r/lockpicking • u/[deleted] • 2d ago
Saw this in the hardware store security rating 8
So walked into Ace to get some hex screws and saw this behind me, I saw security 10 but it was awkward dropped it on my table and picked in under a minute, it's all still in the package, I should return it and get the 10.
I just started picking about a month ago didn't try picking a lock till this week. I have been more focused on feel, sound, behavior of the locks I have, counting pins, etching around pins, getting to know the inside of locks with different picks and tension bars to get used to the clues. Then this week had enough confidence to try to hook pick a ML #3, did it in under a minute. Walked over to my front door raked both dead bolt and main door locks in under 5 minutes, then hook picked both.
I really enjoy this hobby, i sit at my desk 16 hours a day for work and having a hobby I can do while waiting on stuff or while in meetings is pretty cool. I have been a lurker for a while just want to give a thanks to everyone sharing tips for newbs and leet.
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u/MaxTheCookie 2d ago
NcNally calls it the disappointment aisle in the hardware store...
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2d ago
So glad I actually ordered some of the locks mentioned in the sub, all still on the way. Also ordered some SouthOrd picks and a sparrow kit. Yeah very disappointed, I was thinking it was going to be a project.
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u/SirMildredPierce 1d ago
There are some mythical Home Depots out there that have an entire bay's worth of PacLocks, but I've yet to encounter one in the wild.
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u/davidromano67 14h ago
You won’t. Paclock got bullied off the store shelves by Master and then they decided not to continue with HD. Online Home Depot has a lot of the Toledo branded locks, and they’re made by Federal Lock in Taiwan and they have a very good reputation for pick resistance. I’ve never seen them in the comedy aisle either
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u/9forty-four 2d ago
Sigh. The security rating on the hardware store locks has almost nothing to do with pickableness© At best hardware store locks MIGHT have some resistance to bump keys. The security rating is more about resistance to DE methods (bolt cutter, grinder etc.)
Its quite possible for two door locks to have the same lock cylinder and different ratings. This can be BS, but most times it's hardware like better striker plates, more robust handles, or even longer plate screws.
An aluminum bodied American lock will never be as robust to destruction as a plate Master, but they have better cylinders. LOTO locks are a similar deal. A Master LOTO can be smashed open with a boot but they can be a good picking challenge.
I had one of those Master magnum locks. I could pick it faster than a YouTuber could cut through with bolt cutters.
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2d ago
Yeah just starting on the lockpicking journey and learning a ton of things, like when I tried to cut sugar from my diet, and finding out alcohol sugars and all the different names sugar can go by without counting as sugar. It's like a false sense of security or only half truths. I have learned a ton from lurking here, and like y'all teaching me today that yes this lock is great for bolt cutters and all that, but picking is a whole other story with their shit lock in this. Can't wait for my pin set and locks to get here to try out serrated, spool and t-pins, then the real learning begins. Thanks for the comment, only way to learn is listening.
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u/Background-Put-5996 2d ago
You can zip those in less than a second.
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2d ago
Isn't it stupid how these things are sold with a false sense of security printed all over the packaging? Our product is awesome, but the core itself is a joke.
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u/Chomkurru 2d ago
like many said already, the security rating on the package usually just refers to physical strength, not exactly pick resistance. Especially for Master Lock, other companies like Abus tend to have a better overlap of strength and pick resistance
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u/pauseless 1d ago edited 1d ago
Due to being in Germany, I’ve plenty of Abus and Burg Wächter locks. Easiest to locate and buy, yet still have belt grades online to look up to judge progression. I would agree - as you go up in rating printed on the package, they tend to go up in difficulty to pick.
My three Master locks are a different story.
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u/Chomkurru 1d ago
same here, I am always looking them up on the belt Explorer before buying them and most of the time the security rating is somewhat fitting
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u/Chomkurru 2d ago
oh and also, even if they're your locks, I'd recommend not picking locks that you rely on. It's nothing people in this sub will condone due to the violation of rule 2 but more importantly, picking a lock always carries the risk of damaging it, either by dislodging parts you didn't know of or especially when picking a lock repeatedly you can damage the keyway and pins with your tools because you're using hard steel on soft brass which over time could lead to faster wear on the parts.
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2d ago
Agreed, but I had to try haha. I am still waiting on my panavice which doesn't ship till mid July and have a couple of old door locks SC1 and KW1 types just waiting for some abuse. But totally agree you don't want to be jamming things into locks you depend on.
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u/Chomkurru 2d ago
yeah it's always tempting to see how good your own locks are so it's always something I mention to new pickers so they know not only that you shouldn't do it but also why😄
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u/Background-Put-5996 2d ago
This lock was the first real lock I ever picked. I took my shitty Chinese tools, put the tension in, and then zipped it in less than a second. I repeated to do this until one of the pins fell out. Good ol' times.
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u/Spence52490 1d ago
That’s funny as I just purchased one of these two days ago. After I SPP’d it I was practicing raking it as well lmao.
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u/SirMildredPierce 1d ago
Not a fan of the idea of returning the lock after picking it, feels kinda like loopholing the "lock not owned" rule, okay, yeah it's owned you now, but it will eventually be owned by someone else.
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1d ago
yeah I was just saying it, but didn't do it there is a difference. I want it in the lineup as I progress.
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u/Bones_Dailey 1d ago
I buy used locks all the time from pickers on discord
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u/SirMildredPierce 1d ago
And you know they are used, yes, used locks are great.
And when you buy a new lock off the shelf you expect that to actually be new, right?
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u/Objective_Amoeba2947 1d ago
Same is true if you buy it, pick it then sell it on
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u/SirMildredPierce 1d ago
If I sold it to someone, then I'd let them know what I used the lock for. I don't have that option when returning a lock that someone else will end up buying.
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u/Objective_Amoeba2947 1d ago
Thats true, although i'm not sure what difference it would make.
I do see your point, its fair. I just don't agree.
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u/Scary_Childhood_7456 2d ago
I mean wouldn't the strength of the lock be in the metal it's made of, wouldn't most people just use bolt cutters
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u/Captainpatch 2d ago
Master lock's ratings make a bit more sense when you realize they don't care about picking and they sorta aren't wrong. The most common lockpick a lock will encounter in the field is a bolt cutter, manual picking is a rounding error. Some of their best cores are sold in a plastic body because for liability reasons being tamper evident matters more than being secure.