[038] Disappointing (and expensive) wooden lock puzzles

In this video I have a look at two of Jean-Claude Constantin's wooden lock puzzles. I ended up being disappointed by both of them, unfortunately. Watch the video to find out more... And comment below to let me know if you agree with my conclusion...
#constantin
#lockpuzzle
#mechanicalpuzzle

[@KR40293]

I bought the pick-lock box for myself as a birthday present and had been puzzling over it now and again for a few weeks before I watched your video. With my copy, the hinge pins do not come out. One bottom stud, slightly bent, does come out, but I was unable to pick the lock with it -- until I saw from your video that the lock bottom pops open. Then, it was easy to pick the lock. It is also easy to pick the lock through the keyhole with a sturdier probe than the stud (in other words, an outside tool). I was hoping that some combination of actions would allow one of the angle brackets to move to reveal a compartment with a duplicate key. That would have been a more satisfying solution. Thanks, by the way, for all your entertaining and enlightening videos.

[@downtimefun]

I am only attracted to some of JCC's puzzles, but not all (i must say JCC has released a lot of puzzles over a wide spectrum of styles). Piano Box looks quite interesting, and I have the Framed Jigsaw which is still unopened, will share my thoughts (and video) when I complete it. 20 cent box seems to get a lot of praise (as a low cost Sequential Discovery). These do look a bit disappointing. A few more lock (styled) puzzles you can consider: Coolen Locks, and also the Padlock by Hanayama (not sure if you have tried this).

[@LockPickingCuber]

Thanks for the comments! I have Hanayama's Padlock, but I've not tried Coolen's locks -- I'll see if I can get hold of any.

[@mattsullivan6351]

I have piano box, and as a result will not be buying any more Constantine puzzles. Not impressed at all.

[@downtimefun]

@@LockPickingCuber yeah the Coolen locks are a little more tricky to obtain, I understand one can email the designer to obtain a copy (when he makes them)

[@downtimefun]

@@mattsullivan6351 oh really? it looks quite pretty, but looks can be deceiving. Thanks for sharing!

[@LockPickingCuber]

@downtimefun thanks for the tip... I have an order placed now. Excited to see what they're like!

[@letsescape8513]

I did a couple of lockers recently (I'll publish one soon) and even tough I was disappointed for different reasons (they were too easy) I really feel like too often these puzzles are just way overpriced :|

[@Deadlocks86]

Shame you where dissapointed. Happens to me with locks sometimes

[@klemmr3233]

Strange puzzles.

[@erichkitzmueller]

In my opinion, a combination lock that you have to brute-force by trying out all combinations is not a puzzle.

[@LockPickingCuber]

Agreed!

[@kapitaine4104]

Chris Ramsay paid 1000 USD for a puzzle that was solved by thumping it, so you are not alone.