identifying lock

[MeRZHiN]

i am an utter noob in the world of locks. i read most of the faqs and didn't saw one anywhere wich mentioned how you can identify locks. so i have 2 question, 1 is a description of the lock(the incriptions) and 1 is a way to identify. let's start with 1
on the side there is the inscription: Master 2(wich i figured is a master lock )
and on the bottom near the keyhole there is the inscrition: N° 140

and number 2: how do i identify different locks?

i know this sounds demanding, but i really have no bad intentions this way

EDIT and is this a good beginners lock?
EDIT padlock

[MrB]

You will be truly amazed to discover that your lock is a Master No. 140 brass padlock.

Identifying locks when they have things written on them is generally easy. Identifying locks when they have no writing on them is a large subject that takes knowledge and experience.

By the way, the Master 140 is not the easiest lock to begin with. The Master #3 or #5 is usually suggested as a beginner's lock.

[MeRZHiN]

hmmmm, yeah, i guess it was pretty obviously
i'm gonna check the faqs for a good beginner lock, thx mrB

[vector40]

Most locks that don't suck and some that do will have a brand name on the face. Occasionally (for door locks) it'll only be found on the plate surrounding the latch, and occasionally it's nowhere at all, but I'd say that's the minority.

[stick]

Generally, for dead bolts, if there's no name, its a generic brand not worth mentioning. All the big brands, including Kwikset, Schlage, Medeco, etc. will have their logo/name stamped proudly above the keyway.

You can also try identifying the keyway, and depending on the keyway, may narrow down what you have to search through.

[vector40]

It's true that some mortise cylinders aren't labeled, though, especially ones made by third parties (which nonetheless may be equal in quality to the name brands) -- Varjeal's practice lock is such a beast.

[MeRZHiN]

thx for all the tips... now back on to training

[Shrub]

We could do with knowing where in the world you are and what locks you want to identify,

In the uk there are various cd discs for identifying mortice locks and include what to look for through the keyhole and what the lock is like inside,

You will find that pin tumbler locks are more or less the same principles with mostly only different pins and spacing telling them apart so are all picked in the same way,

Other locks that are more specialist are identifiable by the characteristics they have multi lock is easily id'd for example,

Padlocks usually have a brand name with model number on, the ones that dont tend to be the cheaper and hence easyer picking ones.

Go to your local lock suppler and get as many leaflets and brochures as possible and then start making your own folder of what locks are out there, if you have a pic in front of you it is a lot easier to tell what it is, you can then also add to the pages the best way to pick that lock and what tools to use etc, after a while you will have a good source of info on what you will see around,

[MeRZHiN]

i'm in belgium.
anyway, any1 got any idea for a very good starter lock, i really can't find any cheap sh*tty lock. the only locks i seem to be finding are those master and abus locks with mushroom pins and stuff

[Shrub]

Can you get hold of cylinder locks? like a Yale, Union, ERA etc you will find these may be easier to pick other than that try your local markets for cheap padlocks or your local hardware stores for the cheap brands,
Unfortunatley i dont know of a member from belgium but jimmie from site is in your direction, he may be able to help with some suggestions.

[MeRZHiN]

At the moment i have:
padlock:
-ABUS N°65/40 (5pins)
-Master N° 140(this one looks way older than the one below)(4pins)
-Master 2 N°140(4pins)

door lock(dreadbolt i suppose):
-Yale (5pins)

Next time my parents go to the store, ill be going with them and make them buy me a 1euro lock

[Shrub]

That could be a good idea but make sure you dont get a quality one (for now) as you will be stuck with security pins again,
Stay away from the abloy etc and get one that doesnt even have a name on the front, get the shortest ones as they are cheapest, if your yale wasnt on your house i would have suggested that as a good practice lock but you should never practice on locks in use especially if they arent yours (not the case here i know), keep your eye on the for sale section as people like Varjeal sometimes sell beginers packs to get you going, it may be worth saving for when one of those comes up again.

[MeRZHiN]

the yale isn't really in use at the moment. we do have a similair lock on our front door (same keyway, different pins). Saving cash up isn't really a problem either. i might be young, but that doesn't mean i'm poor .
for now i'll practice on the older master lock, since it looks the most easy(has a very easy pattern for inserting a pick and a tension tool) and when i get to a store where they have locks i'll be sure to buy the most cheapo one. i'll check with family members for old locks to