u/Practical_Mango7633

I’ve been curious about the Sparrows Cutaway locks for a while now and finally pulled the trigger. I received the package earlier today and have spent a few hours testing everything out: gutting, repinning, swapping keyways, and experimenting with various security pins.

What I really like is the cutaway window. It is incredibly helpful to see the actual state of the pins in real-time. I can develop an opinion on whether a pin is set, overset, or in a false set, and then simply look at the side of the lock to verify if what I felt and heard was correct.

The versatility here is nearly endless. I can change the pin count from one to six. Swap between four different keyway shapes (SC1, Y1, KW1, and WR5). Use the 41 bottom pins of various lengths to create challenging bitting (low-high-low, etc.). And experiment with a huge variety of driver pins: Standards, Spools, Serrated, Mushrooms, and
the Check Pins (Queen, Pawn, Rook, Bishop, and Checkers).

One thing I am unsure about is the feedback. Compared to a lock like the American Lock 1100, the feedback on the Sparrows Cutaway feels much less noticeable, more "muffled," if you will. This is especially true with the spool pins. It makes me wonder how well the "feel" of this lock translates to picking standard, non-cutaway real-world locks.

What I don’t like is the plastic plug follower. It is a necessary tool because it has a specific pattern molded into it that acts as a key to unscrew and disassemble the keyway. I can already see the brass from the lock wearing down the plastic grooves on the follower. This seems like a weird place to try to save a few bucks in production cost.

Additionally, I wish they had designed a better and faster way to disassemble and repin the lock. The current process feels a bit tedious when you want to make quick changes.

I plan to experiment with it some more, but overall, I am happy with the purchase so far. It’s a great tool for visual confirmation, even if the feedback and disassembly could be improved.

What I got:
1x .025 High Reach
1x Practice Lock: Core Trainer
1x Standard pin Cut away Lock
1x Reload kit
1x Check Pins

Anyone else got the Sparrows Cutaway/Progressive locks? How do they feel after heavy use? Also how is the plastic follower holding up after repeatedly repinning?

Every now and then I travel a little for work, so I picked up this $12 tool roll from Jimy Longs and I have been very happy with it so far. It takes up very little space when rolled together, fits more than enough picks for a couple of days travel and the zipper pocket is real nice for tension tools.

Do any of you ever bring your picks when travelling and what pouch/case do you use?

I’m planning to buy new gear and I want to see if there is a clear community consensus on brand and pick profile. I’m looking for your Top 3 favorite/most-used picks.

I'll start.

JimyLongs: Medium Jim Hook .019"
Multipick: ELITE Hook 1 - Pick 0.6 mm/.024" (PN06)
Multipick: ELITE Hook Short Thin Pick 0.4 mm/0.16" (PNV62)

I do not have any other picks with that same sharp profile as the Jim hook has and that profile really works very well for me.
I really like the 0.6mm/.024" Multipick, it is such a versatile pick, that gets in more or less everywhere, even a tiny Abus 64TI/25, I think it's slim neck really helps it.
I use the 0.4 mm/0.16" Multipick so much and it is not because of the 0.4mm, it is the sharp tiny tip of the pick that really helps me pin point the exact tip of the pin to lift. It is also very sturdy thanks to its thicker neck, as you can see in the picture above.