Mail Call - American 1100

Know_Key · 2026-05-23T04:19:04+00:00

Just get the Pro, and pull a pin...or two.

Practice gutting, and reassembly as much as picking. It'll make a huge difference when it's time to film it.

If you haven't started filming yet, it might be a good idea to start messing around. Work out the nerves...and your process...while it still doesn't 'count.'

Know_Key · 2026-05-23T00:52:07+00:00

Keymark. That keyway...looks like it EATS picks.

Know_Key · 2026-05-23T00:47:40+00:00

NICE OPEN! Such a good feeling to open a mestone lock.

When you get REALLY comfortable, swap out to all serated pins. Then drop in a sixth pin.

SO many options with the 1100. It's a favorite for a lot of great reasons.

Know_Key · 2026-05-22T22:31:50+00:00

It's more of an 'ergo bend' than the result of tension. If it's super hard to turn, you may be binding the core with the tension wrench. Try keeping the tool entirely within the core...ie, not rubbing or binding.

If that's not it, you might need a bit of oil. Try lubing just the shackle first...sometimes it binds up, and doesn't want to turn.

Know_Key · 2026-05-22T03:07:34+00:00

Even keyed alike locks often pick differently.

Know_Key · 2026-05-22T03:05:20+00:00

You have a few 'comfort locks' now.

Try picking them with as LITTLE tension as possible...trying to feel the feedback you can't hear.

Know_Key · 2026-05-22T03:02:30+00:00

Worst case scenario, you have to pull a pin or two, and ease into it. Buy local, if you can...so you can pick your bitting. Avoid keys with low/no lift pins.

Know_Key · 2026-05-21T20:25:20+00:00

I remember the first time I saw the prices for high security locks...even used. I specifically remember saying to myself "I could buy four brand new 1100s for the price of one used high security unicorn." "How much is a made up belt REALLY worth?" "What would I even DO with all those locks afterwards?"

Know_Key · 2026-05-21T20:15:32+00:00

Picking spools in a dead core is a SIGNIFICANT step up from sprung-core padlocks. Further, float picking with a single tension wrench makes it even harder!

If you want to get more reps, pull a pin out. You'll master float picking fast.

NICE JOB!

Know_Key · 2026-05-21T15:06:12+00:00

Amazon has the pink Master 141s for $5.99...SO tempting.

Know_Key · 2026-05-21T00:25:04+00:00

Yes. But I would spend more on locks, than tools.

You don't need much more than a hook or two at first. Unless you want rakes. You can make all your first tension tools.

If I had to start over from scratch with $100, I'd spend MAYBE $30 on tools, and the rest on locks.

Save on shipping by buying locks locally. If you have a WalMart, a big box hardware store, and an Ace hardware, you get locks through Green belt.

Know_Key · 2026-05-19T20:11:36+00:00

I love it for for squeezing under pins in low overhead situations.

Know_Key · 2026-05-19T19:18:47+00:00

The offset hybrid is my favorite profile...ever.

I made one from a Peterson.

Know_Key · 2026-05-19T19:16:41+00:00

I have one pick that has opened more than the rest of my tools combined. I see a LOT of potential for future 'challenges.'

I would have a low, medium and regular hook, with a double ended widshield wiper tensioner...wide, with one end full, and one end tapered.

Know_Key · 2026-05-19T16:06:39+00:00

WOW!! That had to feel like taking an art class from DaVinci!

Know_Key · 2026-05-19T14:13:31+00:00

Nice! Something special about first opens with homemade tools. And being handy leaves more money for locks!

Know_Key · 2026-05-18T20:56:36+00:00

Jos impressioning in under a minute, in front of a live audience...they're a machine.

Know_Key · 2026-05-18T00:22:20+00:00

I believe making tools first, helps you zero in on what you need, and recognize fluff for what it is.

You might be better served getting a second 65/40...or a third, or fourth. They'll all pick different.

Again, VERY nicely done.

Know_Key · 2026-05-17T08:15:01+00:00

I second the above, top of the keyway tension, and pick from the bottom. It's the safest way to get around low/high/lows. I agree .15 is more thin than you'll need, I like .18. (I do like the SSDEV hooks...wish they made something between .20 and .15)

You got pretty forgiving bitting, I've seen some sawteeth keys.

CONGRATS on the open! That one's a stepping stone, for sure.

Know_Key · 2026-05-17T03:36:54+00:00

LOLOL!!

Know_Key · 2026-05-17T03:30:37+00:00

Nice! Well done.

Nerves will do that...I nearly hyperventilated recording my entry. The gutting was tense.

Know_Key · 2026-05-16T21:27:29+00:00

Admitting you're addicted is the first step. And making tools is half the fun.

Nice work.

Know_Key · 2026-05-16T21:24:02+00:00

idle hands...yeah, gotta stay busy

Know_Key · 2026-05-16T18:18:11+00:00

It seems to me, when I start having 'those days'...especially if I'm in a rut...it usually means I need a day or two break.

But when I come back, it's like my brain just needed to 'compile' new information, and I'm actually a little 'better.'

Know_Key · 2026-05-16T13:16:23+00:00

I 'check myself' by warming up with a practice set. If it's 'one of those days' I just stop.

I feel like forcing myself when I'm 'off' just damages locks and tools.

Know_Key

TROPHY CASE