What's Next?

[Dent]

Ok, I am now picking random configurations of a schlage 6pin with all serrated bottom pins and spool/serrated driver pins by single pin picking.

So what is next for the beginner lockpicker?

Side Bars? Lever Locks? Medeco?

I've got no idea what to tackle next, but would prefer that it be cheap and customizable to be made harder(so something you can strip down and rebuild with only like 1 sidebar pin or 1 lever, ect).

Any thoughts?

[digital_blue]

Ok, I am now picking random configurations of a schlage 6pin with all serrated bottom pins and spool/serrated driver pins by single pin picking.

So what is next for the beginner lockpicker?

Well, for starters I think you can safely stop calling yourself a beginner lockpicker. I am in basically the same place you are now, so I just ordered myself a couple medecos. That ought to keep me busy for a while. Keep your eyes open on ebay. You'll be sure to get something in the high-security world for a decent price.

One final thought though. I'm not clear whether you mean you have gained profficiency on Schlage 6 pins in general, or just with one. If you only have the one cylinder that you have stripped down, repinned a hundred times, and picked 'till you're blue in the face, you might consider just picking up another cylinder. You'll be surprised what differences in picking you'll find from one lock to another, even if it is the very same model. For variety, you might try a different brand all together, like a Sargent or something. When I read your post it appears to me that you are talking about just one lock that you are picking, but I may be misunderstanding that. If you have already got your chops up on many different locks, then I would say it is time for the high-security stuff.

db

[Dent]

Well, i am on a tight budget(mostly because other hobbies are really expensive), so I have been repinning a Schlage Cynlinder that I got from Varjeal in his U-key Package.


While I mostly practice with a random configuration in the Schlage(because the only other cynlinder I have is a kwikset), I've come across different Schlages and other deadbolt types around my school/apartment that open with no trouble(only done in public, nothing sneaky, no troubles), padlocks, bike locks, ect, anything I can legally get my hands on for free(other people's locks).

I have a primus cynlinder but no extra parts for it, plus I haven't taken it apart yet since I have no idea how to even tackle it.


As I said, I am on a pretty tight budget so I'd like to pick up something that would keep me busy for a long time but offer tons of learning potential, much like Varjeal's U-key package(bunch of security pins, good quality lock, easy to re-arrange, ect).

I am thinking about getting my own primus cynlinder and extra parts(different sidebar pins, different key/driver pins to swap in and out).

I didn't find any primus on ebay and understand they are somewhat of a restricted lock, does anyone know how to get your hands on a cynlinder and extra parts for it?

I have one right now that is "on loan" but I'd rather get my own to mess around with and possibly break... also does anyone know where you can get info on picking them? I've messed with my pickset but can't figure out how to manipulate the sidebars while keeping tension to keep them up... I am a bit lost on how to approach it.

[raimundo]

Look at any trash pile near a remodeling site and bring a screwdriver, they throw out locks on doors, or buy some locks from a scrap metal recyler, cheap, sold by the pound. The schlage keyway does not offer much challange due to the lack of significant warding, try a best or a yale.

[vector40]

Yeah, I'd go with a Yale next. Hold off on the "extra mechanism" cylinders (Primus, Medeco, etc.) until you're heads and tails on top of basic pin tumblers.