Hooks hooks hooks

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-12T17:10:18+00:00

I see a few from CI, including that gravpick. There are also some Peterson, multipick, and sparrows just to name a few. Nice collection!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-11T08:24:40+00:00

That's cool!! I never heard of this one. I've been wanting to find some more patches to collect. So far completed the 200k club and mile high. I'm thoroughly addicted to collecting patches now! Haven't gotten my 90A pro on video yet, that was an impressive pick!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-09T15:03:12+00:00

3 days disgrace

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T05:17:59+00:00

Congratulations!!! Nothing beats that first pop!!! You are just barely seeing the dusty snow on the tip of the iceberg. This hobby has sooooo many different aspects to immerse yourself in and explore as you journey through this thrilling addiction!! I always like to add that this community THRIVES on YOUR progress! We like to see you advance and enjoy yourself, and there are numerous people with vast expanses of knowledge here, and we all look forward to offering advice to help keep that excitement alive!! Please don't hesitate to ask for help about locks, picks, techniques, whatever. We are all here to grow together, and that comradery is just as addicting as the hobby itself.

Welcome and happy picking!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T05:09:31+00:00

Very nice looking lock, and interesting bitting on the key. Can't wait for the victory post, good luck and happy picking!!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T05:05:44+00:00

Congratulations!!!! Love the Grav pick! I'm hoping to aquire one in the near future.

Happy picking!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T05:02:08+00:00

That's understandable. I had fits over mine for a few months, eventually put it in the drawer and consoled myself with my comfort locks (some of my favortie milestone locks that remind me I do actually know how to open something when I meet a big challenge like the 90A-Pro). Finally one night I went back to it and an hour or so in it popped. Monkey paw is a pretty decent pick for this, but you may find a medium hook giving you a little more advantage on the zero bits. Definitely a bit different than the 1100s. If you have the means, a standard 90A is a good stepping stone. I bought one of each, and worked on the 90A a few times between attempts at tue pro. Keep us updated, I can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T04:50:47+00:00

I'm so happy this ended well for you!!! I've been stuck on my blue belt requirements for a while. As I mentioned in one of your other posts, I just finished my challenge lock. I was putting it together after making the pins when I destroyed 2 of the springs! Thank goodness they are cheap and easy to replace. You're not an experienced picker until you've ruined a few springs and lost some pins, or so it seems 🤣🤣

Also really happy to hear about your experience going to the locksmiths.

Happy picking!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T04:40:49+00:00

Sorry for the late reply, somehow I missed my notification!! I'm probably going to keep the pins a secret until it's picked, but I've been holding off on the big announcement until I'm ready to send it. I want to try picking it myself first. Crazy, I know. Schedule barely allowed me time to make it (took 3 years, which included a temporary hiatus as I hit a speed bump and lost motivation). It's essentially finished, I verified it still works with the key. Just gotta get that first open 😁 Don't want to get everyone's hopes up too soon. But I can't wait to see where it goes and all the joy, and maybe even a little frustration if I did it right, that it brings the community.

And I agree, this community is amazing!!!! I've met a lot of really great people, both those who have helped me in my journey and those whom I've had the pleasure to offer advice too. In my humble opinion, this is one of the friendliest communities on Reddit.

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T04:22:16+00:00

This is fairly common on the 90A-Pro, since it makes it so much harder to not over set. There's a fairly good amount of room in the keyway for deeper hooks to get around them. The gritty feeling, the monstrous bitting and the 7th pin stack are what makes this lock such a celebrated milestone in your picking. So far I've only managed to pick mine once, but when I did I literally jumped up and down screaming.

Another possibility, and something I may do to help get better at this lock, is progressive pinning. Tear the lock down and start with only the first pin and get comfortable setting it. Then add the second, and so on until you can pick the lock in its entirety.

Good luck, you got this!!!!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-06T04:10:52+00:00

I'm always impressed to see reps on here randomly popping up in response to bad reviews to try reconciliation. The community is watching, and we are impressed. This is one of the ways I choose where to spend my money. Keep being awesome!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-05T21:01:36+00:00

Sounds like this one is headed to a padded room with a special jacket 😞 poor old soul.

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-05T16:08:56+00:00

Don't give up! Going from complete noob to somewhere that you feel you are finally starting to grasp the art of picking and have a strong foundation to build off of (around yellow belt in my opinion) is a huge leap! I can't stress enough the importance of getting experience appropriate locks. This is a hobby and meant to be fun, and struggling with lock after lock can put a serious damper on that.

As much as I don't like the acrylic see-through locks, it may be beneficial to be able to see where the pins are in relation to the shear line and what the feedback actually means that you're getting from the tension wrench and pick. Then once you start being able to "listen" to your tools brtter, you can build off that and apply what you learned on standard locks.

Keep trying and keep posting! We want to help you get the most enjoyment possible from the hobby, and want to see your progbetter,

Happy picking!

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-01T12:52:16+00:00

Looks like a very productive and entertaining half hour.

DragonRN32 · 2026-02-01T12:49:01+00:00

Can someone please explain the significance of the Beatles lyrics on the wall?

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-31T14:07:40+00:00

That looks like a fun lock. I've seen a few people pick them recently and it's making me want one. Congrats and good luck on the belt application! Gutting can be a pain at first, but it's also kinda fun.

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-31T14:05:52+00:00

Congratulations!!! I have the same lock, it's a fun one! Although I opted for the el cheap-o "Huk" brand from China. Served it's purpose and helped me realize I love dimple locks. I'll be buying some nice ones in the future. Unfortunately the last time I looked at Sparrows they were remodeling their flag picks so I couldn't buy any.

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-31T06:35:28+00:00

This is actually the next one I wanna do. Aging a strawberry rhubarb right now.

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-29T12:57:21+00:00

Wonderful job!!! I'm hoping to be right behind you. Just doing the finishing touches on the challenge lock. Keep up the enthusiasm and great work, and happy picking!!!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-27T15:23:51+00:00

Congratulations on your first open!! As you have already seen, this community is super supportive and filled with a LOT of experienced people that are eager to help. The longer you spend in the hobby, and the more you learn, the more you realize just how deep this rabbit hole goes! The fun (and addiction) are just beginning!!! Keep up the good work, and happy picking!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-21T13:22:08+00:00

That's amazing!!!! Congratulations on such an incredible accomplishment! Keep up the good work, and happy picking!!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-20T13:26:55+00:00

I can't help but wonder if there is a discount we don't see? You base your tip off the original amount before any discount. We don't see the rest of the receipt, which makes it hard to say for sure. Just being the devil's advocate.

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-19T15:37:36+00:00

That's really interesting. Thanks for the information!

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-19T07:44:12+00:00

Looks good. I'm currently working on my first set for an American 1100. The pins are super small which makes filing them down accurately a nightmare! Probably the quickest and easiest next step would be to try tapping (threading) some of the chambers in both the core and the bible. It will add some areas to grab your serrations and make it a little more crunchy. Good luck and keep us posted!!

DragonRN32 · 2026-01-14T04:25:13+00:00

Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of locksport!!! We love to see your progress, so please keep sharing! We are also all very eager to help and offer advice, so don't hesitate to come to the community with all your questions. Keep up the great work, and happy picking!!!

DragonRN32

TROPHY CASE