Practice Locks for Lock Picking
Practice locks are special locks that have features to accelerate your lock pick learning. You often get a clear look at the pins inside the lock, the lock mechanism will be more visible, and you can test your skills against progressively more difficult practice locks. If you want to learn how to pick locks, a practice lock will help you improve much faster!
Clear Locks
Clear locks are commonly see-through plastic locks that reveal the mechanism of the lock in action as you initially insert a key into the keyhole and turn the lock plug. In the case of the most common pin cylinder locks, you'll see and understand how the pins all meet along the exact same level of the shearline, and see the rotation of the mechanism as the unlock and opening occurs. You'll learn to mimic this with the action of the lock pick, unravelling the mystery of every lock in your house!
Cutaway Locks
Cutaway locks are usually real locks that have been expertly cut away to expose the pins and springs, allowing you to see what's happening when you insert the key or your lock picks. Clear locks are fully formed, but again, allow you to see what's happening inside as you learn to pick - helping you visualize your actions and helping you gauge your efforts more exactly.
Progressive Locks
Progressive and metal locks we offer will improve your picking through practice on lock varieties of an intermediate to high level. There is no quicker way to understand the process required to pick a lock than a clear lock, cutaway lock or metal lock.
How to Better Learn and Improve your Lock Picking
Some of our practice locks are neither cutaway or clear, rather they offer the lock picker an 'easier' real lock to start on (often with fewer pins inside than a normal 6 or 7 pin cylinder lock). Many people ask me how to pick a door lock, and yet I would advise NOT picking locks in actual use unless you have to. Damage is rare, but a practice lock saves you taking the risk. Learning the correct amount of pressure and tension to apply, starting to 'feel' the pins in the lock, and practise holding the lock are all important skills learned through experience.
If you want to know how to pick a lock, this is a great place to start. A clear or cutaway lock and a set of lock picks and you're off.
We also have some great Dimple practice locks and progressive skill metal locks if you're feeling more advanced!
Frequently Asked Questions on Lock Pick Sets
Some common lock pick how-to questions and why lock pick sets are awesome:
How do you practice lock picking?
Knowing how to lock pick is an underrated skill. You never know when you’ll need to pick padlocks! Here’s a quick and simple guide on how lockpicking works:
Know Your Tools
Identify the basic tools you’ll need in lockpicking. Here are the two most important ones:
- Tension Wrench / Turning Tool - An L-shaped piece of metal. These come in different variants. Get a high-quality one to get the best out of this tool.
- Feeler Picks - These are picks used to gauge the pins inside a given padlock. Again, go for a high-quality variant to get the most out of this tool.
Practice with a Set of Locks
The reason why practice sets exist is for you to safely learn this skill without breaking apart different locks. An efficient set is one that will give you a good variety of locks to pick.
What is the best lockpicking set?
The best set available offers not only high-quality tools, but also a great learning curve in knowing how to unlock. Here are three of our most popular sets from our collection:
Clear Practice Padlock with Visible Mechanism - Ideal for Lock Pick Training
Pick locks with ease and safety. The clear casing gives you a great view on how pins are engaged. This also works as a conventional padlock!
Dangerfield Training Practice Locks for Lock Pickers, Set of Three
Improve your lockpicking skill with this set. Comes with three difficulty levels to help you unlock certain configurations.
Lokko Clear Lock Pick Training Padlock Blue : Medium Difficulty
Learn how spool pins work with this set. The clear casing allows you to see your progress in unlocking this padlock!
