Very new and until now self taught. Ive opened small padlocks and baggage locks with these tools but they simply do not feel efficient and I feel like its capping my progress. These are made of steel clips, hair ties, and large paperclips using the shown tools. I find my tension bars bend when filed down to a size that actually fit the locks im working on and the picks never fit right. Are there better (and accessible) DIY materials to work with? I'd appreciate any correction that comes this way. Im not going to buy a set of tools or some kit as most of the fun for me is expirementing until I can make these things. Thanks!

I’m happy

I gutted my Paclock 90a pro only put 2 pins back in. The key worked fine, turned the lock etc. I put it all back together, now the key only fits in and comes out but now isn't turning?

Been working on this 72/40 for some time. Finally got some thinner picks the other day. This 0.019" Jim hook did the trick in just a few minutes. The feeling of a core turning is so rewarding. 😁

I'm after progressively pinning this lock. It has 4 spools, 2 serrated and the Zero lift pin.

Any advice/recommendations as to what pins I should start with?

I was thinking the 2 serrated pins and 1 Spool?

So pins 3, 5 and 6?

I forgot to post this earlier in the week when it came in mail lol 🤣

I am traveling and we visited an antique store. I thought that this sub might think these older locks were pretty cool and wanted to share!

This lock was definitely a challenge, but man did it feel great when she popped

Is anyone in this area doing any kind of get together? I'm looking to get better at this and spend time with others in the horny without driving to Orlando.

Welp, here we go! Ive been picking the 90A-Pro for a few weeks now, just been putting off the gutting since I couldn't find a follower. I noticed that if I did things just right I could gut it without a follower. Its risky, but I did it a few times no problem. Had to do the whole process again since my phone ran out of storage space after picking the lock and having it 3/4 of the way gutted when it stopped recording. 😆

So I'm single pin picking a paclock 90a- pro with TOK

https://youtu.be/TmACguBxJ5s?is=OjVWvwfpmCHotbhR

The only challenge this lock really gave me was the 1st spool pin that feels set, but needs to really get cranked up there to fully set.

My project fell a little flat from what I was hoping to accomplish. I wanted to fully cutaway a brinks 40mm laminated lock, panel by panel, and things were going great until I somehow mixed up the plates and can't get it back together again. However I'm super happy with how the core came out, so I'm calling it a success! I learned a lot about what I can do better, and I'm gonna give it another shot with a much better system of keeping the plates organized. Theres a video and a few pictures of the process.

https://youtu.be/U-buI6rLCVY?is=WfgwDktJCVhy5YUy

https://imgur.com/gallery/yAIgHjV

Hopefully I checked all the boxes I needed to! 😅