Good Locks For Beginners

[SomethingFishy123]

Hi, this is my first post here. I just ordered a lock pick set off of amazon and one of those clear practice locks. I have found out that I don't have any other padlocks in my house so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations for some good beginner locks. I'm on a limited budget so preferably $10 Canadian max per lock.

[ltdbjd]

There are many, many threads on this topic. If you use the search feature you'll pull up a lot of info. In addition, search for progressively pinned locks.

This BosnianBill YouTube video is a good place to start. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fI7Lx-73lU0

I'd also search for lock pick sets, as well as look at the BosnianBill reviews. If you have junk picks, you'll have a hard time.

[gumptrick]

2nding the suggestion of checking out that Bosnianbill video.

Another thing that helped me a lot was a tip that Lockpickinglawyer (also on Youtube) gave: Never pick the same lock twice. If you have only a small number of locks then you end up memorizing how those particular locks work instead of developing your skills more fully. Imagine that you are in school learning math. If you do the exact same math problem over and over again then you just memorize the answer and don't learn anything. But by doing different problems then you actually learn something.

When I was first learning to pick I followed Bosnianbill's advice and bought the exact locks he mentioned in that video. But I bought more than one of each of the cheaper locks. Once you've mastered the really simple stuff like the Master no. 3 and you've moved on to locks with security pins, go and buy several of them. Locks like the Master 140 and 150 are pretty inexpensive if you shop around. If at all possible get several of them.

[OrMeanGene]

Welcome

We have habitat for humanity/restore facilities that sell donated and discounted products for cheap here. You should search if you have something like that in your area.
The problem with clear acrylic locks are the chambers wear out very fast, and then its super sloppy and hard to learn.
You mentioned 10bux, but if you save a little bit you could buy a really nice rekeyable trainer lock. Member MrWizard makes a very nice setup, for good pricing. Use search feature. You can easily pin from 1pin to 7pin and includes security pins to make harder. In my opinion that's a great tool even up into advanced.
Also use search to see other posts that ask same questions, may be more tips.

You can make your own too. Bosnianbill who was referenced has youtube video thats show good detail how to do. I like his advice for which padlocks to start with and go through. Great beginner stuff.

[SIUCpilot]

I know you said you have a budget of $10, but what reallllly helped me was a $45 practice lock that is repinnable. It comes with a bag full of standard and security pins. It uses an allen wrench and grub screw to make pinning easy and quick. You can start with one or two pins and work your way up. Then add in a spool or two. The lock has tight tolerances so it also really helped me learn proper tension and a light touch. When you feel comfortable, you make it harder. I believe it.is called the "ultimate practice lock"

Dave

[Moses057]

7 pin ultimate practice lock
http://learnlockpicking.com/product/7-p ... tice-lock/
It's more expensive than the others but it will grow with your skills.
Here's a pic of mine


https://lock-lab.com/locks-to-learn-on/
Has a list of locks with description of what's in them. I used this list and found the locks I wanted on Amazon for about $9-$12 each

[AngryHatter]

^^^ That's a nice way to start.

A repinnable lock and a set of picks and you're off to the races.

Any job involving a padlock has been one for the cutting tools rather than picking it open. They are too cheap to waste a lot of time upon.

[GWiens2001]

I still heartily recommend MrWizard's practice lock.

You send him a PM here, as he is a member, and he gives excellent support. Bet he'll even work a deal.

Gordon