ACE Laminated padlock

Difficulty Notes

The 40mm and 44mm laminated versions are generally rated 'Yellow' (beginner/intermediate). The 44mm and larger (specifically 44mm and 50mm) are rated 'Green' (advanced/intermediate). Users describe the 44mm/50mm as having 'tighter tolerances' and being 'tricky' compared to cheaper locks, but still a 'comfort lock' for practice. Some users suggest skipping Orange belt locks to go straight to Green.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/snazybrew (6pts): '40mm ace laminated padlock looks to be ranked yellow. The bigger ones are green.'
- u/Lochabar213 (4pts): 'The ACE Hardware A527, 40mm or larger brass, and 44mm or larger laminated padlocks are all Green Belt locks.'
- u/CuriousLockPicker (2pts): 'There are a *ton* of fun orange belt locks. Don't skip over them just because you've picked a green belt lock.'
- u/Cucumber7777 (1pts): 'Ace Laminated 44mm and 50mm are probably my favorite... a comfort lock and go to while min[ing]'
[confidence: high]

Picking Notes

Single Pin Picking (SPP) is the primary technique mentioned. Users note that the lock provides good feedback for learning SPP, unlike Master locks which are described as 'mushy'. One user mentions raking a cheap no-name laminated lock but not the ACE.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/xEternalEcho (2pts): '...really hard to learn anything from while single pin picking.' (referring to others, implying ACE is better for SPP)
- u/Cucumber7777 (1pts): 'The feedback feels really good and strong...'
- u/LockLeisure (1pts): 'I've single picked all my doors... an ACE deadbolt...'
[confidence: high]

Tension Tips

Users advise against over-tensioning. One user describes the tensioner as a 'clutch' and the pick as the 'gas', suggesting one should let the tension 'hand ride the clutch' rather than over-tensioning.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/LockLeisure (1pts): 'Your tensioner is like a clutch and your pick is the gas. Over tensioning is something you will do in the beginning but work on letting tension hand ride the clutch a bit.'
[confidence: medium]

Bitting Variance

The ACE 44mm and 50mm laminated padlocks are noted for having 'wild counterrotation feel' and a 'really strong core spring and shackle pop'. The 40mm version is noted to have 'deep cut serrated spools' which can be a 'pain in the ass'. Some ACE locks are American rebadges (e.g., A527), while others are just decent brass or laminated locks with good tolerances. The 44mm+ versions are specifically noted for having 'non-removable cores'.

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