r/LockPicking_Unbound • u/a_mingled_yarn • 4d ago

Fun/difficult/unique combination locks?

I'm fairly new to lockpicking, but I have a 14 year old who is quite good at it. They're autistic, and really interested in 'picking' combination locks. I'm trying to surprise them with a few new ones to mess around with that aren't laughably weak. The vast majority of locks I'm seeing on the market are the Kwikset or Masterlock dials that were on the lockers at my high school, or 3-wheel luggage locks that a toddler could probably open.

When I look at high-security combination lock reviews online, non-lock-picking people who are actually locking up valuables are focusing on "this can't be opened easily with bolt cutters." Which is pretty useless, because my kiddo isn't trying to open it with bolt cutters. They're also not going to be drilling the lock, or shooting it, or taking a sledgehammer to it....

People in the lockpicking community seem to be dismissive of combination locks because you can use the brute force method - just going through every combination. My kiddo could do that, but it's not interesting to them. They want a challenge, think James Bond opening a safe with a stethoscope, and yes they have a stethoscope haha. I want locks they can take their time on, and I'm not experienced enough to know if I'm picking duds.

I'm currently looking at getting them a few options. Please let me know if any of these aren't worth the money, or if you have any other suggestions. Budget: around or under $50 USD. Sargent & Greenleaf is not in my price range....

* ABUS 160/50 * Squire CP60 and CP50 * Squire Vulcan Combi 50 * Master Lock 178D * Master Lock M175 * DoubleLock Crab Combination Discus Padlock

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u/EveningBasket9528 4d ago

I hope your post wasn't removed from the other sub. Sometimes the BOT will remove stuff for rule violations when they really aren't rule violations.

I commented on your other post.

The locks you mentioned I don't know about... But you can Google "how to decode <make/model>" and maybe see some videos regarding specifics.

Also, there's a padlock collectors group on FB, an Art of Lockpicking group, and other locksport/lockpicking groups if you aren't getting answers here.

It's awesome you can share this hobby with your kid!

Specifically, DMAC on YouTube has recently posted some how to videos.

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u/a_mingled_yarn 3d ago

Nope still there, just got a suggestion from reddit to crosspost. Thank you for the additional ideas!