Locks with spool pins

[njcanderson]

I tried doing some searching, and I'm sure this information is out there, I just wasn't using "good" search terms.

I've started to gather a small collection of padlocks that I've been practicing with most days, however I don't have any to start picking spools with. I know there are some out there, like the master 140, and I'm in the process of getting one of those. However, what are other recommendations for locks that may be beginner friendly (read: fairly cheap with an accessible key way).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

- Nick

[Divinorum]

Definitely go with the master 140, it's great for practicing spools. If you have an ace hardware near by checkout what padlocks they have. I bought an ace brand padlock that has spools in it. Check the back of the packaging mine actually said it had spool top pins for "extra pick resistance". Another brand that has locks (not all but some) with spools is Brinks. Also I would recommend buying a lock that you can take apart and re pin. A common method of practicing with security pins is to reduce the number of pin stacks in the lock and add them back as you get better.

[njcanderson]

Definitely go with the master 140, it's great for practicing spools. If you have an ace hardware near by checkout what padlocks they have. I bought an ace brand padlock that has spools in it. Check the back of the packaging mine actually said it had spool top pins for "extra pick resistance". Another brand that has locks (not all but some) with spools is Brinks. Also I would recommend buying a lock that you can take apart and re pin. A common method of practicing with security pins is to reduce the number of pin stacks in the lock and add them back as you get better.

Thanks for the help! I'll check and see if there's an Ace Hardware around, I think I remember one vaguely. I'll also look into a lock I can re pin, that would probably be helpful for all sorts of practice, not just with spools.

[Divinorum]

Definitely go with the master 140, it's great for practicing spools. If you have an ace hardware near by checkout what padlocks they have. I bought an ace brand padlock that has spools in it. Check the back of the packaging mine actually said it had spool top pins for "extra pick resistance". Another brand that has locks (not all but some) with spools is Brinks. Also I would recommend buying a lock that you can take apart and re pin. A common method of practicing with security pins is to reduce the number of pin stacks in the lock and add them back as you get better.

Thanks for the help! I'll check and see if there's an Ace Hardware around, I think I remember one vaguely. I'll also look into a lock I can re pin, that would probably be helpful for all sorts of practice, not just with spools.

Exactly, they are great because you can practice all sorts of different key bittings and security pin combinations. You just need the extra pins, most locks don't come with extras. Your welcome

[daniel22747]

I own 3 master lock 140's and only one of them has a spool pin in it, so you may have to buy several before you get lucky. Still a nice lock to pick cause the pins are often very crisp and give good feed back. You may need to oil them first as they often come rather dry from the factory.

American brand padlock almost always have at least one or two spool pins, however everything else will be a serrated pin.

Schalge deadbolts can have anywhere from 3 to 5 spools but they are often hard for beginners.

I like the U-haul storage center disk lock. Mine as two spool pins and is not that hard to pick with a little practice.

The Brinks locks sometimes have spool pins too, but not always.