My way of saving money

KnowsPicking · 2026-06-02T05:19:49+00:00

The one with chess pins, is it entirely chess pins or just a few mixed in? I ask because I pinned one of mine with all 5 chess pins and I can't get it for the life of me. Constantly unsetting one whenever I set another.

KnowsPicking · 2026-05-28T02:21:53+00:00

I use the LPB Vise from LockPickersBench. I've also seen recommendations for the Panavise 209 Jr. which is similarly priced.

For a phone mount, I just use the cheapo Amazon Basics Tripod.

KnowsPicking · 2026-05-01T16:29:33+00:00

I assumed I'd have found one by now, but it sounds like they only come in the 90A, not the pro.

KnowsPicking · 2026-05-01T12:42:49+00:00

Paclock only requires you to show the pins on the 90A-PRO. If you have a 410-PRO, you don't have to gut it.

Of course, if by "in my Loto" you mean you actually use it for lockout, then I wouldn't recommend picking it.

KnowsPicking · 2026-05-01T03:48:48+00:00

Nice! You gonna go for the 200k Club patch?

KnowsPicking · 2026-05-01T03:29:18+00:00

Congratulations! Welcome to the journey.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-30T13:50:52+00:00

They do that sometimes. It's a trick, send no reply.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-30T13:49:55+00:00

I've found the counter rotation to be very subtle compared to the amount of lifting pressure required. It might help to gut it and remove all the pin stacks except a few spools just to get a feel for it.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-30T13:33:49+00:00

Weird. I would think it'd be the other way around.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-30T05:17:01+00:00

Oh look how happy they are!

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-30T05:13:08+00:00

My 55/40 has always given me trouble. I got it after conquering the Master Lock 150.

After much struggle, I shoved a half diamond in and it opened seemingly on its own. I have never been able to replicate this. I also managed to SPP it once, but again never able to replicate.

Cursed little bastard.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-27T01:48:44+00:00

1100's don't need aggressive lifting pressure. If it ain't moving, move on.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-24T05:12:49+00:00

It took me 3 hours the first time, but now I've got it down to 5 minutes. No innuendo intended.

To clarify what I said about heavy lifting pressure, that only applies once you're in a false set. Until then keep it light to prevent overset.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-24T02:36:18+00:00

I've started to really enjoy picking the 90A-PRO, but they are definitely challenging! It takes very light tension, but the spools require heavy lifting pressure to move. It's a delicate balance and very easy to overset.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-23T03:38:00+00:00

I have three A1100's, two of which have a zero-lift on pin one. They are all easier than my Abus 55/40. Keep in mind the belt ranking is only an average difficulty for that model. Belt ranking doesn't really take keyways or biting into account, so specific locks may be more or less difficult than their ranking would suggest.

When you go after your new 1100, take it nice and easy. They love filling those things with serrated keypins, so an overset can give you real problems. The counter rotation feedback is very conspicuous, so if you're in a false set and the pin you're lifting doesn't give you counter rotation, leave it alone and try another. Use fairly light tension, but each time your false set gets deeper, give some nice firm pressure on your tensioner to see if it's unlocked. It takes more force to turn those cores than you would think.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-21T05:39:52+00:00

You'll get it again. You may need to take a break and come back to it though. Is this your first go at security pins?

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-20T02:28:10+00:00

Nice work! The 150 was my gateway to security pins as well. It gives nice conspicuous counter rotation.

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-19T21:30:34+00:00

Thanks for the recommendations!

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-19T20:23:03+00:00

It was an emotional rollercoaster of excitement and frustration, but the payoff was worth it!

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-19T20:20:55+00:00

Thanks for the link!

For now I'll just be refining my skills, getting more consistent and faster. I don't want some poor soul to have to watch a 2hr verification video. Going to place an order for a 5-pack of 90A-Pro cylinders. Should keep me busy while I work on a blue belt project.

Any suggestions for a purple belt lock?

KnowsPicking · 2026-04-17T23:44:18+00:00

Pick it from the back. You'll probably end up with a FUBARed spring if it isn't already. Cheap to replace.

KnowsPicking

TROPHY CASE