Practice Locks for Beginners

[rx6006]

Hello All,

I'm extremely new to locksport, but I've been doing quite a bit of research and study into the hobby. I began my research with the standard MIT guide and followed up with these forums. I did have a few questions regarding my early education in the hobby, though. I purchased a Southord stainless 32 piece kit and an SC1 acrylic practice lock as my initial purchase. I'm hopeful that the practice lock will enable me to visualize the concepts of aligning pins to the shear line, along with applying the proper amount of torsion. I also think that, in the long run, I'm going to need standard locks to practice on, as too much reliance on a see-through cylinder may negatively affect my ability to "feel" the lock. What types/brands of locks should I pick up for practice, i.e. Deadbolt, Padlock/Schlage, Kwikset? Should I remove pins from these locks as recommended by the MIT guide or simply work with the lock intact? Any advice and suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks very much.

[hydruh]

Get a Schlage and do the pin removal exercise. It's about working with the lock, not just picking it.

The get something with some security pins. American 5200 padlock, or a Master 140. The american can be disassembled but it more expensive.

S

[lock2006]

Or you can order one of this kit. The Ultimate Practice Lock
from this guys http://www.learnlockpicking.com/index.html
hope this helps.

[rx6006]

Thanks for the prompt advice! I will definitely work on pin removal process, since it seems like dealing with the inner workings of a lock can only benefit me from a learning perspective. I'll pick the locks you recommended. The ultimate practice lock seems interesting as well; I can appreciate the ease of changing pins. I might have to look into that as well.