How should I get myself some security pins?

[StabbyJoe]

I've posted a parallel to this thread on another forum site, but to no avail...
I live in New Zealand and as such I do not have access to locks such as the brinks shrouded...etc that are widely available in other countries... The same goes for any lock I've found on any list detailing what security pins it has... so I'm sort of in the dark on how to get the pins...
I'd like to be able to put them into my existing deadlock practice lock, so other than having a guess and buying a lock in hope it has some spooled pins the best option I can think of is seeing an actual locksmith...

For fear of refusal of service, I would like to avoid mentioning that I'm using them for picking practice or to re-pin a lock. What do I say "I'm doing a science fair project on locks and..."? hmm...

What I'm looking for is:
A retaining spring and normal driver (lost them disassembling my lock late at night, so for now it's a 5-pin)
6x spooled drivers
6x mushroom drivers
6x serrated drivers

To sum it all up, what I'm looking for is either a good story to use to get my pins or an alternative way to get them. Any help much appreciated.

~Stabby

[Safety0ff]

For fear of refusal of service, I would like to avoid mentioning that I'm using them for picking practice or to re-pin a lock.

Why so scared?
Anyways, I think you're eliminating the most logical reason to be wanting to buy security pins (which is to repin a lock.) You'd probably just end of looking more shaddy. You could always keep it non to specific like " Uh sir, I'd like to get some pins for some locks I'm working on. Can I get 6x spooled drivers 6x mushroom drivers 6x serrated drivers ?" If he asks for more details you can say it's for "added security" that they are for the locks of : your house, a friend you're helping or even for a house you're flipping. What else other than repining locks could say you're using them for? "Hey man, I'm looking for security pins, Ima loaded them into my pellet gun for ammo . "

I say just just stick to repining locks for your reason.

[Eyes_Only]

I got mines from here, http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... ProdID=523 and I'm very pleased with it and totally recommend it.

Its got both spooled and serrated drivers in various sizes and can turn a locksport hobby that has peaked into a whole new adventure.

[MacGyver101]

They're actually $1 cheaper from our site sponsor, LockpickShop.com, if you enter the "LP101" coupon code at check-out: LAB Mini Dur-X Security Plus Pin Key

[raimundo]

Go to a locksmith, if necessary have your car key copied, you will eventually be glad you did, then look at his high security locks, the most expensive ones in his shop, and act a bit intereseted, ask about the price and expense of an installation, he will go into his sales man mode, and tell you whats better, thank him and ask if he has some propaganda bumpf to give, (medeco has always printed good pamphlets with cutaway type drawings.)

Look for the friendly and open type of locksmith, this is likely to be a very young one, or perhaps an old guy who has got beyond taking himself seriously.

[JK_the_CJer]

My approach has always been to something like:

Me: [looking around admiring, etc..]
Me: "Do think I'd could buy a handful of spool pins for Schlage?"
Lockie: "WTF I guess, why?"
Me: "I pick locks as a hobby and am trying to get better", etc...
Lockie A: "[in-depth lock conversation]"
Me: "[more conversation]"
[build relationship]


Lockie B: "eh, thats kinda weird, you know its illegal for you to have picks", etc...
Me: "actually, funny you mention that that state law actually reads [JK quotes state law from memory]", etc...
Lockie B: "well, im not allowed to sell you that"/"well we dont have any"/etc..
Me: "what a jerk"
[never spend money there again]

So far, I've found more Lockie As than Bs

[StabbyJoe]

LOL now that you mention it, I want pins for... well... um.... SOMETHING!!!!
is alot more dodgey than saying rather vaguely that it's to do with re-pinning...

As far as whether or not to be up-front about it, I'm still not sure... On the one hand I might pick up some nice tips etc and seem less dodgey if I say I'm a hobby picker and it's perfectly legal etc... Because I'd LOVE to grab some crapped out locks for cheap - ones that can't be used for whatever reason...

Dangerous part is that I am 17 with my learner license and therefore cannot go for a drive down there (for another month or so, that is) and so I'm already looking at a long walk, each rejection makes that walk longer x_x
(I currently have to make a 2hr return trip to the nearby hardware store and it SUCKS)

I think I'll decide my approach based on the person's appearance and nature lol... I don't want to go through the honest path with an angry, busy guy... but someone nice with no work coming in at the time would be great

and I think I'd go for the locksmith approach over web order if possible... cut out shipping costs if I can... plus they all seem to be in kits (understandably) but I'm looking for something smaller... You could probably double the price of any US kit if you added the postage on, and I'm cheap (lol)

Any more comments or advice are much appreciated (you guys have been great!) and it would be particularly useful to get a price (a guess will do) of what it might cost me for the 18 drivers... I would think no more than $1 each at most, because the kits look like they have waaaaaay more than 60 in them (and they cost $60-ish)

[Raymond]

1. If you will simply go to a locksmith and tell him that you are interested in locks, he may give you some old junk laying around his shop. Unless he is busy, most lockies like to "talk shop."

2. Make your own security pins by putting one in a drill and cutting it gently with a sharp file.

However, I am very uncomfortable with your "plan" to make up some goofy story and lie to get anything. Integrity will carry you much farther than mendacity.

[keysman]

1. If you will simply go to a locksmith and tell him that you are interested in locks, he may give you some old junk laying around his shop. Unless he is busy, most lockies like to "talk shop."

However, I am very uncomfortable with your "plan" to make up some goofy story and lie to get anything. Integrity will carry you much farther than mendacity.

Actually I couldn't agree with you more ....while many lockies are rather cranky and don't believe that anyone would be a "hobby picker" , it doesn't mean they are stupid.. most can spot a BS story a mile away. Just approach in a professional and respectful manner and you may find a GREAT resource for informatin and supplies. (well 50/50 chancce anyway )

[dougfarre]

I never once met a working locksmith that treated me with any kind of respect when I made "strange" requests. I had a locksmith refuse to sell me a box of blank keys once.

Im sure there are some nice guys out there, but none that I have met.

[StabbyJoe]

I was aware I wouldn't fool anyone... I was just thinking before that I probably wouldn't be served... I have more recently realised that there is at least a 50% chance of being served, so I'll go the honest route, I think... I don't feel so comfortable making my own security pins, but at least I have a fallback if things don't work out, so it's a great tip, thanks =)

Mostly al thats left is making the trip

[eurolock fan]

I never once met a working locksmith that treated me with any kind of respect when I made "strange" requests. I had a locksmith refuse to sell me a box of blank keys once.

Im sure there are some nice guys out there, but none that I have met.

I find it strange that locksmiths will sell me files and picks but never keyblanks.

[adamd]

I find it strange that locksmiths will sell me files and picks but never keyblanks.

I got a key blank off a locksmith yesterday, he didn't even charge me

[Abus]

I'd say that as long as you look reasonably normal, and only want security pins, you're probably going to be fine just asking for them. From the locksmith's perspective, its pretty unlikely that you're using a handful of pins for nefarious activities.

A very long time ago, I needed a uncommon older motorcycle keyblank, and tracked down (by phone) a locksmith that had it. The hilarious part is that when I showed up to buy it (actually to buy three of them so that I could use relatively aggressive techniques impressioning) the youngish employee at the counter gladly sold me the blanks, while denying that impressioning was possible.

[globallockytoo]

go into Bull's locksmiths in Auckland. Tell them you're a friend of Blair, who used to work for them. Ask what you want....you'd be surprised.