Life Expectancy Of Practice Locks?

[Bud Wiser]

Is it common to wear out practice locks quickly (weeks)? Especially cheaper made locks? I've been practicing on a number of padlocks, Guard, Master, Helping Hand, Mountain, and got to the point where I can open them all very quickly.

However, I've seemed to have worn out some of them, and they have become harder to pick! I know it's the lock because I've replaced them with newer ones and was immediately able to pick them almost instantly.

Some of my locks I can still pick but have gotten harder! Once I try a new one out, I can pick them very quickly like I was able to do on the older ones. Some of the locks can no longer be picked, and one Guard the key won't open it any more.

Have I just run in to a bad sample of cheap locks, or is this to be expected after a certain amount of time?

Comments? thx.

[Shrub]

Are you raking a lot or always single pin picking?

They shouldnt wear out much quicker than useing the key if you pick well enough,

Are your picks burred?

[Bud Wiser]

Are you raking a lot or always single pin picking?

They shouldnt wear out much quicker than useing the key if you pick well enough,

Are your picks burred?

no raking, pin by pin, picks are all fine!

I was thinking because they were cheaper locks. But it's only 5 locks I speak of. Others are just as good as new, and the master is still pickable. Problems mostly with made in china. I have not noticed this with any of my door locks.

[Shrub]

Makes you wonder what the key would do to them,

I would guess its a quality issue,

[machinist]

I've burned two kwicksets so far they seem to only respond to pin by pin now and feel VERY weird.

Theres actaully a small carved "notch" on the top edge of the key slot on most of my locks LOL.

[cL4y]

My practice lock is in perfect condition...i can see no wear on the pins,and i pick reguarly.

And i got it for $20AUD from my local hardware shop.Its just a common sliding window-door lock, can be opened from both sides and the pin stacks are so easy to remove..all you need is an allen wrench.

[Kaotik]

I assume it would be the technique, quality of locks and condition of picks being used, maybe a combination of all three. I pin-by-pin pick 95% of the time and all my locks are in good working order. Of course I maintain them on a regular basis to insure this.