Configurable Kwikset training lock

[Black85vette]

Back out in the shop for some more lock fun. Decided to make a practice lock that can be reconfigured in many ways. Using a Kwikset (or clone) because I have a full set of pins for the Kwikset locks including masters and spools. I pulled the core out, drilled the plugs out, and threaded the holes with an 8-32 tap which is the right size for the existing holes. Then I milled off the top of the body to expose the set screws holding the springs in place. Not a difficult project. Now I can pin the lock any way I like and include some security pins. I do not have any serrated pins (yet). I have not decided if I enjoy picking more or putting a lock in the mill to modify more. BTW; the Kwikset keying kit was a thrift store find and cost me $10!!! Plus I bought 5 padlocks from the same place for $1 each.

[Kenneth_V]

Looks awesome. Great work!

[stratmando]

I thought that was a good Deal, $180 at several places, Home Depot $125. Suppliers may be cheaper? Very good Deal.
Not sure how set up you are for Kwiksets, If not already, I would get precut key sets and shims to easily Key or Rekey a Kwikset. I'm lucky I live near a window and Door Installing Company, I get Locks, Schlage as well as others, and Kwikset Smart Keys, I will take those apart rekey to a Kwikset Key I have, then it is ready for an Emergency.
Not sure how set up you are for Kwiksets, If not already, I would get precut key sets(eBay) and shims to easily Key or Rekey a Kwikset. I'm lucky I live near a window and Door Installing Company, I get Locks, Schlage as well as others, and Kwikset Smart Keys, I will take those apart rekey to a Kwikset Key I have, then it is ready for an Emergency. No Key Machine Involved

[Kenneth_V]

I dont want to hijack this thread. but worth mentioning!!

I thought that was a good Deal, $180 at several places, Home Depot $125. Suppliers may be cheaper? Very good Deal.
Not sure how set up you are for Kwiksets, If not already, I would get precut key sets and shims to easily Key or Rekey a Kwikset. I'm lucky I live near a window and Door Installing Company, I get Locks, Schlage as well as others, and Kwikset Smart Keys, I will take those apart rekey to a Kwikset Key I have, then it is ready for an Emergency.
Not sure how set up you are for Kwiksets, If not already, I would get precut key sets(eBay) and shims to easily Key or Rekey a Kwikset. I'm lucky I live near a window and Door Installing Company, I get Locks, Schlage as well as others, and Kwikset Smart Keys, I will take those apart rekey to a Kwikset Key I have, then it is ready for an Emergency. No Key Machine Involved

Speaking of precut keys, I have gotten lots of factory cut keys from my local Lowes for free. Various brands.

When they rekey a new lock to a customers existing key, they toss the factory keys into a boxes. They are even sorted by brand!! If you ask they will usually give just you some. I'll usually root through the boxes and grab a few pairs as not be greedy!

Not sure whether he was serious but one guy told me he thought they go to recycling when they have too many.

Here is one of my rings of Schlage keys, mostly 5 pin but some 6 pin, just for the asking.

[stratmando]

Thought about asking a place down here, think they just throw away. Want to offer $1 a pair. Would be nice if they put the pair of keys with the pins, in a little plastic bag and sell. Hate seeing them thrown out.

[Black85vette]

This lock and my cutaway versions worked exactly as I wanted. I used them and a couple of my easier Master locks to teach both my sons and two grandchildren (14 and 16) basic lock picking. By understanding what was going on in the lock and then seeing what they were doing in the cutaway. All of them were able to pick several 4 pin basic padlocks. Guess I need to order some more pick kits. Don't know that they will all want to continue but the oldest son was interested enough that I gave him one of my cheap pick sets and taught him how to make his own tension tools. This hobby is fun. It is even more fun when you can share it with someone else.

[Kenneth_V]

This lock and my cutaway versions worked exactly as I wanted. I used them and a couple of my easier Master locks to teach both my sons and two grandchildren (14 and 16) basic lock picking. By understanding what was going on in the lock and then seeing what they were doing in the cutaway. All of them were able to pick several 4 pin basic padlocks. Guess I need to order some more pick kits. Don't know that they will all want to continue but the oldest son was interested enough that I gave him one of my cheap pick sets and taught him how to make his own tension tools. This hobby is fun. It is even more fun when you can share it with someone else.

I love the fact that you are educating your children and grandchildren on how locks, something that they encounter every day, work. Make sure you teach and enforce BosnianBill's rule of "stay safe, stay legal"!