Practice Lock - Which keyway?

[MolonLabe]

I have an opportunity to purchase an easily re-keyable practice lock (you know, the kind with the allen screws on top of the pin stacks) for a great price. There are 2 keyway types available...Schlage SC1 or Weiser WR5. I'm not new too picking, but am out of practice and retraining from the ground up.

Which keyway would you choose in a practice application and why?

[gloves]

Well more than keyway shape I'd get a list of locks with security features as spool/mushroom/serrated pins and such.

Restrictive keyways most of the times and of course IMO are only a drill at making slimmer picks, but what really thrills you is
how many difficulties are found inside the lock. Of course combining both provides an even better challenge, but I won't stick or look too much at shape.

If I'm right the Schlage SC1 should have 2 regular driver pins and 3 spool ones. I have no info on the Weiser WR5 at the moment but should be a 5 pin one, there are videos on youtube too. Both are nice and interesting locks, so I think in the end choice has to be yours.

[Squelchtone]

Well more than keyway shape I'd get a list of locks with security features as spool/mushroom/serrated pins and such.

Restrictive keyways most of the times and of course IMO are only a drill at making slimmer picks, but what really thrills you is
how many difficulties are found inside the lock. Of course combining both provides an even better challenge, but I won't stick or look too much at shape.

If I'm right the Schlage SC1 should have 2 regular driver pins and 3 spool ones. I have no info on the Weiser WR5 at the moment but should be a 5 pin one, there are videos on youtube too. Both are nice and interesting locks, so I think in the end choice has to be yours.

Gloves,

His lock is not factory, so I don't think the common pinning rules will apply. It is a special picking practice kit that comes with a bag of pins and security pins so you can pin up countless combinations.

MolonLabe: if you can get these for $20 each or less, I recommend getting both, it will give you a lot of variety. The SC1 will be harder to pick because of the keyway shape.

Happy Picking!
Squelchtone

[MolonLabe]

Thanks guys! Squelchtone is correct...this is a practice kit that includes extra bottom pins and some spool pins. These are pretty much identical except for the keyway. They are $22 each, shipped. I wish I could buy both, but I just bought some Peterson and SouthOrd picks, so the well is kinda dry right now...lol!

I think I'm gonna go with the Weiser to start with. Since I'm getting back into playing with locks, I would rather concentrate on the pins rather than fight a narrow keyway. I see Schlage practice locks all over, but rarely see the Weiser, so I'm gonna snatch it up. The Schlages are prolific enough that I can always find one of those. By the time I've put the Weiser through it's paces, I may be ready to just buy a standard Schlage, pin kit, and follower to play with.

Thanks for the insight...it's much appreciated.

BTW, if anyone is interested in the Schlage, PM me and I'll point you to it. $22 shipped with pins, spool pins, etc...it's one of the best deals I've seen on these types of locks!

[MolonLabe]

Just a quick update...I ordered the Weiser practice lock yesterday. The seller shipped it within an hour of purchase and got me the tracking info right away. USPS indicates a delivery on Saturday, so I'll post a review. I'm so impressed by this seller, that I might just bite the bullet and get a Schlage soon, too. Apparently, he sells these 2 types regularly, but only lists one each at a time. I also found out that in addition to top, bottom, and spool pins, I'll be getting some master pins as well. I can't wait to play with this setup!