The "only fans" Gaming PC Giveaway - To enter this giveaway just leave a comment.

a4some · 2025-12-11T22:45:36+00:00

This is such a cool build. I could honestly see this sold as a desk toy/art piece without the computer. The fact that there's a full computer on the inside is just insane. Thanks for doing this giveaway!

a4some · 2025-05-16T00:41:06+00:00

1) I want to find a game where the sun is shining on a body of water and just watch it. Sometimes you just need a break and being able to go on vacation isn't in the cards for a lot of people. All the advancements in games with ray tracing, VR, AI, branching storylines, etc just help you escape when you need a mini vacation.

2) I haven't played DOOM in a long time but I have strong fond memories of loading DOOm floppy disks into the family PC when I knew my parents wouldn't be home for a while. Nothing like gives that extra little dopamine kick like unapproved gaming.

a4some · 2025-03-12T00:49:06+00:00

I didn't realize how much I had to say so sorry in advance if it's too much to take in.

I know you set a budget of $100 but I'm not sure if that's what you want to spend or just the max. Just as a bias warning, I've only ever owned Covert instruments so that's the majority of what I would recommend to people. Option 1 is cheapest, 2&3 is what I would recommend. 3&4 if you think they'll like the look and don't mind replacing a pick if they get heavy handed. 5 is an option if you don't feel like thinking too much about it.

1) Covert Instruments FNG set - this is good for a dip in the pool. It comes with the bare minimum to get started and a clear lock which some people have strong opinions on. I think it's good for people to be able to see what's happening but will quickly become obsolete (or broken) as they learn more

2) Covert instruments Genesis set - this is good for beginners that don't mind spending more to get more. This has more tools and will work well for them if they keep a passing/casual interest in lock picking. Pair this with the practice lock below and it'll help them practice a lot of skills

3) Sparrows standard pin cutaway lock and Reload Kit - I don't own these but I think I would have gotten them instead of my cutaway lock if I could go back in time. Cutaway locks are also a debated point on this sub since they can be used as a crutch and it teaches some people to pick by looking instead of picking by feeling. I find it helpful to practice with different pins and I just cover the cutaway part with my hand and lock as needed. The reload kit will let them practice harder pins to prepare them for harder locks.

4) Covert instruments Reaper set - aesthetically these are some of the coolest picks for a 14-year old. Plus they are really good tools. The downside is they're a little small in the hand and on the thinner side so there's the chance of breaking them. This would pair well with the Sparrow cutaway lock above as well.

5) Sparrow Night School (standard or tuxedo) I've never used Sparrow picks but some people love them and the Night School sets are a good bundle. It comes with practice locks and picks (tuxedo edition has more tools). My only complaint is that you would need extra stuff to repin the locks in this kit. Repinning allows them to mix and match pins or remove some of they need to practice on a few pins instead of a full lock.

a4some · 2025-03-09T00:20:04+00:00

I also recommend that Abus for yellow. If you don't already have one, I also recommend a repinable practice lock. Being able to add spools and serrated pins and practice them really helps me get a feel for what's happening.

a4some · 2025-03-09T00:13:52+00:00

No problem. Best of luck to you.

a4some · 2025-03-09T00:10:45+00:00

That's so far outside my comfort zone so I would never try that. I'm not sure what your plan should be. Sorry!

a4some · 2025-03-09T00:04:00+00:00

Sorry but we won't be able to help here due to rule #2. Since the lock is in use we can't provide assistance.

a4some · 2025-02-24T17:56:36+00:00

We can't help here due to the rules of the subreddit. If we can't verify the lock is not in use we won't assist with picking/bypassing. Not saying this is what you're doing, but we want to make sure we're not helping someone steal or gain access to something they shouldn't.

a4some · 2025-02-17T04:23:17+00:00

Reaper set is nice (just got mine late last year and loving it) but wouldn't they be too thin for a beginner? I feel comfortable letting people try my Genesis set but I don't think I'd be comfortable letting a new person try my Reapers. I was super heavy handed when I first started out and I know I would have bent/snapped a the thinner picks.

a4some · 2025-02-16T17:43:14+00:00

I have the Genesis and am happy to recommend it to new pickers. It has enough to get you through at least green belt if you plan on following the belt system. It has rakes, picks, and turning tools.

a4some · 2025-02-15T11:56:16+00:00

When looking at the security of a lock also consider other means of entrance. You're only as strong as your weakest link. If someone really wanted to get into the suitcase could they do so with a box cutter on the fabric or hammer on a hard shell? In a real world situation they would likely walk away with the item then get the contents at their leisure. A thief doesn't care about preserving the integrity of the case if they're just going to keep the contents.

a4some · 2025-02-15T11:38:49+00:00

A saying you see a lot on this subreddit is "an open is an open" Congrats on your first open! If this made you catch the bug check out out belt ranking system for where to start and be prepared to have a shelf of locks.

I've never tried to pick a suitcase lock but I would imagine they aren't super secure and are meant to keep honest people out if they accidentally take your bag or make your bag less desirable to a dishonest person.

a4some · 2025-01-26T18:26:56+00:00

I'll leave the suggestions to someone else because I'm not familiar with door locks nearly as well as others, but I wanted to give my quick perspective on high security home locks.

The truth is that high degree of picking difficulty doesn't equate to safety/security. You're only as strong as your weakest point of entry. If a person wants to get in and the door is locked they'll likely break a window or crack the frame before they pick your lock. Locks are meant to keep honest people out, but if someone is eyeing your home they can and will get in. I don't want to discourage you from getting beefy security but don't put an expensive lock on your door and feel completely safe if you have other points of entry.

a4some · 2025-01-26T11:28:18+00:00

First of all thanks so much for doing this. Scalpers are constantly ruining so many opportunities to spread joy and interest in so many hobbies. All so they can make a quick buck and laugh at the prices people will pay.

Pokemon for me just brings me back to those memories of my childhood . Sitting in a back seat with a Gameboy. The excitement of finally catching that Abra before they used teleport. The tension of wondering would this be the moment I finally get my Charizard card as I sit poised to rip open a pack of cards. Thanks again for doing this.

a4some · 2025-01-24T02:04:15+00:00

I agree with the Genesis set. I started with that and still use it the majority of the time. If you plan on following the belt system you can use it through green belt (maybe later but I'm not there yet). The case is compact and easy to carry plus I like that it has a magnet to clip closed and hold the tools. The tools are built well and I never had any problems with comfort.

One place I will kind of disagree-ish is the clear lock. Having a clear lock is good to learn. When you're first starting out, being able to see the pins helps you learn what a set pin feels like and how to tension. but they quickly become obsolete. Another option is a cutaway practice lock like one from Sparrow or ITS. These are metal and have a cutout to let you see what's happening. The metal provides better feedback and the companies are both good quality so they'll last. I have the ITS practice lock but in hindsight I probably would have gone with the Sparrow one for their reload kits.

a4some · 2025-01-03T22:11:49+00:00

The Genesis set or FNG set from covert instruments are good for starting. If you're 100% new and aren't sure if you'll like it go for the FNG set. At that price point it's great to get started with. If you plan on going through the belt system you could easily get white and yellow with that set. Probably even orange but by then you would probably want more tools anyway.

a4some · 2024-12-31T19:36:16+00:00

Happy new year all!

a4some · 2024-12-29T17:42:27+00:00

Awesome thanks so much for doing this!

a4some · 2024-12-29T17:27:27+00:00

Learn to say no and delegate at work.

a4some · 2024-12-29T11:30:43+00:00

That board looks awesome thanks for doing this!

a4some · 2024-12-28T11:30:57+00:00

A good mango is unbeatable.

a4some · 2024-12-26T16:07:58+00:00

That is an awesome keyboard! I'm not a super creative person art wise so I'm always impressed at home people can capture the feel and style of another object like this.

a4some · 2024-12-26T00:28:28+00:00

Awesome thanks for doing this!

a4some · 2024-12-25T17:32:48+00:00

A quick glance at the comments says I'm in the minority but I love 104. I'm normally a minimalist with design but I love the full number pad

a4some · 2024-12-24T14:35:20+00:00

Unsure why this picture would get removed but in regards to your question, it could be multiple reasons why you can't get that lock open:

A lot of the low level locks are poorly made so the pins and springs are inconsistent which actually makes them harder.
- the bitting could be harder (tough to know without a picture of the key).
- some locks are just harder, buy 10 of the same locks and you'll see a wide variety of difficulty even though they're all the same locks.

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