![[189] Review and Picking Tutorial: Assa Abloy Ruko Merkur 401 @MichaelMaynard](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RhLW2hF7BZ4/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded February 2020 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
This is a long one guys, but it's worth it. I show you why the Merkur is so good, and how to pick it.
This is a long one guys, but it's worth it. I show you why the Merkur is so good, and how to pick it.
![[189] Review and Picking Tutorial: Assa Abloy Ruko Merkur 401](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RhLW2hF7BZ4/mqdefault.jpg "[189] Review and Picking Tutorial: Assa Abloy Ruko Merkur 401
This is a long one guys, but its worth it. I show you why the Merkur is so good, and how to pick it.")
![[193] Assa 700 pick and disassembly](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RwU0iGb3i34/mqdefault.jpg "[193] Assa 700 pick and disassembly
The Assa 700 series is a conventional seven pin lock designed in 1948. It punches waaaaaay above its weight and rates a Reddit Black Belt - and I can see why. Three different security pin types (tapered, gins, and Christmas tree spools) plus incredible manufacturing tolerances make this deceptively simple lock a massive challenge to open.
I LOVE this lock, its everything that good design should be.")
![[114] Review - Souber Mul-T-Lock dimple pick kit - do not buy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SPpJ1dzOkkY/mqdefault.jpg "[114] Review - Souber Mul-T-Lock dimple pick kit - do not buy
This a monster half hour video, and I really hesitated to publish it because these tools are well made, and honestly you might get lucky with this set and fluke an open on a lock with easy bitting...so the set is not entirely hopeless.
But youll never get good consistent results with these picks, and there are so many other - better - options out there that I decided to tell it like I see it, warts and all.
Theres also something else I need to mention: Im well aware that there are a few glowing reviews of these tools on YouTube.
Without naming names, its clear that most of these reviews either soft-pedal these picks by glossing over their flaws...or they are being reviewed by guys who have just got the picks fresh out of the packet and are enthusiastic...but dont have a clear understanding of MTL pin in pin locks, their tolerances, and the techniques needed to beat them.
Im not funded by advertising dollars, and Ive opened a LOT of MTLs. Hope you like the video, and I look forward to your comments.
Michael Maynard.")
![[4] Five buck Chateau C870 70mm disc padlock - surprisingly good for your money](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Sh4fgYBHhro/mqdefault.jpg "[4] Five buck Chateau C870 70mm disc padlock - surprisingly good for your money
[4] Five buck Chateau C870 70mm disc padlock - surprisingly good for your money")
![[190] Picked - Assa Twin Exclusive Southern Steel Mogul custodial (ie jail or prison) lock](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ssk8iBTJukI/mqdefault.jpg "[190] Picked - Assa Twin Exclusive Southern Steel Mogul custodial (ie jail or prison) lock
Southern Steel jail locks are now owned by Southern Folger, as a result of a buyout between Folger Adam and SS. In this lock, they use the Twin made by Assa Abloy. I believe (but am not sure) that this is a thing called the Assa Twin Exclusive. As you folks know by now, Im a huge fan of Assa and I just love the way they approach the design and manufacture of their products. Theyve thought about - and mitigated against - just about every attack you can think of in this beautiful state of the art lock...apart from picking by a Gorilla.
As a bonus, I think this might be another first - I cant see any other videos showing the Twin Exclusive version of a Mogul being picked. So Im claiming it unless someone can point me to an earlier one.
Lastly, I have to apologise for the quality of this video folks. For various reasons Ive literally only picked two locks in the last eight months - this one and the Ruko Merkur. This aint a great video but better stuff is on the way.")
![{172] Review - Multipick Elite Dual Gauge Kit](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SvuqCNw3pX0/mqdefault.jpg "{172] Review - Multipick Elite Dual Gauge Kit
This Multipick kit is the Mercedes Benz of lockpicking kits - it can take you from beginner to picking high security locks and the quality is streets ahead of any other manufacturer. I love it, and its easily worth the price tag.
https://www.pickpals.com.au/buy-lockpicks/sets/multipick-elite-29-piece-dual-gauge-lock-pick-kit/?currency=AUD
https://shop.multipick.com/en/multipick-elite-pick-sets/multipick-elite-dual-gauge-lock-pick-kit-29-pieces")
![[162] Fixing a faulty La Gard 3330 in a Fichet Venus safe](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Tid68m15IUs/mqdefault.jpg "[162] Fixing a faulty La Gard 3330 in a Fichet Venus safe
This lovely little safe didnt open on the combination numbers that were supplied with it. We strip it to find out why not, and fix the fault.
***Second posting - sorry about the bad audio the first time around lads, my error.")
![[177] Tutorial - Pinning up a Folger Adam Model 110 Mogul Jail Lock](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TlHF-G6DWJo/mqdefault.jpg "[177] Tutorial - Pinning up a Folger Adam Model 110 Mogul Jail Lock
These beautiful old locks were the default American jail locks for more than half a century. We repin one to match a pre cut key that I bought from eBay, to make a working piece of history.")
![[200] Bilock QCC picked, tips and tricks for picking](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UHh5VblrB5g/mqdefault.jpg "[200] Bilock QCC picked, tips and tricks for picking
The ALC Bilock is an iconic Australian lock. Its a very simple lock but a very difficult lock to pick. Another of Brian Preddeys masterpieces.")
![[13] Review: learnlockpicking.com Ultimate Challenge and Ultimate Adversary training locks](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UMyeb1GNLfw/mqdefault.jpg "[13] Review: learnlockpicking.com Ultimate Challenge and Ultimate Adversary training locks
In summary: If youre going to have one, buy the 7 pinner plus the expansion kit. Nice to have and very configurable, but kinda expensive for what you get, and definitely not for newbies.")
![[85] Review - Lockwood 130/70 padlock - complete junk](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UULfwUcQNK0/mqdefault.jpg "[85] Review - Lockwood 130/70 padlock - complete junk
Lockwood discus padlock tested to destruction. This is a NZ$58 (US$42) padlock, and its rubbish.
Assa Abloy call these High Security, and they should be ashamed of themselves.
http://www.lockweb.com.au/en/site/lockweb/lockwood-products/padlocks-and-outdoor-security/high-security-range-padlocks/stainless-steel-cylindrical-130-series-high-security-padlock/")
![[128] Review - Brisant Ultion - Fatally flawed genius. Part 2 of 2](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UcMdf5aR7JY/mqdefault.jpg "[128] Review - Brisant Ultion - Fatally flawed genius. Part 2 of 2
The Ultion is a very good lock. But it behaves very, very strangely and while it may be excellent against drilling and snapping attacks, it is ridiculously easy to pick and in my view this makes a mockery of its three star security rating. In addition, its online marketing material makes some very odd claims. I make some educated guesses as to why this might be.
Brisant Secure were emailed for comment ten days before this video was published. Ive had no response.
If you would like to contact me, please email me at gorillapicking@gmail.com.")
