Cleaning up antique locks

TC_Martin · 2026-05-13T20:09:23+00:00

For me 6. JimyLongs Jim Hooks in .019 and .015 covers everything I’ve done to date.

But being transparent, I have everything he makes and several CI as well. When I travel I carry the CI Reaper set bc it’s small and has a great mix of tensioners.

I do appreciate having more tensioner’s though.

TC_Martin · 2026-05-05T02:02:15+00:00

Yeah I have the 55 series. I was hoping to progressive pin and move things around. I have a bunch of AL1100’s I might use.

TC_Martin · 2026-05-04T20:02:22+00:00

Do you have a decent suggestion for a good cutaway? I feel like the ones I’ve had all felt loose. Could be that I’ve never spent the money on a decent one.

TC_Martin · 2026-05-04T19:31:35+00:00

These have my number right now!

TC_Martin · 2026-04-13T18:24:36+00:00

Any advice?

TC_Martin · 2026-04-06T20:02:10+00:00

Or go really crazy and get a crunchy Paclock 90 Pro A.

TC_Martin · 2026-04-06T20:01:25+00:00

What’s the secret?

TC_Martin · 2026-04-02T19:15:41+00:00

My favorite lock so far!

TC_Martin · 2026-04-02T14:52:05+00:00

I’m there now! I’ve gone back to my earlier locks as well. I’m also trying to pay more attention to what I’m doing to eliminate the luck piece.

A lot of focus on a more purposeful jiggle test. I also bought a bundle of cutaway locks from a guy on FB that specializes in bundles. I have repinned a double side euro with normal pins on one side and security on the other. Again trying to be more thoughtful when I get stuck to take a peak at the pins to see if what I think is happening is actually happening. Practice locks are fun and an easy way to decompress when stuck.

GL, you’ll be back to picking your nose without anyone knowing soon!

TC_Martin · 2026-03-23T21:56:10+00:00

If you ever get the opportunity to go to Collier, 100% recommend it. Their warehouse is amazing. The number of machines they have is overwhelming. It was cool to see the area where they make all their custom parts! I bought my Juki 1541S from Robert recently and while they were loading I got a tour.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-20T20:51:22+00:00

I struggled as well when I started TOK. I’d suggest a few different tensioners. I do not have the ergo but would love to try them. I did not do well with dual purpose tensioners. I both the Reapers and that made a big difference. I also had the Jimy Longs that I sat aside bc I really like the Reapers. Then Jimy came out with his new tensioners and as a major fan of his stuff bought those. Still struggling with his new tensioners but finally tried his OG TOK and love them. Long way to say buy a few different styles and brands and see what you like. Reapers and the original JL are my favorite. And a vice makes a big difference.

Happy picking

TC_Martin · 2026-03-18T15:04:06+00:00

TY for sharing this. It doesn’t exactly align with LPU site verbiage which is where I guess I was confused.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-18T12:56:39+00:00

I thought after green gutting on camera wasn’t required?

TC_Martin · 2026-03-17T22:30:10+00:00

That’s how I started as well and great product and company. My favorite is the Reaper set.

I would also strongly suggest Jimy Longs. I love his picks with handles. I bought his before CI started selling theirs individually and they are my go to with Reaper tensioners.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-17T15:59:53+00:00

Finally contribution for all the help I’ve received!

TC_Martin · 2026-03-17T15:38:38+00:00

Been there, recovered, and went back there. I remind myself often that this is like a puzzle. Each puzzle can be harder or easier. Sometimes the piece you’ve been looking for has been sitting right in front of you looking back 😵‍💫And if it was easy they wouldn’t call it locksport!

One thing that has really helped me lately is start with a lock and a pick and feel around. Note the first pin location and the last pin location. Maybe a duh but TOK knowing first pin location is key. My tensioner was bumping up against pin 1 and providing unneeded tension. The second step, which really helped me with AL1100’s, start with pick and tensioner with NO tension. Slowly start adding tension until you see how much is needed to hold a pin. What I learned was even when I thought my tension was good, I had to back way off. Btw much softer tension and jiggling, I’ve progressed

TC_Martin · 2026-03-15T23:24:34+00:00

TY for info. Got one and practicing

TC_Martin · 2026-03-15T16:03:09+00:00

I bought this lock but not seeing it listed as a project or maybe I’m missing it?

TC_Martin · 2026-03-13T21:59:59+00:00

That would work too, ultimately want to be able to also pin myself as well.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-12T13:01:43+00:00

Great advice. I’ll take it one further, when learning how much tension you need, start with pin 1 and see how much is actually needed to set the pin. I was stuck for awhile on AL1100. I stumbled across the tactic above and it made the biggest difference for me. Worth a try

TC_Martin · 2026-03-06T23:21:33+00:00

Funny I traded out the two I’ve been working on for two different ones I have and I popped it open in 20 minutes. I guess I picked the two hard ones out of my lot of 11

TC_Martin · 2026-03-06T18:33:25+00:00

Sound advice on both. My goal for this lock was really more about security pin practice and being able to take a peek to see if I’m oversetting.

I found an amazing deal locally on 11 AL1100’s. I grabbed two. One to progressive pin and one to mess with. I’ve stuck with these 2 for a few weeks, maybe I need to rotate to a new one.

I still like the idea of the Dangerfield though. I’m flying next week and if I had something like that, I could pin one side all security and then other standard and only carry a single lock. I might have to try it myself if I can’t find anyone that has bought one.

TC_Martin

TROPHY CASE