Wondering where to buy locks (bulk/cheap)

[Archive555]

I'm new at lock-picking and have been able to successfully pick all the locks I have lying around . and have gone out and bought a couple of the cheapest locks the hardware store has, and I'm still not satisfied!

I've had a look at buy/sell/trade and don't really want to buy from someone in another country, so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about where I can get a whole load of locks cheaply if not free. They don't have to be new, just as long as they work. I don't have a whole heap of money, so the cheaper the better.

Also, just wondering, would love to know where most of you buy locks.
Really need a challenge, so any help would be great!

[keysman]

I've had a look at buy/sell/trade and don't really want to buy from someone in another country,

Perhaps you could fill in your profile with YOUR country ,it might make it a little easier to answer your question.

[Eyes_Only]

eBay!

[globallockytoo]

Many locksmith shops have mountains of used locks that just sit there aging.....some are more than happy to just give them away rather than clutter the workshop.

[Safety0ff]

Many locksmith shops have mountains of used locks that just sit there aging.....some are more than happy to just give them away rather than clutter the workshop.

Many just toss those mountains away every so often...

[globallockytoo]

Many locksmith shops have mountains of used locks that just sit there aging.....some are more than happy to just give them away rather than clutter the workshop.

Many just toss those mountains away every so often...

I just tossed a bunch.

[Archive555]

Perhaps you could fill in your profile with YOUR country ,it might make it a little easier to answer your question.

Indeed, sorry about that, changed now, thanks.

Many locksmith shops have mountains of used locks that just sit there aging.....some are more than happy to just give them away rather than clutter the workshop.

I'm a teenager, and I don't feel comfortable asking them for used locks so I can practice picking them . I just don't feel like they'll understand that I don't want to break into houses, and that I like it as a hobby!

Ahh well, thanks everyone for helping!

[StabbyJoe]

although I do understand your viewpoint, what do you stand to lose? I've had this conversation on these forums before, and basically, if you say to a lock smith that you pick locks, and were looking for something more challenging SOME (10%-ish) will not help you and think you want to learn to steal things and won't want to be associated with it... others will be happy to help because the like the idea or think it's funny/interesting... they might want to talk a little bit of technical stuff with you or something, and if locksmiths toss locks, they probably wouldn't have a problem giving them to you for free or a small charge (like $1).

I haven't made friends with one or even been to a locksmiths because I won't have good access to a car for another 1 month minimum and my parents refuse to support my hobby... my mum thinks I want to rob people and that worries her and my dad is just an ass, don't go there.

As soon as I can, though I'll go have a chat and see what they might be able to help me out with (provided they don't have a lot of work to get through, being a shop locksmith can sometimes be a little boring from what I hear, and they welcome something out of the ordinary ^^,)

Best option = locksmith
other than that you may get lucky on a big auction of cheap locks on an online auction site (eg. ebay) but I wouldn't rely on that.

[globallockytoo]

Perhaps you could fill in your profile with YOUR country ,it might make it a little easier to answer your question.

Indeed, sorry about that, changed now, thanks.

Many locksmith shops have mountains of used locks that just sit there aging.....some are more than happy to just give them away rather than clutter the workshop.

I'm a teenager, and I don't feel comfortable asking them for used locks so I can practice picking them . I just don't feel like they'll understand that I don't want to break into houses, and that I like it as a hobby!

Ahh well, thanks everyone for helping!

Go and see Safeguard in North Melbourne. The owner there is busy, but I think his son is managing the tradies now. They also have a shop in Bay St Port Melbourne. Manager is Max (I think)....really good bloke. He might have some old stuff. Show your interest, the worst they can say is no.

Many shops were recently bought out....especially the larger ones....like Stewarts and Northern Suburbs......by API.....so not much luck there I trust.

There are a few other shops around that might be friendly too.