(149) Bargain! Sparrows Reload Kit - Review and Reload Guide

[@bengarver8155]

I just got this. I've not used it yet, but I'm very new. I got my first pick set three weeks ago. This and a couple other channels have shown me how fascinating, & fun this sport can be.

[@AnimilesYT]

I also got my first pick set about 3 weeks ago and I'm currently looking to buy this addition as well xD

[@bengarver8155]

@Animiles Over a year later and I'm still pretty trash. Though better trash than I was then. lol I hope you enjoy it.

[@jryanburnette]

These are great reviews. Super easy to listen to your voice. You could have another channel where you just reviewed everything in the house, and I'd watch it.. "as you can see, I've got all the drill bits organized, and over here is my shovel." I'm kidding, but somehow you have a way of making gentle, non-intrusive, and pleasant tool reviews that are just a pleasure to watch. Thanks!

[@LockNoob]

Ryan Burnette thank you, I appreciate the feedback :-) rest assured, I'll be doing a load more reviews soon :-)

[@dr.s.p.]

After watching this video and another of yours on the revolver, I bought this kit and the revolver multi circular lock(s). Thank you very much; it’s been great with constant challenges and well worth the reasonable prices.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks!

[@shawnmichaeladams1]

I’m watching this 5 yrs later and this is still awesome

[@bikkies]

I now have three of these kits. it's been worth the nominal spend just to get the mushrooms and serrated pins, which are hard to obtain in the UK by other means. I particularly appreciate the rubberised base on the pinning mats as it gives them some grip on my work surface. Repinning locks is already quite fiddly enough with pins and springs embedding in your eyeball, without having your pinning tray surfing off into the sunset.

[@stevesbuttdocter1173]

It's an expansion to the progressive practice locks. When all is reposed you will have 3 5 pins and one 6 pins lock for practice. Later on one can insert some security pins in the Bible giving even more variety. Also the progressive locks are a good buy. Regarding the pinning tweezer: it has a round end to grip the pins better than the HUK tweezers which are flat. I highly recommend to add the tweezers when buying the reload kit.

[@LockNoob]

Madlock's Lab all good point :-)

[@maxthrust976]

I just picked this up and the progressive practice lock set. I’m very pleased with both purchases. My reload kit came with a second bag of springs, which I suppose are stiffer springs for the bible, just to mix things up I reckon. Mine also came with a set of the chess and checkers pins, which I was not expecting but am thrilled to have them. I had very nearly ordered them anyway, and I still may grab a second set with my next Sparrows order. The progressive locks are very nice too. For some reason I have an easier time picking #3 and #4 than I do #2. Not sure why that is yet. My lock on my house is a Schlage, so once I’m sufficiently bored with my #2 lock I may pin it to match my house key and practice picking that from the comfort of a chair in my room!

[@macnutz4206]

Mine arrived yesterday. Now I am rewatching the review/instruction vids regarding it, before turning the two pin lock into a five pinner. I think that the progressive locks, the revolver, with the reupload kit are a great idea and a good value. You learn more than just picking from using them. Sparrows could make the one practice lock optional. Not realizing I would need the kit so quickly, I got the resin follower and the little pinning tray already. Now I have two of each, arrgh. :) I am glad I did not have to buy another practice lock with the kit.

[@LockNoob]

I think the optional practice lock bundle is a great idea :-)

[@William_NS]

The black key is also a 6 pin key. I have this kit, 5 sparrows practice locks, and the revolver. I love them all!

[@pemtax557]

Great review and demonstration ... I'm a noob and this was a wonderful help. Thanks Mate!!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@bobbykeyz1263]

great review bud. I've had one for a while now. not sure if you noticed but the black Keys is a 6 pin key.

[@LockNoob]

Bobby Keyz I didn't notice, thanks! :-)

[@gorillaau]

The black key must have been at the bottom of the tin as I didn't see it. Thanks for that... Key colors: red, green, blue, and black, in no particular order.

[@penfold7800]

Now, if they sold it with the lock as you said, and a couple of picks and a tension tool from the tuxedo set, that would be a great travel kit.

[@LockNoob]

For sure!

[@markw.4679]

Love it! I want one! I agree, an option should include a practice lock and pinning tweezers for people who are starting out (like me). Thank you fir the review!

[@LockNoob]

Mark Wahl there is an option with the pinning tweezers, but not a lock... Yet!

[@petejcb1]

Great review. I got this and the progressive locks for Christmas. Great piece of kit. 👍👍

[@LockNoob]

Pete 1 it is really good!

[@andersjjensen]

Neat review and tutorial! Besides an option to throw in a non-cut KIK I think that Sparrows in general is missing a top loaded training lock. Being able to swap key bidding fast AND being able to swap driver pins fast would be an enormous time saver for the apprentice picker!

[@LockNoob]

macavity yeah, good point there :-)

[@parapicktog7734]

Make one. Just remove the core and all the pins and springs, then file down the top of the Bible till you expose the holes. Then either tap the holes (M4 .75 metric tap) and plug the holes with mini screws, or file some grooves in the sides of the Bible and use one of those tin bible caps kwikset sometimes uses. Both the metal caps (5pin) and the tiny screws are available from Southord. They also have practice lock refill kits that have a shitload of pins (color coded) and a bunch of those screws. Or if you buy one of their challenge locks, it comes with that refill kit.

[@nicholashelms2395]

I ordered a cutaway lock and picks from them and just found out about the reload kit wish I got them both at once so I dont have to wait but I can learn the standard cutaway lock and repin it when the kit comes

[@LockNoob]

It’s a great kit!

[@Seedy446]

I love mine! I have the older version so the locks aren’t cutaways, but it’s a lot of fun!!

[@trekmaster30]

Yeah this kit is sweet. I've had the mini pinning mats since sparrows first released them. I don't know what I would do without them. I just sent one of these kits to pete restall last week too. He should be getting it soon i hope :)

[@LockNoob]

Trekmaster30 I just know he's going to love that :-)

[@danmcdevitt5456]

Very nice video as usual! I was just asking for something like this. Leave it to Lock Noob to cover bases not just lock after lock after lock 😆

[@LockNoob]

I try and cover what I can!

[@AnimilesYT]

I just got the kit along with a cutaway lock from Sparrows (the one blocky one with a hole in the side). I got the one with standard pins, and I think I'm at the point where I can start practicing with security pins. Your explanation on repinning is very good, but I wish you also showed how to repin the pins inside the lock. There will probably be another video that shows it, but it's probably not as good as your videos ':)

[@jctedsap]

Just ordered one. Haven’t got into gutting yet but looking forward to it. Locksmith shops charge way too much.

[@parapicktog7734]

I have one of those kits. It's the only tools I use for pinning ANY lock...it's awesome but I would still like a larger pinning tray with spots for more pins, at least 7, and spots to put the cylinder and bible. Personally, I love the 3D printed trays you and LPL use.

[@murkwell17]

Dang i gotta say, i just ordered the new practice locks along with the revolver and the new practice lock design is much nicer! They've been upping their game for a long time!

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

Bought my kit not long ago. It’s a fantastic deal.

[@LockNoob]

It is!

[@hobanagerik]

I just bought this, along with the new designed cut away locks. Should be fun.

[@LockNoob]

You should have loads of fun with that :-)

[@ryanclay959]

I also ordered from Sparrows the 4 progressive locks and one of the cutaway spool locks and the reload pinning kit with tweezers and the 5 knurled TOK tension wrenches with dog ear ends that all came in one box but this time I did not get any stickers from Sparrows

[@LockNoob]

Shame - they are great stickers :-)

[@mwilson14]

My wife and kids got me the reload kit for Christmas. I love the kit and the pins are quite useful, but my only complaint is that the pins don't line up with a regular Schlage core along with the Sparrows cutaway lock. You can offset the aluminum keys by a little and get the core to turn, but it's easier to make your own key for rekey pinning configurations.

[@LockNoob]

Matthew Wilson that's interesting to learn, thanks :-)

[@mwilson14]

No worries. I'm hoping to get a video(s) up some time in the near future. I'll show exactly what I mentioned so others will know exactly what I'm talking about. The keys will work, but you have to be sure to not insert the aluminum reload kit keys all the way into a SC1/4 core such as that of an ABUS 83/45 C6A 300 core. It annoys me enough that I become all OCD and have to make my own homemade code cut keys which I just use hand files to create. It's surprising how quick a key can be made at home with just a vice and files.--which reminds me, I was going to create a SC4 6 pin key for one of my ABUS eighty threes after I was done working tonight.

[@ryanclay959]

At 2:12 into the video you show the black key and you did not mention that the black key has the extra spring and pins because it is a 6 pin key to really push your skills. All the practice locks from Sparrows are 6 pin locks but come pinned up with 5 pins so that's why the 6 pin black key is in that reload pinning kit

[@LockNoob]

No, that was an oversight

[@ryanclay959]

I ordered that kit from Sparrows and I received it in the mail yesterday (Saturday it is now Sunday morning 4am)

[@LockNoob]

I think it’s a great value kit :-)

[@PhotogNT]

I have one of these kits plus a whole bundle of other goodies on the way and should be here in 3 or 4 days.

[@LockNoob]

Cool!

[@v6cosworth167]

Must admit nice kit to have to learn, great review, 👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌😊

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@AedLamhchleasai]

this does go well with the progressive set, and together they are priced quite well

[@LockNoob]

Harry Harrison I think so too :-)

[@Blazedandproud420]

So I've been a bit curious about this as I'm starting out and learning how crappy regular locks are, is it possible to by a lock and disassemble then reassemble it with a super challenging setup of like check pins and other challenging things you see on some of the challenge locks. This would hopefully make the lock more difficult to pick and you could make a custom key for it not sure how regular locks compare to holding the security pins but I love to learn! Hoping to get my kit soon love the vids!

[@LockNoob]

It's a great kit and I hope you enjoy it :-)

[@waddac2]

Great little kit and great video as always mate ;o))))

[@LockNoob]

waddac2 thanks :-)

[@FusionDeveloper]

My wallet is warning me about watching your videos. I've wanted a Schlage cutaway with a variety of security pins for a while now. $20 USD (without shipping), doesn't include lock, but still a good deal.

[@Leonslockpad]

great review m8 i do like the green key.cool video m8😊👍👍👍

[@LockNoob]

Leon's lockpad thanks :-)

[@chrismason6903]

I bought one as soon as they came out. Its a great deal.

[@Ipo_Ooped_Maself]

Will these work on the covert instruments mortis practice lock?

[@KoolBreeze420]

I just got this kit with one of the cutaway locks I was rather disappointed in the green key and I found it rather hard re-keying it but after a couple solid hours and watching Bosnians Bill re-key video a million times I finally succeeded. Oh! The reason I was disappointed in the green key is it was as easy as the standard default key setup, I even put a serrated into the bible. I'm curious about the mats though why two and how do you use them properly? The one mat on your right why does it have room for so many pins and the long slots are their pins that long? The mat on the left what real purpose does it serve? How can you use the pining mats to reflect how they go in the locks that's sorta what I was hoping to find information about. I am just begging literary, I have picked only the see-through plastic padlock that came with my picks and now this cutaway so it counts as 3 locks. The reload kit with pinning tweezers is 27.90. They are only two hours away from me. The pinning tweezers that come with this has the rounded tip so it hugs the pins, makes it pretty easy to handle. They cost $7.99 but I'm glad I bought them, my regular tweezers which resemble yours would have made this very frustrating for me not sure how you can do it with those tweezers but any other beginner buy the tweezers you won't regret it. You can buy their set of Progressive learning locks you get 4 locks for 35.00 dollars it's truly a good deal now they come pinned as 2,3,4 and 5 pins but they all can be pinned to 6 you can also buy their revolver lock it's 45.00 but it's a lock that after each successful pick it gets harder and harder and it also can be used with this kit. Basically, any Schlage lock will work I can use my front door lock, so getting a lock for this kit is pretty easy in fact, I bought a Mortise Cylinder on Amazon for 14$ and it has the same keyway as well. I think they have expanded the kit a little bit more but you can't go wrong with this kit no doubt if you're just starting out like me. The setup from Sparrows that you should get is at the very least this reload kit with the tweezers and grab the set of progressive locks and if you can afford it get the cutaway as well.

[@LockNoob]

Nice coment, thanks

[@stephenstone2606]

very nice kit thank you👍👍

[@LockNoob]

Stephen Stone thanks :-)

[@darrendavenport8963]

awesome set im going to buy one now thanks.

[@LockNoob]

Darren Davenport they are excellent value!

[@darrendavenport8963]

Lock Noob i have sent you a email i hope you got it and that you may be of help to me. Im not below begging you sir if that what it take to put a american lock back working 😢😢😢😢

[@LockNoob]

Darren Davenport I'll go read your email and get back to you

[@darrendavenport8963]

Lock Noob oh bless you sir 😯

[@brendand1325]

Excellent tutorial!

[@LockNoob]

thank you :-)

[@SteveHoover69]

Hey great video! I'm new to this and just ordered the revolver and a pick set but I was wondering if I would need this follower with the revolver lock from sparrow?

[@seriousthree6071]

Got one, reloaded one of their locks which originally had the chess pins with normals. Worked great until I tried to put the very strong springs back, replaced temporarily with the milder ones in the reload kit. Not too difficult even for a noob.

[@TristynRusselo]

All new style (maybe old too) Sparrows challenge and cut-away locks, and the revolver are randomly pinned! The reload kit may be random too!

[@ChaoticEnigma92]

Is it still possible to get that version of the practice lock? It looks amazing and I'd love to add it to my collection.

[@LockNoob]

Not sure!

[@judgemental8934]

I got this from UK Lock Pickers, yours sounds to be much cheaper and in dollars. Where did you get it from and did you have to pay any type of C&E duty as it sounds like you got it from somewhere in Canada. As you say really great kit and provides many variable pinning combinations for hours of picking challenges.

[@LockNoob]

Judge Mental I buy straight from sparrows lockpicks in Canada 🇨🇦. While I have had to pay import duty in the past, often I don't have to, depends on the value too.

[@overyourbed666]

Nice, thorough review. Btw where do you get more springs for the lock?

[@LockNoob]

The cutaway doesn't come with the kit (or the giveaway), but the reload kit has spare springs, as does the Revolver :-)

[@parapicktog7734]

The best place to buy replacement pins and springs is CLK supplies.

[@macnutz4206]

So, today I repinned the 2 pin practice lock, into a five pin lock, using the blue key pins from the upload set. Yes, I spewed pins and springs when I goofed. Only lost one spring. I did laugh at myself. I also discovered that there is a little problem with that resin follower. Because the end with the sprockets for removing the butt end of the lock can only be used in one direction, for pinning. Only a minor problem. Next month I will order some proper followers.

[@ssjktjessica6]

Hi loob, where can I purchase this kit ? I want the full kit with tweezers and the follower , I’ve purchased the sparrows night school plus that comes with practice locks. So I think this would be a great addition to my tools,

[@LockNoob]

I recommend buying straight from Sparrows lock picks :-)

[@choochoochooseyou]

That is great value. Just been to buy one I can't find that same price you're quoting.

[@petejcb1]

choochoochooseyou . I've just been on the site mate, it is there for 19.95 Canadian. Just google Sparrows reload kit.👍

[@LockNoob]

Pete 1 what he said :-) remember Sparrows sell in Canadian dollars :-)

[@choochoochooseyou]

Ordered. Thanks fellas.

[@LockNoob]

choochoochooseyou good luck with it, it's such good value :-) wish I was getting a cut of the profit, 😂 lol

[@choochoochooseyou]

😅😅

[@billbacardi3262]

Very informative video thanks LN.

[@LockNoob]

Bill Bacardi no problem! :-)

[@stig..locks..r956]

can u answer me this do u get the lock cylinder whith the stuff in the tin ime diying to know thanks man stiglocks..r..

[@LockNoob]

The Cutaway Lock is separate I’m afraid :-)

[@soflopicker9219]

can u remove the lock from the block that has the sparrow logo. do u know what im talking about

[@NOVAKza]

@@soflopicker9219 it's been a few months so I imagine you know by now, but for others: all Sparrow's cores are removable and rekeyable.

[@mikem8145]

About the follower bar that also acts as a cap removal tool... is it compatible to remove cap on Schlage cores (like the Schlage M540-056 tool) ? Thank you!

[@alanguile8945]

Any idea where I can buy the core holder in 2021? Can't find it anywhere, thanks great video.

[@mickeyrs3]

I have that kit n at first fgot t get a KIK lol! It is awsome n f the price its great, also gives ya a feel f repinning 👌🏻🔓

[@LockNoob]

mickeyrs3 it's great isn't it? :-)

[@V4Vendetti]

I have the reload kit and the new progressive set one huge question though. When repinning to any of the green, blue, red or black key, how do you know in what position to put the key pins? It has to matter surely to make sure they all are reaching the correct shear line right? Sorry if this is a dumb question I'm fairly new at this. Got done picking the regular progressive locks fairly easily and want to start repinning them asap. If anyone could help me please I would greatly appreciate it!

[@LockNoob]

Not a dumb question at all. You just have to match the longer pins with the deeper key cuts. Line them up against each other to see which pins are longer or shorter, look at the key and see what pin fits which cut. If you get it right, the key pins should all be at shear when the key is on the core with them

[@V4Vendetti]

@@LockNoob sweet thanks a bunch!

[@philliphealey7573]

had mine today thanks ..

[@LockNoob]

Awesome :-)

[@Daltonleach11]

You should be able to pin it with six, the last pin would just rest on the very tip of the key.

[@LockNoob]

Yeah

[@justincolton4074]

What is the purpose on following tools for having that notch?

[@01bigtrev]

Has anyone got a link to where I can buy a core holder. Thanks

[@plug4uk696]

Don't know if you managed to get one in the end but I've just seen a nice kit on Banggood.com its got all the bits you would need to help with the removal of the core, here is a link below.. Hope this helped ;-) www.banggood.com/DANIU-Professional-12-in-1-HUK-Lock-Disassembly-Tool-Locksmith-Tools-Kit-p-921171.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN p.s. don't forget this one as well for removing the clips amongst other uses, great multitool to have in your kit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqq9o35qepykerc

[@jmacjr84]

Will this work with their sidewinder lock?

[@LockNoob]

I think it will

[@AnimilesYT]

I get why they can sell it for such a low price. The keys don't cost much and the pins are probably also very cheap. Looking at what's in the kit I can see why it's this price. But to be honest, they could've asked more for it and I doubt anyone would've complained. This price gives me way more faith in the company though. They could've gone for pure profits, but they didn't. Just that fact makes me way more comfortable buying their stuff :D

[@Ipo_Ooped_Maself]

You're correct and few people realize this I went to ckl supplies site and and they have 100-count bags of every kind of pin you can think of starting at prices of $2.30 ranging up to $7 a bag. Even at the top and that's $7 for 100 pins you can build your own pinning kit for less than a hundred bucks and have everything you'll ever need

[@bobskimaxx]

I have the revolver but want to know where you brought the sparrow brass practice lock in the UK please? Do you have a link?

[@emtdragon383]

Love your reviews. Ty

[@LockNoob]

Thanks :-)

[@fractal_3]

Can you tell me please, where you got that lock core holder from? I'm trying to find one

[@keithrutherford5164]

thanks for the info

[@LockNoob]

Keith Rutherford no problem! :-)

[@jamesfholer283]

What core holder do you use and where did you get it?

[@jamesfholer283]

what lock is that lock you keep handling as you talk about the reload kit?

[@w1tty]

It now even includes the chess pins :)

[@LockNoob]

Sure does!

[@firebird8600]

It does? ... I might be in for a nice surprise. I actually ordered this and a set of the chess pins and they shipped yesterday

[@chrisobleness612]

I wondered what those weird pins were in my kit... makes much more sense now!

[@3nertia]

Does anyone happen to know if this reload kit works with the ITS Tactical modular practice lock?

[@Sim_racer_40oz]

Like 389 👍 i want that kit

[@tc6886]

Hey thr fellow mechanical puzzle decoders. ..Locknoob you inspired me to share tricks and tips...can you peak at 4 videos posted today and review..thx

[@LockNoob]

Terrance Carson I just subscribed, keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing more :-)

[@tc6886]

Thx Lock Noob ...will post a video a day at least...everyone is doing Bobbi Pins wrong...todays video is an eye opener for sure..thx for Support everyone!!!

[@bird718]

i wish i watched this video 2 hours ago

[@LockNoob]

How so?

[@larrygronlund7063]

i wish Sparrow sell tbere sets in Trinidad and Tobago. I have to get them sent down from Canada

[@LockNoob]

larry gronlund I spent a day in Tobago once when my plane burst a tyre on landing... i still buy direct from Sparrows myself though :-)