Question from beginner about "benchmark" locks...

[cyrano138]

I've been browsing the site for several days now, and even posted a couple of times. I've read the recommendations for beginner picks, and more than a few threads that give information on some specific locks, but I wonder if it would be possible to work a quick list of some benchmark locks. In other words, "If you can pick this one consistently in under 30 seconds, try this one next until you can do that consistently."

I know some people might object because of how much corrosion and wear and tear can make an easy lock difficult or because differences in technique and ability might make a lot of difference, but I was thinking of a really basic outline with any widely regarded beginner, intermediate, and advanced locks.

I can say, at least, that, by single pin picking, and assuming they're new out of box or in good condition, Kwikset deadbolts seem to belong at the bottom of the list somewhere. Maybe, slightly above that but still very near the easy end, you might find Brinks deadbolts with a couple of spool drivers. And from what I've read, I guess you'd find something like Schlage Primus and Medeco somewhere well up the list. As for the rest, I have no idea.

I ask because I'd like work my way up the list, obviously.

Anyway, thanks for all the information and a great site. Pardon me if this has already been covered--I couldn't find it.

Have a great day!
Jack

[Violaetor]

Unfortunately not, there are general guidelines as to what is easy and what is hard, its also personal too. Some people may find mushrooms harder than spools or serrated, while others may not. Your best best is to get a re-pinnable lock (with set screws in the plug) so you can add and remove your own pins.

Also, within the same type of lock the security pins, binding order and key bitting can make one american 1100 lock easy to open and the next 1100 drive you insane.

Actually wear and tear make a difficult lock easier to open, not harder (unless its rusted shut ;P)

You can always get an assortment of locks and read up on them, sort them into a few piles (normal, security, high security) and just pick through the ones you can, set the ones you have trouble with aside and come back to them later.

[cyrano138]

I guess I'll just have to try more locks. Besides the ones I've mentioned, and the master lock 3's, would you suggest anything else for a somewhat advanced beginner? Thanks for the helpful information, by the way.

jack

[Squelchtone]

I guess I'll just have to try more locks. Besides the ones I've mentioned, and the master lock 3's, would you suggest anything else for a somewhat advanced beginner? Thanks for the helpful information, by the way.

jack

We suggest searching the forum for 5 minutes for the other 10 threads like this one =)

I can only write so many times for people to go to Walmart and get a Brinks deadbolt.. now go forth and Search!

peace out,
Squelchtone

[MacGyver101]

As Squelchtone says, this topic comes up every couple of weeks; here are a few random threads that all have some good advice to people starting out:

• What locks to start with?
• What locks are good to start with?
• IS this a good lock to start out on?
• Choosing the right lock
• advice on practice lock for a beginner?
• The Ultimate Practice Lock...Any thoughts?

Welcome to the site, and a new hobby!

[cyrano138]

Thanks for the responses. I assure you I searched. The predominant suggestion in all of the threads linked above is Kwikset deadbolts. I have several of them and several Brinks deadbolts with security pins, all of which I'm very comfortably and consistently picking. That's why I asked Violator for the next level up, so to speak.

There is a mention in one of these threads about Schlage deadbolts and 6 pin Kwikset, but no indication of their difficulty relative to 5 pin Kwiksets or Brinks's so I'm not sure if they will be more of the same or a bit tougher. That's also what inspired the original post.

Thanks for all the links and the helpful information. Sorry to make you guys repeat yourselves.

[sandplum]

Kwikset is a good place to start. Avoid Smartkey... its not a pin tumbler.

Defiant knobs (Home Depot) are a good intro to anti-pick pins (drivers), using the same keyway as Kwikset.

Schlage C introduces you to a different keyway and tighter tolerances. Be aware, the F series of knobs will have anti-pick pins.

Yale (Y1 keyway) gives you a non-straight keyway... an additional challenge, and a good one to master before you start on euro cylinders (some of them use this keyway).

Ask locksmiths for old cylinders that have egg-shaped pin chambers (due to wear, not filing)... they add a challenge similar to anti-pick pins.

After Master padlocks, try Pacific Lock padlocks.... anti-pick pins will drive you nuts!

For disc tumblers, start with mailbox, desk, and file cabinet locks. Look for automotive without sidebars.

[cyrano138]

Wow. That gives me a lot to work through. Thanks for the information!

[globallockytoo]

I suggest repinning various brands of locks yourself to different combinations. This way you might get a feel for how the different sized pins interact and get a feel for what you might expect in the field.

try putting a deep pin next to a shallow pin next to a deep pin and try to determine the difference in picking techniques. You can do this on just about any brand.

a 16152 will pick differently to a 22444 Kwikset, for example and still give you an idea as to why some combinations are harder than others.

[cyrano138]

Thanks again. I noticed when I had a little more of a contrast between a couple pins in one of my Brinks that I had to switch to a longer hook, which forced me out of my comfort zone a bit. I'll try to set up a few more combinations like that. Great advice--thanks a lot!

Jack