Getting tired of my A1100 and Master Lockouts

[madpick]

Hi, I will first admit I only briefly searched the forums for this question and didn't find anything.
I have 6 American 1100 padlocks and 6 master lockout locks (well now 4 because 2 i rotated all the way and the pins fell out )
I am getting to the point that I rotate thru the 12 locks too quickly and its not as fun.

So now I am trying to decide should I just get more of the same locks as they seem to be some of the most challenging pin-tumblers or can someone recommend others that are more challenging?

[Squelchtone]

Hi and Welcome to the forum!

I'd switch it up and get some different keyways such as Schlage, Kwikset, and Arrow.

I noticed on some of my padlocks that I have memorized their binding order and can pick them without even thinking about it.

Here are some mortise cylinders that are well priced, and perhaps seller combines shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Mortise-Cyli ... 4427905235

here is a generic Schlage
https://www.ebay.com/itm/26D-Finish-Key ... 3531703064

Yale Y1 keyway (great for practice)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GMS-M100YA26DA ... 2186210411

Happy picking and congrats on your 1st post!
Squelchtone

[GWiens2001]

It can be surprising how different a different lock can be. Trust us on this - all pin tumblers are not alike. Try a decent Lockwood without any security pins and you will have more trouble than those Masters.

Gordon

[madpick]

Thanks for the great suggestions and links Squelchtone! I definitely struggle each time I try a new keyway. Biggest challenge is usually figuring out what tentioner and hook work well for it.
GWiens2001, thanks for your Lockwood suggestion, will have to try one.

I will buy some of these and report back on how it goes.

[Kenneth_V]

I really agree with the advice given in the above posts.

The more different keyways you can play with the better for developing your skills and feel. Feedback, tension, navigating warding, spring tension, trying different picks to see what works best in different keyways, TOK tension vs BOK, padlock vs KIK etc. Are all different in different brands of locks,

I can pick many different keyways but I struggle with my 1100. I only have the one and not sure if it is just that lock that is challenging for me or I just haven’t played with it enough times or spent enough time figuring it out.

Find as many different locks/keyways to play with. If you know how to re-pin locks, pick up some KIK cylinders, which are mostly easily re-pinable, switch up the key pins to more challenging bitting. YouTube has great tutorials to learn re-pinning.

Also buy an assortment of security pins to increase the challenge of the cylinders you already have.