This is primarily a great option to have down the line. Some cutaway locks allow you to re-pin them. The higher quality of these locks ensures that the lock’s mechanics will work as designed and may include other features like different pin types. These locks are designed and built as cutaway locks, so they have clean-cut lines and securely hold the internal pieces of the lock. We recommend looking at manufactured cutaway locks. Some lock pickers have made cutaway locks from their own locks, but this is quite advanced and not something for a beginner. Some cutaway locks are made from functional locks, like this one from Covert Instruments.
They’re Higher Quality Than Acrylic Locks Thus they are a step above acrylic locks in the sense that there is some mystery to what is happening. While you can’t see the entire mechanics of a cutaway lock, you can still see the pins move as you manipulate them. If you decide to purchase one, get some other practice locks off this list and apply what you learn on them as you gain experience.Īs with acrylic locks, the main draw is that you can see inside them. They are nice to have around when you want to introduce others to the hobby and give them an idea of how locks work. In our experience, these locks are quickly picked and forgotten. VerdictĪcrylic locks are suitable for when you’re just starting out to help understand what’s going on in a lock when you’re picking it. Unfortunately, this false sense of security or success will hurt you down the line as you encounter even the easiest of standard locks. Some acrylic locks are built to such poor tolerances that they can be opened simply by applying pressure to the turning tool without reaching in and manipulating any pins. This can make getting feedback from the pins harder, which compounds the problem of them teaching you to rely on your eyes instead of feeling. They’re designed to be produced dirt cheap, and en masse, so the tolerances in the lock are pretty loose. They’re Relatively Poor QualityĪs far as locks go, acrylic locks are not built to last. Thankfully this can be resolved by closing your eyes while picking or covering the lock with tape after successfully picking it open regularly. Lockpickers need to learn to feel what’s happening inside a lock, and although an acrylic lock can help visualize a lock’s workings, they aren’t as good at teaching to feel what’s happening. This is a bad habit because real locks aren’t transparent.
Let’s take a look at each of the different options!Īfter you have some training locks check out this guide for practicing lock picking to help you get the most out of your practice time and improve quickly.Īcrylic locks teach lockpickers to rely on their eyes when picking a lock. You will find that quality practice locks will cost $15-$40, and some types (such as cutaway locks) can go up to $95. We recommend looking around your own house or asking your friends and family for any discarded locks. My first practice lock was a Master Lock No.1 lying around my house.Ī good quality first practice lock can be found for free. The price will vary quite a bit depending on which route you go. After opening these training locks, they will serve as a baseline and fall back for when you encounter a harder-to-pick lock.Įach option has its pros and cons. TLDR: Jump straight to the list of practice locksīy beginning with practice locks, you can gain positive feedback and have a more rewarding first experience going into the hobby. These more challenging locks will be frustrating and prevent you from making positive progress in the skill. In general, there are five main options out there for practice locks:Īs a new or experienced lockpicker, avoid locks that are too far outside your skill level. What Options Are There For Training Locks?
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