help me decide between two locks for practice please

[cyrano138]

this one

and

this one

I'm leaning towards the first one because I already have a little pile of extra pins and spool pins. Would either be a good step up, with regard to tolerances and/or security pins, from Brinks and Kwikset deadbolts (I'm getting pretty good at those)?

Thanks for any advice,
Jack

[Daggers]

I would pick the second one because if you decide to, it's easier to make a cutaway for that one. The first one is more solid if that's what you like. It depends on your own preferences for the type of lock since you already have extra pins. I hold my locks in my hand when i pick so the 1st one is easier to hold but the second one is easier to make a cutaway from.

[cyrano138]

Thanks for the response! I hold mine in hand as well, and I don't have the tools or workspace to make cutaways, so I think I'll grab the first one. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a crazy difficult (or crazy easy for that matter I guess) lock I wasn't aware of. Much appreciated.

Jack

[cledry]

Second one is easier to load unless you are good with a follower and pin tweezers. So for a practice lock I would say the second one, although the first is a bit tighter tolerance.

[cyrano138]

I went ahead and ordered the first one. I'm curious to see what tighter tolerances feel like. Thanks again for all the advice.

[cledry]

Since you are not far from me, if you are looking for something specific to work on just let me know. I have thousands of locks, new and used.

[cyrano138]

Excellent! After I get the two I just ordered, I'll send you a PM. I'm not sure how long I'll work on those, but I know I'll need more before too long.

Jack

[clearmoon247]

I have the second one you listed and I'm in love with it. It is like a more economical version of the Ultimate CHALLENGE Practice Lock. The only real difference is that the schlage is a 5 pin vs a 6 pin, but it does have a full set of spool pins, which is a great thing to learn with and practice. I've had this for less than a week and I'm able to pick a random set of 5 keypins and all 5 spool pins. Now I'm stuck on a real challenge, 5 spool pins and the key pins are in this order:
High Low High Low High

If you guys want, i can post pics later

[Bob Jim Bob]

I bought a box of 20 or more old used locks on eBay for $30. I just randomly reach in and grab one to pick. You should consider that.

[cyrano138]

I would love to see pictures. Please post.

I actually am expecting several new locks from extremely generous members here on the forums.

Pictures forthcoming.

Jack