These are pretty fun. Never touched a dimple lock before. I wasn't expecting gaps, or opposing pins. I thought 5 pins meant all in a straight line, on one side of the core. I was incorrect.

I'm just starting out and I managed to make this hook and tension wrench from wiper blade inserts, that tension wrench is from the smallest size insert there is and is basically good for nothing, and I decided I want to make a pry bar tension wrench from the widest insert I have instead of a standard one, the only problem there is is I need some exact measurements to work with, couldn't find them anywhere online and I'm not good at eyeballing it. I mainly need the width and length of the "leg" that goes in the keyway, both top and bottom of keyway, the thickness won't be an issue with some sanding paper.

Could any proud owner of some pry bars help me out?

Cracked these three today first 2 are just a yellow belt brinks brass and brinks laminated 45 mm, third one I don't know what belt it is?

It's a Master Lock Magnum Heavy Duty Keyed Padlock, Extended Shackle, M930XKADLH. So not to shabby for not playing with my picks for over 20 years.

CMFXA: Multipick Elite G-PRO handle and flags (4,10,11)

Covert Instruments: Pick Pocket

Was worth it.

So far the #3 reaper is my favorite, I’m going to try the mctickler next. Has anyone modified their tension wrench? The original seems kinda wide.

Is it just me, or every time I pick it open my turner falls out is a bummer? This one is a one plung and zip with a Mc .

(Images used to reference the type of lockpicking kit A vs B I am talking about, and not specifically these brands. I am aware they are likely not of good quality.)

Hello. A few weeks ago my friend introduced me to lockpicking, and I've been looking to buy my own lockpicking tools.

While browsing, I came across two types of kits. I'm not sure of the exact terminology, but I like to refer to them as:

- Image 1 (A): individual lockpicks kit, with several standalone lockpicks to choose from.

- Image 2 (B): multi-lockpicking tool, with one main frame holding several lockpick heads that you can flip into position (a bit like a swiss army knife, but for lockpicks)

I wanted to ask the lockpicking community if there's any practical or comfort (more important for me) or durability difference between the two as I can't find much information online discussing the differences between these types of tools, and I would rather like to only have to buy one that I can keep using for the foreseeable future.

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond, it means a lot to me.

Received 2 challenge locks and a bonus lock from u/DanDiggler213.

• Groucho (KIK)
• Muken (KIK)
• Corbin Russwin Mortise with some special pins inside
• Some Dan Diggler swag

I received a sticker delivery today as well. Nothing special. Just stickers made up from my logo.
Not sure when I'm going to have time to pick these locks. Busy with work.

I’m having fun

Someone is listing four Fichet double cylinders on eBay for $500, which isn't bad for these locks. I am not affiliated in any with this eBay listing. Seems like a good opportunity for a group buy, as they could be split eight ways. I might be in for one-half of the f3d.

Hi everyone, 2 years ago I gifted everyone in my family basic lockpicking sets for Christmas and told them they better practice. Everyone got pretty proficient at opening basic master locks. This year I would like to give my gift locked up and was hoping to get a recommendation on something that would be a challenge for whomever gets my gift. Can you guys help?

Someone had these shipped onto work and I couldn't help myself! Nothing crazy as you would expect. 4 pins no security pins and a very giving core spring. Just a nudge and open!! Still sorta cool, first cheap Chinese ive come across

Prizes for the 2026 LPU Midwest Open lockpicking competition from Fantasm Industries 🔓 Phantom case for 1st and pocket cases for 2nd and 3rd place. Really nice cases!

LPU Midwest Open hangout and competition takes place Nov 14th in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Details in link: https://www.gatewaylocksport.com/competition

Found this nice padlock on Dutch ebay for a few $ - it was stuck, the key did turn however. Managed to get the shackle loosened, took it lock apart and cleaned it; as was full with thick dark grease or oil. While cleaning I noticed a little ball bearing on the table for which I couldn't find a place where it came from. Any idea where it belongs? The lock is working, markings say B-14 Mul-T-Lock, shackle is 13mm.

Just getting into lock picking. Are there any books I should purchase?

What are the good way’s to deal with sides walls that are very curved?

For now I have two techniques that haven’t alowing me to open this locks ( brand SIL with 4 pins) :
1/ I practice pushing on the key pin with différents picks (half dimon, smal and big hook) without much tension or Even no tension tool. I hope éventualité I will isolate the feeling of the pin résistance from the feelling of the side walls résistance. I find it very difficult because the friction commes from left or right dépensons on How much the pick is pushing the pin. Moreover there at drop in the force when you pass a side wall angle. Is that a general solution to learn every shape of key holes that exist on the market?

2/I tried to bend the top of my pick in a left curve. I don’t know if it is a solution because i will éventualy broke it after a few cycles of bend/straitning. Maybe can I buy 2 more hooks for one that I keep bendes, on on the left and one on the Right ?

Ar they more solution that I do not see? Or once again in life the solution is simply more practice and specifics tools?

ÉDIT : replacement of « rake » by « hook » that are the pick I use.

Does the ABUS 80TI/40 have aluminum pins that deform easier over time? I am looking for a jump up from the ABUS 55/40 that is harder than the 55/50 or 55/60 and will hold up. Would the ABUS 72/40 be a better choice? Thanks in advance for any help.

I'm the whitest of white belts and started out literally today so I decided to try the most basic techniques on my various locks, raking.

I was able to easily get open my Master 3 (which I bought for a practice lock), my Abus 55/40 was a bit more difficult but not too bad. To my surprise though a lock I actually depended on for security was as easy to rake as my Master 3 the ABUS 41/45.

Is this normal or did I just get a bad lock?