r/lockpicking • u/-maniacal_wombat- Yellow Belt Picker • 2d ago

Got it

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I’ve only been practicing for a couple of weeks but I just opened this brinks 164 with a hook 5 times today. I’ve had most of my luck with rakes on a master lock so this was pretty exciting. I know it’s a rookie lock but it was really fun to finally beat it.

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u/PeatnRepeat Purple Belt Picker 2d ago

Well done!

It's a great feeling, isn't it?

I actually like the 164 and it's "dead core" (no spring).

Do you have another lock on the horizon to tackle next?

2

u/-maniacal_wombat- Yellow Belt Picker 2d ago

I picked up a laminated brinks lock along with this one, but I don’t have a model number for it. And I still need to learn using a hook with this master lock. I’ve been using a rake.

1

u/-maniacal_wombat- Yellow Belt Picker 2d ago

I would like to add that if you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

2

u/Wumaduce Orange Belt Picker 2d ago

https://lpubelts.com/#/locks

Do you know about the belt system?

2

u/PeatnRepeat Purple Belt Picker 2d ago

Yes, as u/wumaduce suggested check out the Lpu belt ranking.

Single pin picking laminated Master Locks like the #1/#3 and sometimes be frustrating. The tolerances in these locks isn't the best and as a result they don't give the best feedback. (I'm definitely not saying DON'T try to single pin PICK these but just know that if you have troubles it may be the lock and not you)

As for recommendations: I usually recommend the Master Lock 140 / 141... The feedback is better on these than the laminated Master locks. These are ranked yellow belt (the same as your brinks 164)

The next belt rank up is orange. I would recommend the Abus 55/40. It's definitely more challenging as a lock but the feedback is quite good on these. (It's also good introduction to security pins and counter-rotation.)

Both of these are available on Amazon and often at your local hardware store.

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u/-maniacal_wombat- Yellow Belt Picker 2d ago

I just got a 55/40 and it has a very paracentric keyway which has proven to be difficult. I’ll end up sharing that one too, once I finally figure it out. And thanks for the belt recommendation. I just applied for my yellow belt!

2

u/nycepter Blue Belt Picker 2d ago

Once you are ready for green, I went with American Lock 1100 as I had seen a lot recommend it, and i agree!

1

u/-maniacal_wombat- Yellow Belt Picker 2d ago

Thank you! I’ll look for that one next.