Gutted my yellow American Lock 1100

At first glance, this 1100 does not appear as though it should be any more difficult to pick than the blue one I was working on earlier but it has proven to be a challenge for me. Normally, I would wait until I could pick the lock 3 times. Worked on trying to pick it, on and off, for about two weeks when I threw in the towel and decided to gut it. It has what you would expect:

  • Three standard key pins
  • Two serrated key pins
  • Two serrated spool drivers
  • Three serrated drivers

I will start progressive pinning it and work it like I did the blue one. Here we go!

Gutted, absolutely

My blue American Lock 1100 spilled its guts

Finally got the blue 1100 opened a few times, so felt it was time to open her up. Now I know why this thing kicked my butt for two weeks. Of the key pins, four were serrated. The driver pins? Well, the first one was a serrated spool and the rest were serrated pins. All those serrations were a royal pain for this newb. Now that I got it opened up, I’m going to start progressive pinning it. Starting with the first pin stack then eventually adding more on until I get them all back in. Then it’ll be time to move on to my yellow 1100!

Classic Blunder: Be Aware of your surroundings

Make sure you keep an eye on that core!

So….made a slight mistake. Got a little ahead of myself while messing around with one of my newest additions to the collection, an American 1100. Well curiosity got the best of me and I decided to pull the core out and have a look. In my haste, I completely missed that I had pulled the key and somehow managed to rotate the plug and out came the key pins! Kinda forced myself into gutting a lock. Now I just gotta wait for my new pin tweezers and follower so I can put it back to gether. Look before you leap, folks!

Unlocking Mastery: The Lock Pickers United Belt System

From White to Black—A Journey in Pins

In the shadowy realm of lock picking, where tension wrenches whisper and tumblers guard secrets, there exists a path—a path marked not by footsteps but by colored belts. Welcome to the Lock Pickers United (LPU) Belt System, where locks become puzzles, and skill progression mirrors the martial arts dan system. Imagine it as your journey from a novice to a master, one pick at a time.

The Belt System: A Colorful Quest

The LPU Belt System is our compass—a tiered classification that quantifies achievements in lockpicking and related skills. Like the colored belts in karate, each level signifies mastery. Here’s a glimpse of the journey:

  1. White Belt: You’re a fresh-faced picker. Your mission? “Open any lock with any tool.” Simple, right? But it’s the foundation—the first tumbler’s turn.
  2. Yellow Belt: Now we’re talking. You’ve conquered locks like the ABUS 55/30, Master Lock No. 140, and Kwikset Classic. Keep those picks dancing.
  3. Orange Belt: ABUS 65/40, Master Lock No. 150, FAB 100—they’re your companions now. Show us your finesse.
  4. Green Belt: The ABUS 72/40, Master Lock No. 410, and American Lock 1100 await. But there’s a twist: gut and reassemble a lock. Dissect its secrets.
  5. Blue Belt: ASSA 700, DOM Plura, Medeco BiLevel—they’re your next challenge. And here’s the twist: build and share a challenge lock. Craft your puzzle.
  6. Purple Belt: ASSA Desmo, Mul-T-Lock Interactive, Schlage Everest. But it’s not just about pins—it’s about helping others. Be a mentor.
  7. Brown Belt: ASSA d12, KABA Gemini, WEST 916. And now, create a specialized tool. Innovate.
  8. Red Belt: Abloy Classic, ABUS EC700, EVVA 3KS. Mentor another advanced picker. Share wisdom.
  9. Black Belt: Abloy Protec, ASSA Twin 6000, Goal V18. Here, you’re a lock whisperer. Dive into advanced skills, tackle “Master’s Projects.”

Remember, this isn’t just about belts—it’s about growth. Each lock you conquer, each challenge you embrace, adds a pin to your map. And when you reach for that elusive black belt, you’ll know: you’ve unlocked more than locks—you’ve unlocked your potential.

Track your progress at LPUBelts.com. Let’s pick our way through the rainbow! 🗝️🌈

Unlocking Camaraderie: My Journey into r/lockpicking

Where Pins Meet Passion

In the dimly lit corners of the internet, where brass tumblers click and tension wrenches dance, I stumbled upon a hidden treasure: r/lockpicking. With 179K members (and counting), this subreddit isn’t just a place—it’s a thriving community of lock enthusiasts, both seasoned pickers and curious novices like me. Here’s my tale of joining this digital guild, where locks become puzzles, and camaraderie flows like fine-tuned pins.

The Locksport Nexus: r/lockpicking

r/lockpicking—a virtual haven where lock lovers gather, share stories, and swap advice. As I clicked that “Join” button, I stepped into a world where rules are sacred: no picking active locks or aiding those seeking illicit entry. The mods are vigilant, ensuring we tread the ethical path. Here, we don’t crack safes; we crack jokes and share our triumphs.

Within days, I found myself chatting with fellow pickers across time zones. Some wielded exotic tools, while others crafted their own from windshield wiper blades and hairpins. We dissected lock mechanisms, debated tensioning techniques, and celebrated each other’s belt advancements. And when I faced my first stubborn tumbler, they cheered me on, virtually clinking their invisible lockpicking glasses. 🗝️🔓

So, if you’re drawn to the art of picking, the thrill of discovery, and the joy of belonging, come join us at r/lockpicking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, there’s a spot for you in this digital locksmith’s workshop. Together, we’ll turn pins, share secrets, and unlock not just locks but also lasting friendships. See you there! 😊🔒

Unlocking the Journey: My Adventures in Lock Picking

After years of curiosity and contemplation, I finally took the plunge into the fascinating world of lock picking. It’s one of those skills that has always intrigued me—the delicate dance between tension wrenches and tumblers, the thrill of hearing that satisfying click. But where to begin? I scoured Reddit threads, followed Twitter discussions, and soaked up advice from seasoned pickers. And then it hit me: the Night School beginners kit from Sparrows. With its carefully curated tools and beginner-friendly approach, I’m now on my way to mastering the art of opening locks. Who knew that tiny pieces of metal could hold such allure? Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing my progress and newfound insights as I navigate this intriguing journey! 🗝️🌟

Remember, every lock has a secret waiting to be revealed. Happy picking! If you need more tips or want to swap lock-picking stories, feel free to reach out. 😊🔒🔓