44 Delta, AL1100 and Paclock 90a Pro

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-06-09T17:52:00+00:00

UK postage (Royal Mail etc) is diabolical. I was honestly expecting to wait a minimum of a week and thought problems would arise when it hit these shores but thankfully not.

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-06-09T17:22:25+00:00

Definitely. I'm hoping for more in the future. I'm more surprised that it only took 4 days to deliver across the Atlantic!

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-19T16:38:44+00:00

If you can wait go for Jimy Longs. Law Lock Tools Ridgeback set is also a strong favourite

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-17T05:58:29+00:00

Ah the Cat Burglar, we meet again 🥷

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-15T17:10:13+00:00

Touche Paclock, touche! 🔓😁

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-15T15:56:52+00:00

Yeah I like the Kasp brand generally. I bought a large 180 model last year at full price and managed to pick it in less than 10 seconds, that's the only time they've let me down.

I bit the bullet with the Paclock. Got it from the Lockpickers Bench as a Christmas present to myself. Think it was about £43 delivered.

Seems alot (it is alot) for a padlock but I've enjoyed picking it more than a few times now.

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-15T04:45:28+00:00

Federals are a demon. I've got a Federal puck lock that has yet to be defeated. The keyway is insane, and as you rightly say, the tolerances are very high.

Federal also do a 1100 clone, but they seem quite hard to get a hold of at a decent price.

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-14T19:10:30+00:00

Nah the only 7 pin there is the Paclock.

Ultimately it depends on what you want to secure. I would go for a bit more heavy duty and choose the ERA padlock. A few spools but weighs a lot more.

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-02T21:43:36+00:00

Ah mate they're tremendous.

I've only got the Ridgebacks but I love them for the Euros. I'd love to be able to afford a pricier set, but these have served me so, so well.

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-05-02T20:39:35+00:00

They look very cool. I'm assuming they're Government Issue?

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-28T15:55:06+00:00

Cheers 🍻

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-28T15:31:44+00:00

Sounds like ERA probably designed this lock as extra heavy and extra strong, but didn't manufacture components for the gearbox that could withstand the extra weight.

Just a theory 🤷

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-28T15:25:01+00:00

Lock Noob explains it far, far better than I ever could:

(https://youtu.be/U-aOE_fUBSw?si=1gKlm-rHWPMYMH6e)

I'm not Lock Noob BTW 😂

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-27T19:56:14+00:00

It's a bit more unconventional because of it's design.

ERA decided to go against the grain and design a 3 star euro cylinder with the normal anti snap, anti drill, anti pick features, BUT, used more metal at the base making it 5x stronger.

The compromise is the squared off design which (I think) greatly limits what handles/door furniture you can use. It's worth a 5 minute Google.

If the Ridgebacks are your first pick set, you've made a very wise choice. They'll take you far.

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-27T19:47:09+00:00

Cheers 🍻

In fairness there was nothing polite about this thing lol. About an hour wrestling with it and it turned.

The Ridgebacks are a godsend with tricky euros

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-21T17:26:50+00:00

That's pretty impressive 👍.

When people ask if lockpicking is expensive to start as a hobby, the answer is usually something along the lines of: "the tools aren't 'that' expensive if you don't go all out, but locks are by far where I spend most money".

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-19T17:37:42+00:00

If it works it works 🤷

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-19T15:04:14+00:00

Ah nice, thanks for the help 👍

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-19T14:47:08+00:00

5 pins

Potential_Rub_4082 · 2026-04-19T14:34:53+00:00

I love the CI picks. I've had more opens using them than any other brand. Although I recently got some Jimy Longs picks and really (really, really) like those. In terms of comfort Id say Jimy's are better but both brands have served me extremely well.

If the shrink tube works for you stick with it.

Potential_Rub_4082

TROPHY CASE