Security locks for beginners? (not so secure security locks)

[Locks+Picks_Happy]

Could not find this thread anywhere so I thought I would just ask:

What are some not so difficult security locks. I have some experience with security pins but I want something that mixes it up between the types of pins. A challenge but not an impossible feat. Something more secure than a lock with just spool or just serrated pins. I don't know what is going to have a mix. And I was on lock wiki, are Mushroom and hybrids significantly harder to pick than spools and serrated pins?

Maybe I am wrong about what I need to get better, but i think I just need some locks recommended that have a mix of security pins. I am not very experienced with buying locks and I had pretty much stubbled on to these security locks (could not open them for a while).

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[MBI]

You could try one of Mr. Wizard's practice locks on the BST subforum. It has a screw above each pin chamber for easy repinning, comes with spare pins, springs and security pins.

[Locks+Picks_Happy]

That sounds great! I was trying to find the subforum, but I am struggling. Do you have a link.

If you could let me know what i might have been doing wrong that would be great: I was typing into the search "Mr Wizard " and then I tried "BST subforum" then both together.

Thank you so much. Also great avatar!

[MBI]

viewforum.php?f=49

[davesnothere11]

That practice lock from MrWizard is really a quality product. I just got mine today in the mail. The keyway is pretty tight, so be ready for a challenge.

I played around with a Defiant brand deadbolt I got at Home Depot for $10 for the last week. It had 2 smooth top pins and 3 spools. It was an easier keyway but harder to repin. The spools made for a nice challenge after I got the smooth ones down.

Edit: spelling

[Papa Gleb]

MBI, i think Dave would also benefit from the thread listing all locks in graduation. Remember that one? We all added locks from easiest to hardest and that was divided into pin tumblers, disc locks, dimples etc.

I would search myself for it but it would take me hours. I have a feeling this would take you a minute which is why I ask.

Dave, almost all of us started buying locks at garage sales and flea markets so start there. Check your local locksmith shops as they might be able to help as well. Yes wont find great locks right away and chances are most of what you will find are Master locks but every once in a while great locks do come around and for a cheap price. I found a gent via yard sale who didnt have any locks out on the table but I asked him and he turned out to be a retired school custodian with a nice box of locks (American, Sargent, Segal, Medeco etc) so for $20 I left with 5 or 6 locks. Once you get a good amount of locks then start trading. Dont think that no one wants the junk you have because that junk could be extremely valuable to the right person.

I also noticed your in Alaska, how big is locksmithing or lockpicking up there?

[davesnothere11]

MBI, i think Dave would also benefit from the thread listing all locks in graduation. Remember that one? We all added locks from easiest to hardest and that was divided into pin tumblers, disc locks, dimples etc.

I would search myself for it but it would take me hours. I have a feeling this would take you a minute which is why I ask.

Dave, almost all of us started buying locks at garage sales and flea markets so start there. Check your local locksmith shops as they might be able to help as well. Yes wont find great locks right away and chances are most of what you will find are Master locks but every once in a while great locks do come around and for a cheap price. I found a gent via yard sale who didnt have any locks out on the table but I asked him and he turned out to be a retired school custodian with a nice box of locks (American, Sargent, Segal, Medeco etc) so for $20 I left with 5 or 6 locks. Once you get a good amount of locks then start trading. Dont think that no one wants the junk you have because that junk could be extremely valuable to the right person.

I also noticed your in Alaska, how big is locksmithing or lockpicking up there?

Thanks I'll look for that thread. I have seen bosnianbills youtube video on this subject but everything I can look at will help.

Haven't come accross any hobbyists (other than a few accounts in various forums). There's a fair amount locksmiths around. There's a good one in Anchorage but I don't make it down that way too often, alot of "independents" working out of vans and one shop nearby that has a not so firendly owner. I'm trying to work up my nerve and approach so I don't come accross as a nefarious creep.

Thanks for the advice and sorry for the thread hijack.

[Papa Gleb]

Ops sorry, I took completely mistook who's thread this was but info still applies.

Dont worry about how you come off because a friendly welcoming person who shares the love for locks and the hobby will always be happy to chat, share, help etc etc. I stopped by a new locksmith recently and once I told the guy what I was all about he immeidaetly turned his back and started working on a lock and completely ignored me. I asked how much a few locks were and his reply was they are not for sale. I got that picture and left. Today I stopped by a hardware store that I previously visited, I wanted to buy a lock they had and when I walked in the owner had this look in his face like what the f**k am I doing in his store, I said hello and explained the lock I wanted then asked for the price. It was a used lock nothing special that he had offered for $20 months and months ago. So while waiting for him to make up his mind on the price I asked if he would let it go for $15... you guys ready for his reply?? His reply and I quote "$15 dicks maybe". I was shocked beyond understand. This is how you talk to customers? I felt that if I stayed there, I would get very violant and this dick isnt worth my weekend in jail so I left. Just an example of how some people are. Its nothing personal and dont waste your time on them. A happy story, I stopped by another shop, explained why Im here and the locksmith got off a call he was in the middle of, stopped working, came over his counter and we spent 30m chatting about locks. I explained I would gladly take any locks he considers junk and even willing to pay for it. In short for $9 I left with a bag of locks consisting of American padlocks, Medeco mortise, MulTlock padlock and mortise and much more). Sorry for story time but be ready that not all people are welcoming, some just hate life, the world and you for no reason.