The first times the best

[gspleo]

The concept of picking locks has interested me for some time now. However I had no idea how to get started.

I found a few clips on U Tube and subsequently found this site. What a great site it is.

This morning I made a wrench from a windsreen wiper insert and a pick from a cheap pair of tweezers.

I picked 3 locks this afternoon (some old filing cabinets in my garage).

Fantastic, I've got the bug.

I understand it is important to progress in a structured manner.

I intend to make my own picks etc.

What sort of locks should I be attempting to improve my skills?

I am based in the UK.

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[freakparade3]

As for cylinders in the UK get yourself a Yale. They are pretty simple to pick and will help your skills progress.

[hydruh]

Gotta say, when I read the title I thought it was gonna be spam!

S

[paulvalente]

I agree wth Freakparade, A yale would be a good lock to have, however a Yale rim cylinder will have spool pins, for a slightly easier option it may be an idea to get a Bird cylinder also.

[JLewis]

I know the feeling!

A few days ago I opened a Kwikset lock. Once the tension was applied, it seemed like all the pick had to do was look at the pins and it would open... I was sorely disappointed

Next up was a Corbin HO-Restricted with two pins. I got more satisfaction out of working this but by far the best was my opening of a Brinks R70 padlock today! I spent about ten minutes going back and forth gauging tension and trying to feel sheer lines and pins setting and then on that last one the tension just gave! I thought for a second the angle I was applying the tension had worked the wrench out of the lock, imagine my surprise when the shackle was clear of the housing!

Good luck and have fun, I know I am

[Solomon]

These guys are recommending Yale, but they probably mean Yale knockoffs. All of Yales padlocks use security pins, and so do most of their rim/euro cylinders aswell. As a matter of fact, the only ones I've come across with standard pins are their older rim cylinders (ie. the ones supplied as standard with a Y77 night latch). You can still find those for sale, but judging by the X5, chances are the newer productions of the 'classic' Yales are much higher quality than the originals and they might be putting spools in them now aswell... so you'd probably be better off with a cheaper variant.

Most ERA rim cylinders have standard pins, as do older models of Union, cheaper stuff like Bird, and other generic no-name locks. Anything in rim/mortise cylinder form is a great starting point, because you can take them apart if you're having trouble.

[amlwchlocksmiths]

These guys are recommending Yale, but they probably mean Yale knockoffs. All of Yales padlocks use security pins, and so do most of their rim/euro cylinders aswell. As a matter of fact, the only ones I've come across with standard pins are their older rim cylinders (ie. the ones supplied as standard with a Y77 night latch). You can still find those for sale, but judging by the X5, chances are the newer productions of the 'classic' Yales are much higher quality than the originals and they might be putting spools in them now aswell... so you'd probably be better off with a cheaper variant.

Most ERA rim cylinders have standard pins, as do older models of Union, cheaper stuff like Bird, and other generic no-name locks. Anything in rim/mortise cylinder form is a great starting point, because you can take them apart if you're having trouble.

i think your right iv come across some hard yale locks,and new locks are harder to open because they havent been worn.mabbie replace your door lock for a new one and use your old one.