(PRIVATE) Challenge: Slinky

These are the last three Challenge Lock videos and I am only making them available to LockLab supporters. The "Challenge Lock" series has come to an end. Not only am I out of the "Whipped" PacLocks, but there were many other things that I took into consideration.
1. Cost. Every day I was receiving between 5-10 locks from around the world. I had to return most of them to the owner, which was a SIGNIFICANT expense - always more than $500/month but sometimes approaching $1000. What little I receive in viewer support was quickly consumed in return postage. I was spending several hundred dollars of my own money every month just to return locks.
2. Quality. Some locks were well designed and contained some unique innovations, but they were few and far between. Most "challenge locks" were threaded chambers with serrated pins built on old,beaten up Kwikset cores. The number of trap pins and super springs has continued to increase as copycats realized this might be a way to get a "Whipped" PacLock - meaning I was breaking and bending more expensive picks. I found this very discouraging.
3. Time. Unpacking, picking, disassembling, repacking, answering emails, etc. Each challenge lock took a lot of time to figure out and then return - even if I did not make a video of it. I was spending most of my time setting up and videoing locks that turned out to be copycats of other people's ideas - meaning I could not post the video for fear of viewers saying "WHAT? Another Kwikset with threaded chambers?"
4. Viewer Interest. My goal with LockLab was to remain "New Picker Friendly" and attract new members to LockSport, but LockLab was quickly becoming the "Challenge Lock Channel", interesting to only a limited number of people with advanced skills. Every time I posted a challenge lock video people complained and unsubscribed to the channel. New pickers were overwhelmed by the complexity of challenge locks and became discouraged. My analytics were very clear on this: If I want to lose subscribers all I needed to do was post a challenge lock video.
5. Channel growth. The LockLab's growth was stagnating and I needed to change something before it was too late. Since I stopped doing challenge locks the number of subscribers has increased, the number of comments increased, "likes" went up, and the channel has grown.
So, yes. I stopped making challenge lock videos. It was not an easy decision but I could not afford to continue doing it for all of these reasons. The money saved from NOT returning challenge locks I am now spending on locks - and have been doing so for the past month or two. I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to return to picking real-world locks in a wide variety. It is good for me (mentally), as well as good for LockLab.
bill

[@Zork13]

Haha it's a good thing you kept this one private, the internet would have a field day with your brother in law comment. Thanks for the exclusive content Bill.

[@davidp2of3]

Just curious if it's his sister's husband or brothers husband.

[@juangonzalez9848]

Sorry to say it isn’t exactly private right meow.

[@VolatileBullfrog]

Heh, I almost missed that comment

[@currentlypooping]

Yep, here we come XD

[@oaksap4]

This is why I came to the comments. 😂

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

"GUTTING DISASTER RESCUE DOCUMENT" LOL Great job, Bill! (Sorry about the broken picks.) Chamber #5 was Ilco bump-proof spring. So I'm not sure scrubbing or raking would work. The springs intensify front to back from weak to strong, thus the name "Slinky". Ball chain idea shoplifted from Luka. Locksporters: Yes, I'm still out here and picking locks daily. I'll have a new project for Bill in the coming months, so stay tuned. It's been a while, but I'll try to do another video soon. I hope everyone is staying as safe and healthy as possible. The Dude abides.

[@currentlypooping]

Nice lock and very well presented!

[@snarevox]

he retired

[@jinxjones5497]

_we miss you Bill. You inspired me to sport pick locks. I'm glad you left so much material behind for us to revisit_

[@elivaughan1192]

I'm not a locklab supporter, so I'm not sure I should be able to see this, but I'm glad I can. I have been wondering what happened to challenge locks, and though I loved those videos, I understand your position. I would be glad to support the lock lab when I am back to normal financially.

[@daganisoraan]

Yep, also not a supporter here that can watch the 3 challenge videos.

[@Lessinath]

If you look, there are comments from years ago - literally - so odds are he either made a mistake or decided to make them public.

[@frogz]

same and i appreciate it either way, thanks bill! these videos are awesome

[@rvdm88]

I think there was a email a few months ago that would say "unlisted videos are now all gonna be private, unless you make them public" there was a opt out for this change but i think he didnt got the memo

[@rileyfenley522]

If you look at the comments there are some from 2 years ago. These were released to supporters back then. I guess he decided it was time to release them to everyone.

[@Tone260]

Just like my brother in law! I hear ya! Gratz on the retirement, Bill. Know that we don't just watch for the picking. Follow up with us sometime.

[@chrism4008]

"Just like my brother in law" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 savage!

[@DirectorJK]

Happy retirement brother. Wish you all the best.

[@8ballout]

No one on this planet cuts an envelope like Bill. RESPECT!!!

[@nemu3014]

it aint private anymore, ah well

[@MrLangDog]

I have to agree. The copycat and p.o.s locks were getting dull; even though I still watched them all. To infinity and beyond!!!!!!

[@-Be4st-]

Was not expecting that chain. That's a dirty move lol.

[@brendanwells967]

Bye bill we are going to miss your videos have a good time

[@matthewellisor5835]

B-I-L have me a good laugh. Glad to see you back Bill. I hope that you're doing well.

[@blackdotkiller1]

No matter what locks you show I will still watch, its just the small tips you pick up ether in technique or tools used, you never stop learning even if you pick all the time in your day job its good to sit back and see some one else do it, and no pressure on me 👍🔑

[@natec1]

Why are all of these going public?

[@derekbowbrick6233]

Well there goes my evening with all these uploads.

[@ryansell9578]

Thanks for such an amazing career Bill, hope you have an amazing time with friends and family in your retirement.

[@stevehanes1268]

Even though challenge locks have been over for a long time, it was nice to see these throwbacks to a time when I first discovered your channel Bill. Thanks for releasing them!

[@LuckYeti]

I love the challenge lock videos, but I completely understand. I hope your changes are a huge positive for this channel and I will continue to watch your videos.

[@Liberty4Ever]

What a great challenge lock! The Dude abides.

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Thanks!

[@kareno8634]

What can i say - *'HOW to Open an Envelope'?* 8 ) haha Nice idea --> Pic of Lock Body Part Anatomy. Ingenious! This was Really Cool - *Thanks to Both!* I also finally SEE that slight Curve at Top of Keyway - Re: 'fail' using Top Tensioner. Been busy trying to Learn Constitutions & Common Law - for self; Realized NO Notices for *Bosnianbill!* 8{| more effort needed by me.

[@bradfry5403]

Great to see you back Bill ,thing were getting dull around here ,hope all is good with you . Cool video ,love the idea of a photo but still love the "well I think that went there and I really have no idea where this guy came from" moments.

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Good finale to the challenge lock series. Thanks.

[@roysammons2445]

That's a very cheeky challenge lock. Well done Bill on the open.

[@thumperlockpicking9269]

I always try to switch up on my pins. I use different sizes chain link's to make my pins after.

[@nobodynone]

Great to see some video's from you again Bill.

[@artimusprimeutube]

Sorry to see you go but I think we all understand. Thanks for all you have done and shared.

[@breached7288]

Just like my brother in law!!! Lol

[@r0mediddy]

😂😂😂😂

[@Large_Sarge]

Thanks for letting us regular viewers see this. I hope everything's okay.

[@davidp2of3]

I love the chain locks

[@fxw]

Good decision and well explained *thumbs up*

[@STEVE_C_1369]

Chain pinning...brilliant !!

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Credit to Luka: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfGm6qvhbeUZrs

[@breyghtonfilms4058]

Thank you for your dedication and good luck in your retirement

[@lowellforbes3208]

Welcome back Bill. Nice job gutting without needing that cheat sheet. Evil lock for sure from the Dude

[@rwbcustompicks]

Great to see you back bill 👍

[@lmars5933]

Nicely done bill great video my friend 😎

[@TheUniquePlumberman]

NOTE: THIS IS A PREVIOUS UNRELEASED VIDEO MADE PUBLIC VIA KZbin NEW POLICY. Enjoy. :)

[@newhouselockandkey]

What policy

[@marblegray]

What is the new policy?

[@nathaliestarlight6372]

I doubt it. That affected vids pre 2017 i believe. This one is late 2018, early 2019.

[@nealyplumgamer2464]

Gonna be a busy night if I can see more videos!

[@danareed1656]

i love all ur videos! i do tend to skip picking videos unless there is something different about them to learn other wise i would never get through all the videos im subed to. this was one of those i have never seen ball chain in a lock before , vary interesting! thank you Bill

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Credit to Luka: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfGm6qvhbeUZrs

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks Bill

[@keezin1]

Nice video bill thanks

[@drevil2783]

Shots at brother in law fired😆😆

[@napalmholocaust9093]

The ball chain pins with the wavy key from about four years ago was the second vid of yours I watched. The first was just to see if my brand of lock was any good. It wasn't, and I still want the ball chain one. You hooked me with that wavy key. It would have an issue of being forced if it was all chain, I guess it needs a solid side pin. Then I could still have the cool key.

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Credit to Luka: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfGm6qvhbeUZrs

[@RoeLunatic4ever]

Nice!...chain/balls...awesome

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Credit to Luka: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfGm6qvhbeUZrs

[@franklinshooter3050]

Still here, Bill. Doing a bit of a recap to be sure I've "liked" every single vid you've released.

[@CountDoucheula]

You can use ToK tension on a Yale keyway if you shave down some wiper blade to fit in the hook at the top

[@jmr]

Awesome 👍

[@sysghost]

About the last parts in the description: If one makes videos because "viewers demand it" it'll turn the wrong way quickly. It becomes a burden and the quality of the content will suffer. If one, as mentioned, do it when it's fun and engaging, it also shows in the quality of the content. I'd rather have the latter.

[@daviddavidson2357]

Awesome, private vijayos

[@blargiefarg93]

Those chains look pretty wild to handle! That being said, I can't imagine using one as a driver pin made a huge difference, but please do correct me if I'm wrong, as I'm still very new to locksport.

[@Danielhofjr]

🙏

[@derekdaggy3704]

Just like me brother in law....oh that was great

[@joefreer]

The real tragedy of these private videos is no one is going to get to hear the comment about your brother in law!

[@bosnianbill]

No worries, there will be PLENTY of other opportunities! 😀 He is my favorite subject to talk badly about.

[@joefreer]

@@bosnianbill and apparently neither he nor your sister are into locksport so it's safe!

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@bosnianbill - Luckily I was between sips of tea or the comment about your brother-in-law going both ways would have caused tea to spew from my nose.

[@unlockeduk]

don't worry he just made them public so we all get to hear it lol

[@timbober1]

I watch the challenge lock videos. I understand challenge locks are part of the culture of the lock spot community. I’m more interested in locks I might find in the wild (like the ones I find buried in a snow bank).

[@patrickbowers8359]

Man where have you been

[@gjacobson76]

The good old Yale 8 keyway.

[@Ozpinn_]

Happy retirement buddy

[@jeffbenson6102]

It looks to me like it says stinky, hmmm.

[@onironius8008]

I think there might have been a scheduling error; It says private, but it ain't private.

[@rileyfenley522]

These were from 2 years ago for supporters when he stopped doing challenge locks. It appears he has just made everything public now that time has passed.

[@sobertillnoon]

The main reason I liked the challenge locks videos is not just because some are really cool and inventive but because a lot weren't very challenging and your explanation as to why it wasn't. I feel like I learned a lot from others failures. But none of that really matters because Master still makes locks and I LOVE hearing you rail against Master's dumb practices and downright deceptive marketing. (Side question: how is it even legal for them to call something high security when it can be zipped open by me on my first try ever picking a lock?)

[@michaelgroves3919]

I hope life is treating you well

[@aachucko]

I wish you a happy retirement Bill.

[@grahamsimmons9427]

Interesting

[@51-FS]

Even came with a rats 🐀 nest

[@jef____4054]

Gud vid

[@never0101]

Waaaait a minute..

[@demonsrun3281]

Private? Then why can a simple plebeian like me see it?

[@cremer007]

Where have you been Bill????

[@ETC_Rohaly_USCG]

Thought you were done with challenge locks.... glad to see that was false! Lol

[@nathaliestarlight6372]

This is a old video. Some comments are 2 years old.

[@ETC_Rohaly_USCG]

@@nathaliestarlight6372 lol! I realize that now... but I was mid-comment by the time Bill mentioned that.

[@jakobrosenqvist4691]

Too bad I sent in a lock before the end of challenge locks that arrived to late to ever be featured. Would have loved to see bill try and figure out my stupid lock. If anyone wonderes: I didn't want a packlock if he couldn't beat it neither did I need the lock back.

[@smuckerst8355]

Hmm, I don't know if I am suppose to see this or what

[@Westhelockpicker]

Not sure what happened bill but these videos are not private.

[@Mrhullsie2]

My guess is that given the personal issues BB has at the moment he has kindly made some previously private videos public but not renamed them.

[@erichkitzmueller]

You should have made it a rule for those who send in challenge locks to either include the return postage fee or not get the lock back. This might have reduced the number of copycat locks, too, thus solving most of your problems. That said, I must admit that I too consider challenge lock videos not very interesting.

[@rwbcustompicks]

Goes both ways just like my brother in law 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Frustratedfool]

Can someone explain false-set? I guess it’s nothing to do with plastic teeth?

[@g2g591]

some pins get narrower in the middle than the ends, so when the pin is lifted when binding the core will turn since it has more room to and hangs on the narrow part of the pin.

[@robomoto5550]

It says private so i feel like i snuck in.

[@51-FS]

Some one has sent u a lock before with them ball and chain things in them. U couldn't open it

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Credit to Luka: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfGm6qvhbeUZrs

[@51-FS]

Yea I got saved under my play list... I made a lock using them... its really pick proof.... and works well

[@51-FS]

I did it win I first got sarted messing with locks. So I had a bunch of kwikset junk laying around.

[@gsh923]

Sure am glad this is private and I can’t see or comment on it

[@dennisbuelow1446]

Volume is low

[@BD90..]

Hacked maybe?

[@ohmbug10]

??? Most of the comments are 2 years old.

[@mrheineken88]

The video has been private and has just gotten set to public again.

[@ohmbug10]

@@mrheineken88 Thanks. I wonder what's up?

[@zackey3876]

Why can I see this

[@DuhC0mmunity]

did i get clickbaited?