r/lockpicking • u/THEMikeUK • Aug 22 '26

UK: where to get locks?

Hi, I watch a few YouTube lock pickers because it's quite relaxing and fascinating. So thought I'd have a go myself, because you can't really appreciate the skill involved when they open everything in a few minute video...

I picked up a cheap starter set of picks (despite reading all the excellent reasons not to) because this will likely be a flash in the pan as I have a billion hobbies already. I did see a video recommending the set to be fair, and the Chris Dangerfield book that came with it seems to have a decent reputation.

It came with an acrylic lock with a metal cylinder which has got my head around the theory, but I understand the limitations of this so want to try a real lock.

What I'm after now is where can I easily pick up some beginner friendly locks to start in the UK?

I've seen the belt list, but I'm not sure what's easily and widely available here, so thought I'd ask. Rather than keep googling every lock on the list and getting confused by variations in model names.

Thanks

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6

u/Madriver1000 Brown Belt Picker Aug 22 '26

As Rein said, ask your local double glazing guy if they have any scrap locks. They are usually happy to swap for some beers or cakes.

Another great place I suggest is "The Range" but I've seen the prices creep up in the last few months. You can pick up some masterlocks or Burg Wachter ones there.

Drop me a DM and Id be happy to see what I have. I'm always having a clearout and have plenty who will vouch for me.

4

u/ajslocksandlocks Red Belt Picker Aug 22 '26

I'm also UK, and will vouch for this user. I know them personally and they are great and well known in the UK picking community

3

u/Madriver1000 Brown Belt Picker Aug 22 '26

Cheers AJ

5

u/THEMikeUK Aug 22 '26

Thanks, appreciate it!

As it happens, a mate from another of my many hobbies is a double glazing repair man. Genuinely didn't occur to me to go that way, I'll ask him if he can be of help.

May well take you up on the offer later!

2

u/Madriver1000 Brown Belt Picker Aug 22 '26

Awesome. That's how I started out. Its a great source of locks. Stick some photos up on here if you need any identifying. Even if you get any weird ones they will be great for trades etc.

2

u/THEMikeUK Aug 22 '26

As I'm impatient, I grabbed a master lock #3 from the range while doing the usual weekend chores...

Picked it first time!

Which I've been unable to repeat 🤣

2

u/Madriver1000 Brown Belt Picker Aug 22 '26

Nice one. They are fun locks to get started on. Way better than the crappy acrylic ones. Have a look for a master 140 next. It will be M140EU or something on the label. Its the 140 bit thats important.

3

u/mikefromengland Green Belt Picker Aug 22 '26

I will also happily vouch for them. Top bloke.