Learning Lock Question

[V O K A B]

I starting picking locks a few days ago and bought myself a set of picks. I can pick a master lock #3 in three seconds consistently. I've heard that picking master locks doesn't really help you become better at picking locks other than learning the basics. So I am going to buy a new lock. I need a lock that is a challenge and where you can really feel the pins. Basically I need a lock that will teach me a lot. Maybe have some security pins? So what would be the best lock to get?

Also, I'm trying to pick a BEST door handle, but my tension wrench won't fit in the curved key hole. Do they make tensions wrenches for curved key holes?

Thanks.

[Engineer]

I did find this one that I liked:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=43461

If that might be the sort of thing you are looking for?

[V O K A B]

Yeah, in a way.

I'm kind of looking for a good pad lock, but I'll definitely consider that lock. Thanks

[datagram]

BEST is going to be way too hard for a beginner. Padlocks don't really lend themselves too well to beginners because once you can pick them they are generally boring. You can go and look for the Brinks rekeyable KW1 keyway lock, as was mentioned in another thread on the forums, or you can just get a standard Kwikset or Schlage deadbolt, both of which are great for beginners.

dg

[New-York-Locksmith]

Padlocks don't really lend themselves too well to beginners because once you can pick them they are generally boring.

Datagram is right, deadbolts are not very interesting to pick but just for practicing, you can use it. I am sure after picking one you do not like to do it again because as he said, they are boring.

[raimundo]

Tension wrench won't fit? picks too large?

You will be a much better picker when you have the ablility to make picks to fit the situation. Commercial picks do not even address the smaller keyways. Making a variety of sizes of tension wrench is something that you should be doing. its so easy to make a tensor, it takes less than a minute. the key is to find the right size material to make them out of then customize the tips to fit in various warding situations. Get some wiper stiffeners, there are a lot of variations in the size of the metal used.
but all are excellent tensors

[5thcorps]

Be sure to keep clean edges on the tensors and picks. I friend recently ruined a practice lock by the pick and tensor gouging into the plug and housing.