Path to Black: mgsecure

Another list from the LPUbelts team. Here’s a slightly different take than the path I actually took, focusing on dimple locks. I did use them from Purple to Black and they are a fascinating and challenging switch from “traditional” pin-tumbler locks.

For those who might want to start exploring picking dimples, here’s an overview of major dimple flag sets I put together a bit back. I use the Multipick flags, and included some tool selection notes below.

Dimple lock availability can be a real issue in the US but I’ve tried to select some of the more common ones. I largely rely on #lock-bazaar on the LPU Discord server for higher belt locks.

Orange: ABUS EC75 75/30

This tiny dimple lock is a good introduction, though it does have a tricky little keyway. The Multipick #10 (or similar small flag) is the way to go. I also recommend learning with the affordable Gaab six pin dimple lock available from UHS Hardware in the United States. It’s unranked but I put it’s difficulty at Orange. UK folks might consider the Master Lock 1145 - 1165EURD series. (I actually submitted the Abus 64TI Titalium.)

Green: Kenaurd Pin-in-Pin Dimple Lock (four pins)

Kenaurd is a house brand at UHS Hardware and this lock doesn’t contain spooled or serrated outer pins. Their 1” mortice lock has four pins while 1 1/8” and longer come with five. Pin-in-Pin sounds scary at first but they’re really not that much harder than standard pins. I use the Multipick #10 and small #7 which were designed for PIP locks but a standard flag works well too. The ABUS D6 seems like a popular option in the UK. (I actually submitted the pin-tumbler ABUS 72/40.)

Blue: DeGuard Interactive clone (four pins)

Another house brand from UHS though Any HQ High Security Interactive clone will do. This is a step up from the Kenaurd in that it contains PIP spooled security pins. I generally prefer security pins for the feedback they give and this lock has decently deep spools. Again with the MP #10 and #7. You could also go with a four pin Mul-T-Lock Classic/Interactive or an ABUS 75/50 padlock for Blue. (I actually submitted the American Lock 1100 which used to be Blue.)

Purple: Mul-T-Lock Junior and DeGuard Interactive clone (five pins)

Starting at Purple, you need to submit two different locks for each belt. Mine are similar, five pin-in-pin stack locks. The MTL locks definitely have tighter tolerances and the Junior is a good introduction to them. There are a lot of other Purple Belt dimple locks if these aren’t available in your area.

Brown: Mul-T-Lock Interactive (serrated driver pins) and GOAL D9

The MTL locks are tougher with serrated drivers but not dramatically harder. The Japanese GOAL D9 however, is a real big shift in approach and difficulty. This cute little lock has three rows of pins with three pins each and is a great introduction to so-called “High Pin Count” (HPC) locks. Progressive pinning is a really great way to learn these, I start with the pins in the back and add in groups of three. Trying with just one full row is also a good way to get a feel for things. The WEST 916 is another good HPC lock. It has two rows of six pins each on both sides.

Red: MIWA JN/Kaba 20/Kaba Star (less than 15 pins) and ABUS EC700/EC800

The MIWA JN has four rows of pins, two on the sides and two coming in diagonally from the bottom. It is capable of having up to 21 pins but counts for Red with 14. It’s similar to other HPC locks like the GOAL v18 but doesn’t have over-milling in the core. I use the same curved flag approach here.

Black: GOAL V18 and WEST 917

The V18 is a beast of a lock with three rows of pins and up to 19 active pin stacks*. It has over-milling in the core that creates overset traps if you aren’t careful. It is Black Belt with 14-16 pins and BB2 with all 19. Under some peer pressure, I picked it with 19 :-) Patience is key and progressive pinning really helped me tackle it. I can’t keep track of all 19 pins at once, so I broke it down into zones like “back left” and “front right” to help me picture it.

Black Belt: Epic Quests

My quests were manipulating the S&G 6730 safe lock & community contributions, here’s my original belt request with details.

See also

• Path to Black write-ups