Have had these pictures taken for quite a while. It is about time I wrote it up.
Got this practice lock for my son's birthday. This is a great practice lock, and it is so fun having my son pick next to me. My wife may not think so
, but I sure do!This is a mortise lock with a Schlage keyway 7 pin chambers, and comes with two SC4 (6 pin) cut keys, an Allen wrench, an assortment of screw caps, springs, key pins, master pins, standard driver pins, two sizes of spool pins, and even two sizes of serrated driver pins, pinning suggestions and the support of MrWizard himself for those with questions. The only thing this package is missing is the picks themselves!
First, here is the lock itself. No doubt, this is a quality practice lock. Instead of the wide open Sargent LA keyway (No offense intended, Jeff!), it has the Schlage C keyway that is more restrictive. This makes it more real-world for those learning to pick. You learn to navigate warding, and even use it to your advantage while picking.
Here are most of the accessories that come with this practice lock. My son lost a few spool pins in his carpeting, but when he is ready for them, I'll give him a few. Unfortunately, that is not too far away. Been slowing his learning as best I can due to his youth, but he is learning fast.
The keys and the Allen wrench.
Here are the top screw caps in row 1, two sizes of serrated pins, and two sizes of spool pins. These will provide plenty of challenge for those learning the art of lock picking. The longer spools and serrated pins are used with shorter key pins, and vice-versa.
Standard driver pins:
Holy Bats, Springman!
Want to try your hand with master pinning the locks? No problem here!
And a full assortment of all 10 sizes of key pins.
These are the pins that match the key as it came. The lock comes pinned in six chambers with standard driver pins. It is up to you to make it easier or harder as you see fit.
Took two new pictures just now, while my son is sleeping. Took him from five pins with a relatively flat bitting to four pins with a high-low bitting a couple of weeks ago, which he is already complaining is too easy and boring.
Let's see if tomorrow morning he still thinks it is boring. I'm not going to mention that I picked open his Sentry lever-lock safe (he sleeps with the key) and repinned his lock, replaced the lock, and relocked his safe.
Think he'll still find it easy tomorrow?
No, the barrel (or trampoline) pins do not come with this kit. Pulled those out of a TrioVing just to mess with his head, as if his first spool pin/serrated pin combo isn't enough to do that!
And no, he does not have his picks available to him. Those are locked up with my picks.
Said this before, but it bears saying again. This practice lock is a great tool for those who want to learn to pick, and advance their skills. It will keep you challenged for quite a while! It is also made by our very own MrWizard!
Gordon
