A pin share program?

[cracksman]

This may sound stupid, but, as most common deadbolt companies have the same specs, could we share? What I mean is, I am using Kwikset as my practice. The Schlage's I have are their top level 2 and the keyways are a pain, so I took the pins out and dropped them in my Kwikset now I can learn spools. Getting just a few security pins, however, is a bother. What I was thinking of is sharing pins, maybe even improving on some and using a basic deadbolt as the practice. In other words-Henry from Canada could say "I've never tried spool pins!" And I'd say send me a self addressed stamped envelope and you can drop them into your lock. They weigh next to nothing-postage would be the same as a letter. Plus you could add a few tips and tricks. This would take a number of people to participate, and I am very weary of giving any identifiable personal info If a network like this was created, however, hands on information like this could be invaluable in the near future. -Sorry I tend to ramble

[fixer]

One of the difficulties in picking is the tollerances that are in the manufacturing of the locks.

While you can see why spool and mushroom pins make locks difficult to pick by dropping them in a kwikset lock, I don't believe that it gives you any advantage when you are faced with a lock that has close tollerances and security drivers.

To see this in reality, take a number 9 pin and see how it fits in a schlage plug and then see how the same pin fits in a kwikset plug. You will see that although the pins and chambers are supposed to be the same size, there is a difference.

[Grudge]

Fixer is right, Walmart sells a Brinks "Re-Keyable" padlock which matches Kwickset keys. It has spools but it has such poor tolerances that it is easy to pick. Although it is nice to have a 'security pins with training wheels' type of lock, it only gets you started in tackling the real thing.

[zeke79]

I believe I posted this before but it has been some time ago. http://www.clksupplies.com/ in the past has sold me bags of 100 spool pins for @ 5.00. I have placed several orders in the past and they all arrived promptly but I have not dealt with them for about a year now as I have not needed any more pinning supplies.

[cracksman]

Thanks for the link, can anyone suggest a good medium-high security deadbolt that I could keep rekeying for practice?

[fixer]

Thanks for the link, can anyone suggest a good medium-high security deadbolt that I could keep rekeying for practice?

Try with a decent grade of Schlage cylinder as a cheap start.

You could also see if a local locksmith has any Sargent or other commercial cylinders he is willing to part with.

With any of these, look for the gap between the plug and the body and make sure it is small. Then look at the fit of the pins in the holes. The pins should not have much movement.

[zeke79]

I also forgot to add that you do have to email clk supplies to get the spool pin part numbers and prices for your orders but they did have them.

As far as they cylinder goes, go to a locksmith and pickup the cheapest deadbolt body that will accept a 6 pin schlage cylinder. Buy the deadbolt body and a 6 pin cylinder and mount it on a practice board. That way you can also move up to six pins when you are ready.

[vector40]

Better yet, if you can, buy a mortise or rim cylinder (Schlage or Schlage equivalent would work well), and save a few bucks, since you don't actually need the locking mechanism -- just the cylinder.