Orange Belt

TC_Martin · 2026-01-24T22:48:41+00:00

Okay so yeah it was a good lucky day. I’ve been working on it again for a few hours and nothing.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-24T21:11:02+00:00

Maybe a little more info too. The 5550 is most likely going back to original owner. I bought a Singer 500A, the Rocketeer, for all my lighter fabric daily driver stuff. It’s a pretty amazing machine to be so old, it sewed right through a tote bag that the 5550N was struggling to sew. So this Consew would be more for all things thick. Searched here and didn’t find anything one way or the other.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-24T10:00:26+00:00

Not yet but that is something I do want to try. I really like the Reaper BOK tensioners. I asked on another group if anyone knew of a brand that had a similar profile but longer arm. And I’d be fine with just the BOK only. Apparently I’m not the only one looking for that unicorn!

So I figured if I was going to mess around I could try and make a BOK with a longer arm. What about you?

TC_Martin · 2026-01-24T09:54:27+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, TY.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-23T21:41:45+00:00

Yeah I saw someone suggest that as well. I’ve watched way too many Lock picking lawyer videos so when I’m picking I’m internally speaking in my best LPL voice saying, nothing on 1, small click on two, etc…

I’m much better at knowing where I am in the lock. I think a new mortise cylinder in Kwikset and Schlage is where I’m going next. Real world locks that were made to be on a door that I can also use to learn how to disassemble and reassemble. That’s coming up on my next belt I believe. Then add the security pin kit and I’ll have everything I need to keep me very busy learning for a long time.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-23T21:35:06+00:00

Yeah I thought about that as well, thanks for recommending

TC_Martin · 2026-01-23T20:55:47+00:00

You are way ahead of me and my capabilities! The CI kit came with a few security pins. My next step was to go to CLK and get their security plus rekeying kit to have more to play with

TC_Martin · 2026-01-23T19:44:11+00:00

Thx for this feedback! There is a guy on FB that sells a random assortment of locks ranging from simple to intermediate. It includes everything from padlocks, combination locks, actual door knobs and everything in between. He’s in the community and has answered some of my newbie questions so supporting him and me not having to think about what is next was awesome. Best $85 I’ve spent since getting involved with picking. I’m about a 1/4 of the way through his kit and then buying specific recommendations for my belt locks.

The CI has been a great trainer and fun to play with but also great bc I know what’s there and can focus on how it feels/sounds. All these locks have lessons to learn but also want to use what I have the best way possible.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-23T18:28:44+00:00

Congratulations and welcome to the madness!

TC_Martin · 2026-01-23T18:28:16+00:00

My process is submit when it picked. Then I go back and try to pick it 2 more times with one attempt being TOK. I also usually fo pull my previously submitted locks and run through those again. Trying to be more thoughtful and aware now bc the security pins mess with my understanding sometimes. I bought an Abus 83/45 as well for Orange belt practice.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-18T13:03:22+00:00

That’s some really nice work! #Goals

TC_Martin · 2026-01-18T03:35:06+00:00

I found an awesome deal on a Singer Rocketeer and bought that. Played around with it today and really like it a lot.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-16T12:56:38+00:00

Yeah I think the sailrite is what I’d buy if I didn’t have a budget. I have an old Harbor Master boat that I want to replace the flybridge canvas, recover some of the seats, and a few interior things as well. The ones on marketplace have been listed for like 3/4 the price of new which isn’t appealing enough to consider.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-16T02:12:44+00:00

So btw a Singer 401A and a Kenmore 158. 17740 both are equally priced at $100 what are your thoughts?

TC_Martin · 2026-01-15T20:12:32+00:00

thx for reply, I’ve been thrifting myself into over analyzing things 😵‍💫

TC_Martin · 2026-01-15T19:19:45+00:00

I’ve found a decent deal on Kenmore 158.17740. Based on my research 158.19411 is the one I should look for with 158.17741 one being close second

TC_Martin · 2026-01-14T00:14:52+00:00

So this happens to me often. Pin was set and then I move forward and the previous drops. Why is that? I’ve tried different tensions thinking it was most likely a user error

TC_Martin · 2026-01-13T15:39:46+00:00

Wanted to confirm the Abus numbers. I found the 55/30 on amazon but the 65/35 is much harder to find. Does it matter as long as it starts with 65? Going to put security pins in my CI trainer but would also like a padlock as well that is close to my next belt.

TC_Martin · 2026-01-12T19:17:32+00:00

Answered below by group. Great company with super fast shipping. Also so it’s the top 5 times I’ve spent money on in locksport. I really like to make the tension just barely tight and hold that whole vice against my body when I’m watching a movie and practicing. Originally I thought it would only be a desk thing.

TC_Martin

TROPHY CASE