Practicing picking @ home depot/lowes

[MacGnG1]

all your party poopers know it would be fun

[Stray]

Well I have tried picking some of the demo locks at home depot (with permission of course) and I guess if the store was empty it would be fun but every time a client/customer comes around you have to stop unless you feel like explaining to every single person what you are doing.

Problems with Picking locks at Home depot:

1) All locks are from basically 2 different companies. This means that they are all the same (If you pick one or two you really don't have to worry about picking the rest)

2) They are there to show off their pretty-ness, so rather than having any locks with higher security (which are all special order) they just show off different models. This means you won't find any locks that are more of a challenge (Example security pins).

3) The biggest downside is that they are there as demos so they are set up at eye level. This forces you to pick high enough to make it feel awkward.

[raimundo]

Interesting point, Stray, I once was asked to install a lock in a converted wharehouse where numerous bands had practice space etc, and they were having kick in burglaries, the guy thought I should put the adams rite swing bolt at doorknob level, I explained that even though the lock was very solid, and the hollow steel door and steel door frame would hold, it was better to put the lock at eye level to make the kicker fall on his burro.

[Stray]

Brings a whole new meaning to Locked out and on your a$$.

[steve0527]

I have always wanted to pick the locks at home depot or rona I should ask.

[Mutzy]

This thread is one of the reasons i love this forum.

I think i'll check at my local hardware for any display boards that are old and out of date. I have an old display mount from work that i install cylinders on to practice with. It works great.

[aka.decoy]

I know I'm kinda late in replying, but just joined today. I have worked in 4 different hardware stores and been a vendor for 3 Home Depots and 2 City Mills, and have worked with the "LP" (Loss prevention) team. I have actually installed and updated that display board, and when nobody was looking, picked a few. But, even with cameras on me, it was natural to see the vendor messing with the locks. Even if you asked for permission to pick those locks, that is the type of person the my team and I would instinctively monitor, even if he/she seemed innocent enough. I'd rather just sacrifice a 6-pack and buy a lock a paycheck.