Noob - Australian locks

[wulfilia]

I am new to this activity. I would like some advice about what brand(s) of cylinder lock might be appropriate to my level of skill. I live in Australia, and and our lock brands are somewhat different from those in the USA.

I acquired 3 no-name 5-pin Chinese cylinders which I can now pick repeatably and quickly. I then obtained a better-made Whitco cylinder, and can likewise pick fairly easily.

Ultimately, I would like to be able to pick Lockwood door cylinders, but I really don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

Can anyone suggest a door cylinder commonly sold in Australia which would be a good next step up from the Whitco?

[Schuyler]

Lockwood. Go for it. If it's too much for you when you first get one, remove a few pins, get consistent with that, then put pins back in until you're picking a fully pinned lock. Also - I have some lockwoods, they ain't all that. You can do it, I promise

[MacGyver101]

To be clear, Schuyler's referring to something like the Lockwood C4 or "Generation Six"... not the Lockwood Twin or MT5.

[lunchb0x]

Yep, go for the Lockwood cylinders, one out of a 530/ 930 entrance set would be best because you can easily remove the cap that holds in the springs and pins. They can be a bit hard at first because of the tight tolerances but by removing a couple of pins and working up would be your best way.

If you are after some I might be able to help you out, I can be a little slow at sending things out but they get there, also I'm in Darwin.

[wulfilia]

Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement, guys.

MacGuyver101: LOL, I don't think I shall be trying high-security locks in the near future - if ever.

If you are after some I might be able to help you out, I can be a little slow at sending things out but they get there, also I'm in Darwin.

lunchb0x: I have one unopened Lockwood, and if I can successfully pick it I may just take you up on your offer and take advantage of Australia Posts's subsidised small package rates.

[Schuyler]

To be clear, Schuyler's referring to something like the Lockwood C4 or "Generation Six"... not the Lockwood Twin or MT5.

Haha, yes, very true.

& Good luck to the OP

[golgo13]

Lockwood. Go for it. If it's too much for you when you first get one, remove a few pins, get consistent with that, then put pins back in until you're picking a fully pinned lock. Also - I have some lockwoods, they ain't all that. You can do it, I promise

I would agree i went from the hardware locks straight to a lockwood 234/45
It just takes time i guess

[wulfilia]

So, I;ve spent a couple of days on my Lockwood, and I believe I can set 4 pins, but there is something funny about the back pin (I think you call it pin #5). This pin binds early but will never set, and instead crunches to a gritty halt under torsion without rising far enough to set. I assume that this is some sort of security pin.

I'll give it another day or two, and read a little about security pins; and, if I still haven't opened it, I shall tear open the top of the chambers and try to see what's going on in there.

[golgo13]

Umm have you tried to set the last pin first?

[aussielocky]

Unless it's one of the imported padlocks there is no anti pick pins in 99 % of lockwood stuff.

Try tensioning a different direction / location and the setting order will change accordingly.

[dallalama]

So, I;ve spent a couple of days on my Lockwood, and I believe I can set 4 pins, but there is something funny about the back pin (I think you call it pin #5). This pin binds early but will never set, and instead crunches to a gritty halt under torsion without rising far enough to set. I assume that this is some sort of security pin.

I'll give it another day or two, and read a little about security pins; and, if I still haven't opened it, I shall tear open the top of the chambers and try to see what's going on in there.

i had a lock like this and i found that a L rake and increasing pressure worked,get to the point were you think this is not working ,and usual stop but give it a little more ,come to think of it ive got a few locks like this all Lockwood cores in different housings.