What to pick next?

[knowspicker537]

Hey guys I have been picking for about 2 years now, and I've gotta say it's a great hobby, but I've learned how to blow through just about all common locks: kwikset, schlage, defiant and some other off brand typical pin tumblers with and without security pins,now I am looking to get to the next level. Do any of the more experienced guys have any suggestion to the next logical progression? I was thinking of commercial type locks with 7- 8 pins (I've seen quite a lot of BEST locks)? Am I way off ?and if I am or not where would I go about purchasing these types of locks for practice ?

[Korver15]

I would suggest going on eBay and looking for American locks as they are pretty common and they have serrated which is the next step. Abus locks are also fun and most of them have security pins. I personally find Best frustrating as they seem to be more hit and miss. You could get some Sargent cylinders, schlage everest, I'm currently to conquer a medeco keymark.

A good way I have found to see different locks on eBay is To follow 'cylinder lock lot' bunch of different brands of locks show up there. Good luck!

[knowspicker537]

Thanks Korver15 for the advice I'll Def check out ebay and try and get some of the locks you've suggested.

[Squelchtone]

If you can blow through a 5 pin Schlage, then get your hands on a 6 pin commercial Schlage mortise cylinder and a 6 pin Arrow KIK or mortise cylinder, Sargent is another well made lock that should keep you busy. I find that extra pin stack adds to the challenge. The other advice already posted about American Lock padlocks is good as well. Sometimes on ebay you can get a 7 pin Yale cylinder in mortise or LFIC. They are sometimes pulled from existing systems and may be "easier" because of master wafers in the lock.


a Sargent 6 pin I just found for you as an example: www.ebay.com/itm/121656143849

Congrats on reaching a stepping stone and looking for more of a challenge,
Squelchtone

[knowspicker537]

Thanks squelchtone, yeah I found some old American padlocks at my grandfather's house the other day. Been fooling around with them for a few days, no luck so far haha but I'm gonna keep at it.

-knowspicker537