(1155) Review: Sparrows PROGRESSIVE Training Locks and Cutaways

[@jwhite2847]

You're my new favorite channel. Barely edging out *many* firearms channels. But with you I get both, so yay. I've already spent money because of your reviews, now it looks like a cutaway lock is going to be in 'the cart'. Please don't stop, I've learned a lot from your channel. (How was that Uncle Bill? Is that how you said I was supposed to write it. So, Mom said hi and you're supposed to bring desert for Thanksgiving dinner). So, seriously, love your videos and you really are my new favorite

[@WickdPerfekT]

J White what firearms channels?

[@therabt]

Some days you are the Bob Ross of lock picking instructors.

[@bosnianbill]

As long as you don't fall asleep at my voice...😜

[@WBush-uc9pe]

*If* I've ever fallen asleep to one of your videos (that makes me sound guilty as hell!), I've re-watched it when I woke up, because the topics are presented so skillfully!

[@gorillaau]

A happy lock with a happy pick.

[@declan9876]

And we have a happy little open

[@maxthrust976]

And maybe there’s a happy little spool pin over here in number 3.

[@trtl2311]

I have been picking locks for nearly 20 years, and watched hundreds of videos, but I do believe that might be the best lock picking demonstration and explanation I have seen! Fantastic job!

[@iridian]

Oh wow, this actually made me understand a lot more. I usually didn't really understood the 'overset' part untill I saw it now on this video. Really cool to see this in action.

[@sokolum]

iridian this was indeed very awesome instruction video !

[@WhiteDieselShed]

Totally agree, I got the idea that a false set was a slight rotation of the lock. But did not know why you get counter rotation. Now know its the pin forcing its way through. So you know its a spool with a gap in the centre. I cannot even pick a masterlock..

[@AngryHatter]

Makes all the terms into a visual as well as feeling. False set, counter rotation, etc. (I went a very long time without a cutaway lock. As soon as I tried a cutaway...ALL the things Bills talks about fell into place)

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

New guys, please, please, PLEASE listen to the Great Bill here...! I got so excited about learning picking that I just went out and made my own, first (relatively crude but polished) picks, went and got myself a lock, and struggled with it for a LONG time before I felt I learnt anything. I was watching Bill, and he made it look so easy, and I couldn't understand why it was so hard. I later found out it was because ,y first lock was a 6-pin ABUS, which isn't recommended to start with. These 'open' locks will help you A LOT when you're first starting out, both for practice, and for figuring out what's actually going on and what a particular 'event' feels like. Trust me and trust Bill, get a pair of these and some security pins for when you're getting a bit better!

[@fineartonfire_5327]

This is a AWESOME video for us beginners!! Don’t worry about how long it is!! Those of us that are damn serious about learning and education WILL stay and listen. People that can’t sit and learn for 15 mins isn’t gonna spend the months it takes to learn this skill. You’re doing GREAT!!! And thank you VERY much for the information and education!!! Happy New YeAr Sir!! Happy new Year!!

[@FusionDeveloper]

I love how you say "just go to my website and click the big purple button" and you can actually EASILY follow those ACCURATE instructions. Thank you for being honest and for making it easy. There are too many (OTHER) people (including TV news) where they say "go to our website (and possibly give up because you can't find it buried on our website, IF IT EVEN ACTUALLY EXISTS!) for more information". For those kind of websites, they might as well say "If you want more info, go to google, type the name of our channel/tv-station and some keywords about what you are looking for, and see if you can find any more info", because that's what you end up having to do anyway.

[@iamsleepyhollow]

OH MY GOSH. This all makes so much more sense after seeing you pick the cutaway! Thanks for all you do here!

[@firebird8600]

I actually planned on buying the night school kit due to my not having any "proper" picks, and thinking that may be why I have feedback issues while picking, and I wanted the cutaway locks, too. Glad to know the cutaway locks are of good quality. It means I can place my order with confidence.

[@markedeloy]

Teaching my 17 year old daughter, just picked up the progressive. Thanks Bill

[@henryD9363]

Yes! Thank you thank you thank you. I learned more today about how you actually pick than watching 100 videos.

[@KyleMullaney]

I've been watching you and the lawyer for a week now out of interest alone and this has been the most instructional video so far. It answers a number of questions like what is counter rotation and why. Thanks a ton.

[@charlesdahmital8095]

Thanks for saving me $50. While you were demonstrating I was on sparrows website loading the whole kit into my cart until you got to the end and recommended the re-pin kit. Thanks again.

[@Commongoodleathercraft]

Your explanation is spot on! Thank you for making this hobby enjoyable

[@sergiocrowe9848]

Great video Bill. It's great to actually see what happens to the pins when you are setting and getting counter rotation etc. really helpful

[@groermaik]

This was one of your most educational videos for me...ever. These are awesome. Thank you.

[@MichaelCarnahan]

Thank you for making this video. Watching you pick the cutaway lock really makes picking easier to understand.

[@RoeLunatic4ever]

Jeez Bill, this is one heck of a commercial. I had the locks on my wishlist...now i know i NEED to order them. The picking you just did, just briljant. I think all the 'hmmm i think i like to start a new hobby' people need to start with this video. They are 'bindend' with this much fun! Thank you!

[@pemtax557]

What a wonderful review. I saw these locks on Sparrow’s site and sought out a review that would answer my questions about them. Of course it would be you that would hit the home run. You answered every question I had and more. Thanks again for the time and effort you take to teach all of us. Cheers …

[@kanedawson4298]

I don’t think he knows how helpful this video is

[@chauinternational]

Late to the party I am, but it was nice to see what you were doing while throwing around terms that I until now didn't know what meant - thank you!

[@Юлиус-п6ц]

Yes Sir, I'm on a very tight budget and your mind is the same with me to but the one with standard pin (the cheapest) and the Reload Kit. LOL! Thank you for you videos, learning and advice! Great video as always, Mr. Bill!

[@TheStingrayDiver]

Thanks for all the great videos. It would sure be nice if Sparrows made a case for the progressive locks (much like the one in the night school kit). I cannot say how much I have appreciated and learned from your videos, so thank you again!!!!

[@PaulMansfield]

I've learned so much watching Bill, and this video has been ever so educational.

[@SRWR1]

I'm an intermediate lockpicker and this is exactly what I needed.

[@RTFMAce]

GREAT video! The explanation of counter-rotation with the visual shined a light on that concept that I've never really seen. Bill ... could you do more videos using the cutaway for demonstration? I'd love to "see" what you mean when you can "feel" that a pin is good. Does it move? Is it springy? Is it locked up? Just how is it behaving when you reach in with a pick and poke the pin "Yep, pin 3 is still set."?

[@send9]

I would also love to see this, maybe with some serrateds and t-pins thrown in.

[@WickdPerfekT]

I'd like to see pin in pins too pleeeease sir

[@samlott99]

What an excellent demonstration and explanation as you go. Bill, you are THE guy!!!

[@orlandosackett]

Absolutely love your reviews! 5 stars. So informative with lout being boring and long winded. Amazing!

[@garyheaton4791]

I really enjoy your videos. I did want to mention that everyone I see picking locks on line all have the keys for their locks. I know..you need to know IF it works before you waste your time on it. However, as you can see the cuts on the keys in advance, it does give everyone an EDGE when it comes to picking them. I like to toss the keys to any new locks into a drawer, and IF I finally can't open it..then I dig out the key. With new locks you pretty much know it will work..so just don't look at the key. It's for your own good. Ha!! My old man used to tell me that too!!😀

[@ft4jemc]

Great video Bill. Thanks for reviewing these. I never mind a longer video when you have such great educational content. Awesome job as usual.

[@gkmarduk949]

Gotta love the Sparrows

[@LongLastTheAlliance]

I'm glad you're showing us all of this. I never knew a lot of this existed out there!

[@hakzolot]

Thanks for sharing, I got the reload kit but it was missing the bag of pins, I sent an email hope I get them. The progressive lock set is cool got that for $35.00 U.S. and one Standard pin Cut away Lock. They are comfortable to hold. *Update they sent me the missing bag of pins 😊 10/20/2017

[@xpndblhero5170]

I feel like buying one of the cutaways and buying a bunch of different pins in Amazon or eBay and repinning it yourself... That kit is awesome, I like that it has pins and a follower. Very cool and now I want to get a pick kit and one of those locks w/ the pin kit.

[@mitchellw7118]

Just ordered the three piece cutaway set over here in the UK 🇬🇧 thanks as always Bill.

[@blopezjr956]

Great video and even better example when showing how to benefit from the training locks themselves awesome video I loved it I watch all your videos please keep doing what you do there's people out there that greatly appreciated your time in making them. There very educational and just all-around awesome to watch thank you!

[@Channel-wh3su]

This video was amazing! I loved how you walked us through your process. I'd love to see more videos with the window and you explaining it!

[@stephenwillis6937]

A few days ago I bought this and The Krampus Locks when I saw They were back in The Market. So I'll have a nice fun learning ladder to climb 😊

[@DavidHands]

Oh man. I all ready have way to many hobbies. This video was so good, I am all ready looking up lockpicking sets to buy.😄

[@MinorLG]

very first lock i picked was an off brand wafer padlock. bypassed the entire lock, and lifted the latch through the keyway. felt amazing afterwards... still have the lock, and i did it with the metal loop from a ski lift tag...

[@AlbertLebel]

This set has taught me a lot. I still use them almost daily. I also use their repin kit and some of the check pins in them. They are awesome... Thank you

[@bishopchalik8561]

long road around is preferred by many like me. I would absolutely want "too much info" than "not enough". Thanks you just got me to order this!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

After watching this video a couple weeks ago, I ordered the progressive kit and their reload (or is it "refill?") kits, and although I do feel like I've improved quite a bit, I knew that a cutaway lock would help me improve, not only more, but also more quickly, much like you said in this video. That's just self-evident by your demonstrations, alone, but BOY, it is so true! Not that I've become a locksport champ overnight, but between those five locks and your clear instructions and demonstrations, I generally know when and how I'm failing on those occasions when I do fail (and those are still many!) Since then, I've found a pretty old Master No. 5 padlock which now tremble in fear at the mere sight of my tensioners! But a couple days ago I stumbled on an old kryptonite stainless steel padlock (with a key, fortunately,) and I actually picked it on the first attack! And the second. But after that, my success became a bit more limited. I've still been able to open it, but I think it involves a lot more luck than skill in my part. And now, a question: I've tried to find info on this lock, but Google searches mostly turn up disc locks, and one regular padlock, but it's a tubular one, not the flat key type. There are no markings on it, no model number, etc., just "KRYPTONITE" stamped or engraved into both sides of the body. Do you by chance know which model it could be, or can you point me in the right direction to find out? Thanks!

[@qslradio292]

Thank you sir, all your videos are fantastic and educational for all levels. You are the David Attenborough of locksport. Your videos have helped me loads throughout my locksport journey. Dont retire from this. All the best, MasterOfArts.

[@ryanclay959]

Hi Bill this is Ryan and I say excellent review of the Sparrows Progressive locks and how you mentioned that you wish those locks were available to you when you were learning how to pick locks is what got me to take that as advice and I ordered the complete progressive locks and one of the cutaway spool locks and the reload pinning kit with tweezers from Sparrows and I did send Sparrows a email message and I told them that I learned about the products from the review you did and I gave you a shout out in my email to Sparrows and I hope that has helped you with Sparrows and I tell you that those training locks from Sparrows have really helped me a lot faster than if I did not have those. I only ordered one of the cutaway locks because I did get the reload pinning kit so I can repin it to whatever I want to.

[@lambdaprog]

A must watch video for beginners.

One of my favorite of your videos. Thank you.

[@philburrous6178]

I registered and am seriously crossing my fingers. Seams like a perfect way for a beginner (like myself) to learn. I've been watching your videos for months now and still have yet to buy any lock picking tools. I want to but keep hesitating.

[@morganillsley94]

This is why I love this channel!..Excellent videos with excellent explantations!

[@insoft_uk]

Nice video, makes understanding counter rotation easer

[@MrGattor33]

I agree with Iridian on saying this video made a lot of sense on the oversetting if the pins. I’m still somewhat new to picking been doing it off and on for over a year, started out using a “Bobbie pin” and a paper clip. Been playing around with a buddies pick set and learning more but this video helped even though it wasn’t an instructional video... lol Thanks for the great video and the info as well as what you do Bosnia Bill 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jpmarshall3]

Keep up the good work Bill, id have probably given up on this shortly after i started a few months ago if it weren't for yoir videos getting me obsessed with locks in general

[@uzaiyaro]

Thanks so much for all this info, bill. And your replies. This is so, so incredibly helpful in getting my brand new hobby off the ground. Cheers!

[@macnutz4206]

Very good visual description. I just got the progressive locks. They do give a complete beginner enough of a challenge that I think you won't regret buying it. It is keeping me busy. They do give good feedback. Now I know how those springy pins and binders actually feel. That is exciting after three months of watching these videos .I am going to get one of the cutaways. It would be useful right now. :) Their rekeying kit is good for all of their practice locks, including the revolver.

[@stevemartinism]

Haven’t stopped watching for days. Love it.

[@MadUncleAndy]

Very nice! Looks easy to hold in the hand also!

[@Genthar]

Awesome review/demonstration, Bill. You should do another one demoing the serrated ones. Beginners (like me!) can learn so much just watching that short demo on the spool pin lock.

[@timberwolftrid]

I am seriously considering buying one of those locks. They are so cool looking!

[@3daypriest]

Great video. I was looking at the Progressive and Cutaway locks. Was wondering if the Cutaways could be rekeyed. So O did a search and look for you. And here is my answer.

[@heathenous81]

Thanks for the video. I just purchase a set of training locks and a beginner pick set for my dad's Christmas present.

[@Level1Bob]

Great video. Just went on their site and ordered the four pack and also the serrated and spool trainers. We need more videos like this where we can see your pick work in action. Thanks.

[@jameshilferty5403]

Just picked my first non-Chinese lock pick set, a non-chinese cut away, and a reload kit! You rock!!

[@davidnmfarrell]

Very helpful, thanks for all the info bb. All the best in retirement 👋

[@jksmellie]

As someone new to the game that cutaway demo is extremely handy to watch! Awesome vid as usual, Bill.

[@torq1116]

Thanks to another great review, I just ordered me a kit from Sparrows. Got the cutaway lock with standard pins, and the pinning kit with tweezers. So far all I have is a lock pick kit (Dangerfield Praxis kit reviewed by bosnianbill as well) and old junk padlocks I've been trying to learn on. Hope this practice lock ups my game! TY for the review!!

[@matthewlatham7471]

Just ordered the progressive kit and the re-pinning kit for my first attempt at lock picking. I am looking forward to the challenge and to get a new skill and join a new community!

[@kevinbacon5142]

Excellent video, sir. I appreciated the demo on the spool-pin picking.

[@brendandrury2177]

Finally, I understand false set. Now, I need to learn counter tension...

[@Priyer2]

Ordered, thanks Bill. They also have them for automotive wafer locks for 29CAD.

[@colinstu]

wow I love your demo at 7:10!

[@jlcain100]

Thanks for the review, just ordered the progressive kit with the reload kit. Ill pick up the cutout locks when its time to progress to the harder locks. Thanks for the channel I have learned so much watching.

[@Wastedwu]

I have had the night school kit for a few weeks now and love it! I got the tuxedo +. Already got picks on master #140's and a #3. Just now ordered the re-pinning kit and can't wait for it to show up. All on your recommendation Bill. Thanks a bunch.

[@samlott99]

I finally took that next step into the world of LockSport - got my Sparrows Cutaway lock (the $20 version with standard pins), along with the Reload Kit. I got sick of picking the same padlocks, wafer locks, and kwiksets around the house. I know what's next though! Gotta get myself a work bench and all the goodies. Hooked on this stuff man!!!

[@fenna_pel]

thx for this video :) it helped me to not buy a bunch of random locks as i first considered, but for the same money got a standard cut-away and a repinning kit (that happened to include the checkpins as well :D) besides the training aspect of this setup, the cutaway is a very eye-pleasing piece of kit ;)

[@SilentBob4x4]

I'm new to the lock picking world, so I watched a bunch of your videos. I took your advice, and ordered the Praxis lock picks, and played around with my door locks, and padlocks I had laying around. Even went and bought a few other padlocks, before I came across this video. So once again, I took your advice, and bought the single basic cut-a-way lock, and the reload kit for it. I have learned a lot from playing with it, repining it, changing out the driver pins for security pins ect. But one thing I have noticed, is that the binding order of the pins almost always stays the same. When it's pinned for 5 pins, the order is almost always 2,1,4,5,3. And with 6 pins, 2,1,4,6,5,3. I have ordered the progressive set, so I can change it up a little, and just randomly choose one without knowing the general binding order, and possibly switching the cores around will change the order as well. I guess I will find out. But I thought I would mention that, with just one practice lock, the binding order rarely changes much.

[@jamess1787]

Thanks +bosnianbill, Im taking my intermediate to the next level. Serated here I come!!!

[@johnborg5245]

Great stuffed Bell, now let's see if I have a chance. thanks again Bill😊

[@danstotland6386]

Superb video. Many thanks. Enjoy your retirement.

[@Cenyon]

Got the cutaway lock with the regular pins plus a starter lockpick kit. It’s super difficult (for me) but also a lot of fun.

[@syragrippa8769]

This is awesome! I wanted to see these in action, so now I know I want them! Thanks!

[@gorillaau]

I bought Sparrows Progressive Locks and reload kit, which arrived today. Struggling to identify the which pin is which. The locks are very nice. Easy to hold with a tensioner.

[@drwrath1154]

Thanks for the demo! Helped with my purchase decision.

[@allenshepard7992]

Wish I could have won it. Just bought a lock, repin and tweezers for $49 (including shipping) Thanks.

[@aliceinmadseason2319]

AWESOME DEMONSTRATIONS BILL! I got a good bit of experience with spool pins but watching this definitely gives me more confidence. I wish i had extra income to buy locks like these .i gotta make my own out of cheepo ace, kwiksets an defiants. Which are all the same lol. You rock bill

[@noahway13]

I have all 3 of the last set. I can pick most commercial padlocks, and the serrated pin and the spool cutaways, but I have yet to pick the standard pin cutaway. The second pin is cut so that it is already on shear line. ANY movement pushes it to overset. And it is sticky-- the last pin to drop after releasing tension.

[@cleanrumble]

Quit costing me money! My wife is starting to ask questions about all the stuff I am buying from Canada.

[@lockpickingparamedic2136]

Same here ;-D

[@tcolli0311]

What a great kit. I am burning through master locks but anything with security pins stop me in my tracks. Thanks for the video

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

I bought one of those cutaway locks from sparrows but I got the one with the chess piece pins (the set is called "chess") to repin which might seem backwards since you even say you can get the standard pin one cheaper. Well I saw this as a good was to get the lock and to test the "Check" pins. I am FINALLY after years and year getting into the hobby of locksport. I mean I have been able to pick basic (very basic) locks for a long time even with crappy homemade picks before I even saw a real commercial made lockpick. Granted my skills were limited to a couple schlage locks I had laying around and a bunch of cheap pad locks and master locks. I have been watching for years and probably subbed for 5 years ago but just never had the money to start. Then a couple years ago I bought my first real set of picks and got discouraged by my bedroom door again. then the other day I was watching an old video of yours and you have the sparrows revolver in it and for some reason that screamed to me "BUY ME!" So I did I got it yesterday in the mail and I got my first rake open today and just now my first SPP on the standard pins. I am riding an awesome high right now and can't wait to spend my next few paychecks on random locksport gear.

[@samwillidood]

This is amazing and would be so helpful since I am a newbie to picking. this would be great to have and improve my skills. I find all your videos really interesting and helpful

[@Torgo63]

I bought the night school tuxedo a while back after BIll's review. *Very* satisfied with it. Saw this and ordered the reload kit, a cutaway with check pins, and a couple of deeper hook picks. Great channel, keep up the great work. (unrelated, also got the 6 pinner from learnlockpicking). One other thing, now that they offer the reload kit, why is the cutout area only for the first five pins? They could still key if for five and leave the sixth blank as an incentive to buy the reload kit and/or check pin kit as an upgrade.

[@CGoody564]

Probably because these are for picking practice, and not locking things. Who's gonna spend money for a 6 bit key on a lock that literally doesn't go on anything? If you wanna add a pin for practice, so be it; but I doubt someone is gonna say. "I want to add a pin but the key isn't meant for it... Well, time to get a key made for the lock that doesn't go on anything".

[@anekroth]

Those cutaways are really nice. I like the shape, it makes it easier to mount up in a vice apposed to just getting an ordinary Schlage lock that's been cut away. The esthetic on them is really nice too. My only complaint is the cutaway only shows five of the six pin chambers. If they release a six pin cutaway then I'm sold. Until then I think I'll just use my cutaway Schlage in the 3D printed retainer I made.

[@indecentseas-]

been on the fence about these. time to pull the trigger. woot woot

[@justinnemeth8931]

I got the non window set with my pickpals package deal and picked 2 to 4 within the hour never picked a thing in my life. Came to 5 and tried 3 hrs straight and can't get it. Gave it a break and walked around my house picking all 3 of my locks in 10 mins total. I'll keep trying it but only pin 1 wants to bind dunno maybe its just 1 ill never get hopefully maybe one day.

[@paullinnell]

The tolerances seem pretty good! Find #4 and #5 a bit of a challenge. Find tensioning is a real key. Good learning set!

[@novo1178]

Awesome training locks!!!!

[@SolutionUrbaine]

Hey Bill, I know I am way to late to win this kit so I puchased it. The price seems amasing for the complete kit, Thanks for the hint!

[@parapicktog7734]

I have a sparrows set I bought when I first started, forgot the name but it came with a pickset, and 3 progressive cutaway locks like those, except the cutaway is different. They machined a groove from front to the 5th pin. Mine also came with actual SC1 keys. But here's the thing....I can't pick them with the picks set it came with. The back pins are short but the 4th pin is cut deep on all of them...very challenging bitting for a beginner. So I looked through the kit, and none of the picks were deep enough to use on those locks with bottom tension, and there were no TOK tension tools included. I can use those locks now, buy I ordered a deeper hook and some TOK wrenches separately. ....And I love the sparrows reload kit, it has everything you need (tools and pins) to re-pin schlage locks including the 4 key and pin sets, one of which is a 6 pinner.

[@davidstain1811]

Ordered! Thanks for the great videos

[@KOOLlE]

Wow! Very generous! Nice vid brother.

[@hudson5344]

Really a great channel. I've learned so much about lock picking I have become almost addicted to trying to pick every lock that I can find. Keep it up. You got my vote. Now if I can find out how to win some free stuff, that would really make my day.