commercial locksmith site removed, per forum rules, OP has been PMed explanation - Squelchtone If you want to post your write up of which locks to buy in a post, post directly in here, not a link to an outside article please.]

-Very basic

I tried to get some of the simplest models from some not so good companies. It covers a bunch of different lock types, if you want to experiment with nonstandard lock types. It might be kind of obvious if you have already done your homework, but this is really new to you it might be what you are looking for. I think the only big lock type left out is wafers (but I am planning to do a wafer specific post...still though, I spaced on that one).

I hope that that helps.

PS: Feel free to remove the link, or whatever the policy is. I did write the article, and it is my intellectual property to share, if that is a concern.

[Mr_Bones]

I would suggest getting a deadbolt or kik cylinder and removing all the pins except 1, and practice picking that until you can do it in your sleep, then add another pin and repeat until you can pick the whole thing reliably.

[Blindbraille]

I'd suggest spending as little money as possible. Master lock are a great lock to start on because, honestly they are the least secure locks on the market (not counting Chinese made locks with plastic pins as those aren't locks, they are toys). I've seen them picked with Bobby pins, tooth picks and even a pop can lid with tape for grip. These are some of the few locks you can create shims (which imo should always be your first attack on a lock unless you're practicing) with aluminum sodapop cans and they actually fit. I've even opened a master lock by simultaneously banging on either side - the thin sides, looking at it front facing - with two hammers. Granted these are great locks to practice with and they give you a good feel for the way pins can act, they will only take you so far. As I said, don't spend money on them, really even if you're loaded they are just not worth it. Most family and friends have some laying around and it's not like you need keys, right? Also, the great thing about getting them free is you don't have a choice, so you might end up with some high end padlocks. Or not. Plus, if you loose interest after a week (not saying you will) you won't regret having blown 20-50 dollars on a bunch of locks you really don't need. Spend money on picks, not locks. Also I've gotten a few locks from pay and store, storage units. They sometimes have to cut the locks and usually they just scrap em or toss em. They will usually let you have em for free or really cheap if you offer to pay for them. I'm not sure what the Canadian equivalent of Craigslist is (I think it's Craigslist lol) but you can find some high end locks for cheap, even placing an ad, "wanted: old or new padlocks with or without keys" it's worked for me, ended up with a high end schlage door lock. I had to cut it out of the door lol but it was worth it. I'm in the US (If you haven't noticed lol) and I've only come across two of the euro style locks, both I had to pay for, but they aren't as common here as they are in places like Canada and... Europe. A few tips you might want, grab some metal lubricant, I use gun lubricant as its better for the locks than wd-40, also I picked a lot of locks starting out by holding them and applying g pressure to the tensioner with the same hand, it got tiresome and when I would do it for a few hours my hand would get sore. I saw a YouTube video where a brilliant locksmith was using a vice that stood up on its own. Looked expensive, I rigged one up that attached to my coffee table and I use that to hold the locks while I pick. Your hands will thank you.

Last but most importantly, the aforementioned genius on YouTube (the man is amazing honestly) goes by the handle "bosnianbill."I've learned more from him than most people forget. Plus he's hilarious, and full of very VERY useful information,like books to read, references to check and other sites to frequent. I got a little carried away but that's the end of my rant. Hope you gleaned some useful info from it. Thank you to all the other posts here also, I've gotten some good info just reading them.

[Blindbraille]

I would suggest getting a deadbolt or kik cylinder and removing all the pins except 1, and practice picking that until you can do it in your sleep, then add another pin and repeat until you can pick the whole thing reliably.

This probably isn't the best idea for a couple reasons. First, if he's just starting out his Lockpicking career it's doubtful he'll feel confident enough to disassemble a lock to manipulate the pins,not saying he couldn't figure it out but grabbing a few free master locks from friends and or family would be a much better bet than spending 50-100 bucks on a deadbolt that he may or may not be able to dissassemble. Unless he can get a deadbolt off an old door for free, which would be ideal. I guess, "first" was actually all three reasons but you get the gist.

[Mr_Bones]

I would suggest getting a deadbolt or kik cylinder and removing all the pins except 1, and practice picking that until you can do it in your sleep, then add another pin and repeat until you can pick the whole thing reliably.

This probably isn't the best idea for a couple reasons. First, if he's just starting out his Lockpicking career it's doubtful he'll feel confident enough to disassemble a lock to manipulate the pins,not saying he couldn't figure it out but grabbing a few free master locks from friends and or family would be a much better bet than spending 50-100 bucks on a deadbolt that he may or may not be able to dissassemble. Unless he can get a deadbolt off an old door for free, which would be ideal. I guess, "first" was actually all three reasons but you get the gist.

A Kwikset deadbolt at Home Depot can be bought for $10-15, and it's not very hard to take apart because you can just remove the pin cover. The masterlocks would be good, but sometimes they can be tricky for someone who has never picked a lock before.

[kwoswalt99-]

I'd suggest spending as little money as possible. Master lock are a great lock to start on because, honestly they are the least secure locks on the market (not counting Chinese made locks with plastic pins as those aren't locks, they are toys). I've seen them picked with Bobby pins, tooth picks and even a pop can lid with tape for grip. These are some of the few locks you can create shims (which imo should always be your first attack on a lock unless you're practicing) with aluminum sodapop cans and they actually fit. I've even opened a master lock by simultaneously banging on either side - the thin sides, looking at it front facing - with two hammers. Granted these are great locks to practice with and they give you a good feel for the way pins can act, they will only take you so far. As I said, don't spend money on them, really even if you're loaded they are just not worth it. Most family and friends have some laying around and it's not like you need keys, right? Also, the great thing about getting them free is you don't have a choice, so you might end up with some high end padlocks. Or not. Plus, if you loose interest after a week (not saying you will) you won't regret having blown 20-50 dollars on a bunch of locks you really don't need. Spend money on picks, not locks. Also I've gotten a few locks from pay and store, storage units. They sometimes have to cut the locks and usually they just scrap em or toss em. They will usually let you have em for free or really cheap if you offer to pay for them. I'm not sure what the Canadian equivalent of Craigslist is (I think it's Craigslist lol) but you can find some high end locks for cheap, even placing an ad, "wanted: old or new padlocks with or without keys" it's worked for me, ended up with a high end schlage door lock. I had to cut it out of the door lol but it was worth it. I'm in the US (If you haven't noticed lol) and I've only come across two of the euro style locks, both I had to pay for, but they aren't as common here as they are in places like Canada and... Europe. A few tips you might want, grab some metal lubricant, I use gun lubricant as its better for the locks than wd-40, also I picked a lot of locks starting out by holding them and applying g pressure to the tensioner with the same hand, it got tiresome and when I would do it for a few hours my hand would get sore. I saw a YouTube video where a brilliant locksmith was using a vice that stood up on its own. Looked expensive, I rigged one up that attached to my coffee table and I use that to hold the locks while I pick. Your hands will thank you.

Last but most importantly, the aforementioned genius on YouTube (the man is amazing honestly) goes by the handle "bosnianbill."I've learned more from him than most people forget. Plus he's hilarious, and full of very VERY useful information,like books to read, references to check and other sites to frequent. I got a little carried away but that's the end of my rant. Hope you gleaned some useful info from it. Thank you to all the other posts here also, I've gotten some good info just reading them.

Locksportsouth has a thread on the vise BB uses. panavise FYI, BB isn't a locksmith, but works for some government agency or something.
Hello, and welcome to the forum!

[Woodrow]

For a vise I have a Bessey that works like the Panavise bosnianbill uses. I got it at Lowes. I've also seen bosnianbill use what looks like a Proxxon vise. Locksmitharmy seems to use a somewhat small workshop vise.

My Bessey has a vacuum base but I don't bother using the vacuum. It's fairly stable anyway but I can stick it to the glass cover on my desk and I also have a smaller granite surface plate that still weighs a lot. I use the surface plate in my workshop and the Bessey sticks to it quite well.

http://www.amazon.com/Bessey-BVVB-Vacuu ... B0057PUR88

http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-28602-Pre ... oxxon+vise