Getting Locks(easiest way possible? =/)

[xLockpickerx]

Who knows the best way to get various types of locks without spending too much money? x_x (i'd like to get various TYPES, not lots of the same type), this sport(or hobby) really fascinates me *_*

[WolfSpring]

I got most of mine from container yards, not a lot of variety but I got some decent locks with security pins. People are cutting them all the time and just throw them on the ground. I keep hearing goodwill or salvation army but every time i've been in there all they have is POS house lock and that was 1 in 10 for me, but it was only 2 bucks. I've heard people say that small time locksmiths might have some laying around, one guy on here said he got a box for 5 bucks from his local locksmith.

This is not an inexpensive hobby, it can be if all you are going to do is some basic picking, but better locks, supplies and tools cost money. and most people I've seen on here don't stop with a pick set and some cheap locks, the bug gets you.

I'd start of with either a Kwikset deadbolt or a cheap 5 dollar master lock and learn how they work, take them apart(if you can) and search the forums using search there are numerous posts for people asking this same question, I'm sure I did not to long ago. Ebay has some better locks on it too.

[raimundo]

Go to a scrapmetal dealer who deals in brass, locks are a mixed metal to him, with their steel shackles and brass parts, he has to tear them apart before he can sell them as brass so he will be happy to let you recycle them for something like fifty cents a pound, which is twice the 25 cents a pound he pays for them.
when you start looking for them regularily, the guy will start setting them aside, I have a guy who only sets aside the interesting or odd ones, as there are just too many old masters that I just don't want.

[Poff]

I saw a post about the Habitat For Humanity Restore stores and went to check one out, got the keyed half of a medium security commercial lever handle for $3. They had a lot of other locks and door hardware.

[MacGnG1]

check out http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx for local restores

[Raymond]

You can find padlocks or auto:
1.Schools still using lockers at the end of the semester. Talk to the principal first and then custodians. 2. Private storage lockers - make arrangements to be there when they clean out non-paying lockers. 3. Auto junk yards. 4. Get to know your area locksmith to look and ask for throwaways. 5. Flea markets and local auctions. 6. Truck and trailer rental places. 7. Auto body shops.

[Squelchtone]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned ebay. If you want variety that's where you really go. If you go to the local scrap yard or ReStore, you'll just get buckets full of Schlage and Kwikset, which is the most common stuff used around America, and you said you don't want to have a bunch of the same stuff.

Craigslist is another place, you simply put up an add asking for free padlocks, deadbolts, and mortise or rim cylinders and watch the offers roll in.

You want some ideas of other lock brands to search for while on ebay? Here's a list of companies and manufacturers including much more than just the usual Schlage and Kwikset: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=22505

For styles of locks, good keywords are padlock, rim cylinder, mortise cylinder, cam lock, t handle cylinder, deadbolt, and the word "lot" used with any of these may give you a nice grab bag of locks for a fair price, like THIS (those are high security and are also collectible, but that price is fair, even if it looks expensive for some used locks.

Good luck with your lock hunting!
Squelchtone

[edsmiley]

I agree with Squelchtone. I get 98% of my locks on Ebay. It is a time consuming (and sometimes expensive) sport, but well worth it. The watch list on Ebay is nice because it will tell you if something gets relisted. So spend some time working on clever Ebay searches and you should be getting decent locks in no time.

I picked up a bunch at the local Restore when I was first learning. That is an excellent place to find common household locks/deadbolts (Schlage, Kwikset, Master, etc). Every once and a while you might find a commercial lock.

Maybe is it just my area, but I have never been able to find anything decent at yard sales, flea markets, etc. If I see anything of interest, usually the person either has some clue of what they are worth or they are way too over priced.

Never tried a scrapyard, might have to give that a shot.

Happy Holidays!
Ed

[Poff]

You can find padlocks or auto:
1.Schools still using lockers at the end of the semester. Talk to the principal first and then custodians. 2. Private storage lockers - make arrangements to be there when they clean out non-paying lockers. 3. Auto junk yards. 4. Get to know your area locksmith to look and ask for throwaways. 5. Flea markets and local auctions. 6. Truck and trailer rental places. 7. Auto body shops.

Swap meets or flea markets should be a good way to get locks without keys for pennies.

[shaothegreat]

I have a resale store that's next to my house that has a huge boxes of padlocks, deadbolts, doorknobs, IC cores, etc... I've picked up everything from like new American Lock 1105s, Abus Diskus, vending machine locks, a few Best cores, Kaba dimple deadbolts, plenty of vintage padlocks (inlcuding some old 19th century leverlocks), all variety of pin tumbler padlocks from various manufacturers - some with keys, most without. The owner charges me $1 a lock and his stock rotates somewhat frequently. I can go in with $20 and come out with a bag of new locks to pick. Some require some TLC (Boiling, WD-40, contact cleaner, and some graphite after if dries) but many are practically new. I guess I'm lucky to have such a source so close by.