Reddit reviews 3mm Brass Round Rod, Favordrory 20PCS Brass Round Rods Lathe Bar Stock, 3mm in Diameter 100mm in Length

Ahh, I’m picking up what you’re putting down now. I’m finding out this is the kind of thing where you could spend a fortune, or try to stay within a regular working persons budget. Being the latter myself I have to figure out what I’m going to spend money on each paycheck. The re-key-able feature is nice, and as far as making your own pins I was directed here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1C4888?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app
Other than American and Master lock which use a smaller pin you can make your own pins with this. I haven’t tried it yet, as I’ve just gotten my Dremel, but plan on making challenge locks, etc...

So far I’ve favored padlocks, but I’d like to get into all aspects of locksport, sadly though I’m not independently wealthy, so I have just figured out what I can afford, and what I have access to. I’ve been disassembling, and reassembling padlocks for a few days now, and its fantastic! Very rewarding, but also very detailed work. Almost like watchmaking, but less parts.

Thank you for the heads up on the 302/304 steel! I’m a noob as well, but would like to start making my own picks, etc... I was very impressed with yours, and am curious what bits, or tools were all involved in your process? I’m sure there’s more than one way to skin a cat, as it were, but I like hearing about everyone’s preferences until I find my own. But when it comes time for the belt challenge to make your own tools you’re gonna have it in the bag, my friend!!

Lastly, I am ready for my green belt, but am having issues with the whole video aspect of the challenge. Either bribing a friend to record me on my phone, or finding an apparatus to hold it in place seem like my best options at the moment. I’m not completely tech savvy, but I do know a bit about things. Anyway, curious if you’ve figured out how you’re going to do video for green belt, and forward. I’m thinking about investing in a cheapo digital cam, or seeing if a family member has an old one I can “borrow” ;)

Edit: forgot to ask, did you buy blanks from Peterson’s, or are you using hacksaw blades? Or something altogether different?

I have the Bessey vise and it opens enough to grab onto the dremel when it is flipped sideways, putting the power switch facing right. The harbor freight one says that it opens to 2 & 1/2" and my 4300 is about 2" on the side, so it will work.

The 1100 and the LOTO are great locks to learn with! They will frustrate you for sure but they will teach you how to feather your tension and how to deal with counter rotation.

If you haven't already, pick up 3mm brass rod stock from Amazon to make custom pins. That will give you just the right size to fit inside of most locks. American Lock and Master Lock pins are smaller in diameter, so you can't use use it on them unless you really reduce them.