Which deadbolt will teach me more?

[JohnnyWalker]

Hi all,

I went to the store today purchase a deadbolt and I realized there were a few different choices available to me. I narrowed the choices down to two because the others included door knobs in the set and I'm just looking for a deadbolt to work with for now. The two I am considering are a Kwikset and an Ultra Security deadbolt. Aside from the price difference I couldn't tell if there were any others between them. I tried to look at the information on the package but most of it was blocked by the deadbolt. Both appear to be a 5 pin style based on the key I could see, but I'm not 100% sure about that. The other thing I was not sure about was which one would be easier to disassemble. If both are 5 pin locks and both would be as easy/difficult to take apart without breaking them, which one would be a better teaching aid for me? Thanks.

JW

[gibson]

Go with the Kwikset. Some store brands might contain spool pins, which if you are just starting to learn picking might be a distraction (to say the least). Most of the lower priced deadbolts all disassemble pretty much the same way, with a c-clip in the rear holding the plug in, so IMHO it's a toss-up as far as that goes.

[Squelchtone]

Make sure it is not a Kwikset Smartkey, those are a different animal and do not use 'normal' pin tumblers inside, so picking them is a little different. The Smartkey version has a small slot next to the keyway that a change tool goes into in order to rekey the lock to a new set of keys.

Brinks deadbolts from Walmart and Defiant deadbolts from Home Depot cost about $12 and are fun to practice on. Some even have some security pins inside to make picking more difficult. They are called Spool pins, search for them here or on Youtube for more info.

Happy Picking!
Squelchtone

[JohnnyWalker]

Go with the Kwikset. Some store brands might contain spool pins, which if you are just starting to learn picking might be a distraction (to say the least). Most of the lower priced deadbolts all disassemble pretty much the same way, with a c-clip in the rear holding the plug in, so IMHO it's a toss-up as far as that goes.

Thanks for the advice, gibson. Please pardon my ignorance, but I was wondering if the c-clip is the only tool I'll need to disassemble the lock? Also, is this a common tool found in any tool section of a store that sells tools? Thanks.

Make sure it is not a Kwikset Smartkey, those are a different animal and do not use 'normal' pin tumblers inside, so picking them is a little different. The Smartkey version has a small slot next to the keyway that a change tool goes into in order to rekey the lock to a new set of keys.

Brinks deadbolts from Walmart and Defiant deadbolts from Home Depot cost about $12 and are fun to practice on. Some even have some security pins inside to make picking more difficult. They are called Spool pins, search for them here or on Youtube for more info.

Happy Picking!
Squelchtone

Thank you for the information here, squelchtone. I didn't see an additional slot next to the keyway, so I don't think I need to worry about this issue for now. I've noticed that the padlocks I've looked at will say they have spool pins if they have them. Will it say that on the package for deadbolts, too? Also, I was wondering if you (or others reading this) think I might be better saving my money and getting a few cutaway practice locks instead buying retail deadbolts? Thanks.

Thanks again for the advice and information here, you two. I really appreciate it!

JW

[Bob Jim Bob]

You won't need a tool for the clip, it will come off by prying with a screwdriver and you can squeeze it back on with a pair of pliers.

Also, skip the cutaway lock and stop by your local thrift store and look for some used locks for around $1-2.

[JohnnyWalker]

Thanks for the information and advice, Bob. It's much appreciated.

JW

[Bob Jim Bob]

I just checked my locks and some locks might need a split ring pliers, but don't go buy one yet.

[Eyes_Only]

This tool works pretty well in removing those pesky clips. http://www.lockpicks.com/mcrt-2.aspx

[JohnnyWalker]

This tool works pretty well in removing those pesky clips. http://www.lockpicks.com/mcrt-2.aspx

Thanks for the tip, Eyes_Only. I think I will try to make one on my own. I just need to figure out the dimensions of it and then I can get to work, but I can't tell just from the photo and I doubt that the folks at lockpick.com will tell me (not that I blame them). If that fails I'll just order one from these folks next time I place an order with them. Thanks again.

JW

[SlowPicker]

My first was a kwikset and i've established a love/hate relationship with it.

I love that I can pick it quickly,

but I hate that its easier than a lot of locks.

(hope I helped)