Master Lock 140 / Master Lock 141

Difficulty Notes

The Master Lock 140/141 is generally considered a beginner lock (White or Yellow Belt level). It is often suggested as an alternative to the Master Lock #3, which is described as having inconsistent feedback and a poor core. The 141 is noted as having better and more consistent feedback than the #3. The 140 may have a 'bad' bitting lottery (random difficulty).

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/Charming-Height-118 (5pts): 'This was me with the master lock 3 before I actually knew what I was supposed to be feeling for... Once you open it the first time it definitely becomes easier.'
- u/CuriousLockPicker (5pts): 'Either start with much easier locks (master 141, master 140...)'
- u/secphilomath (4pts): 'Master lock 140 / 141 is a good lock for Orange, Send your pic to the mods for your White belt, congrats!'
- u/waylandsmith (3pts): 'Newer Master Lock 141s (not 140s) are excellent beginner locks... They have no security pins (unlike the 140s) and provide better and more consistent feedback than the #3s'
- u/vapescaped (2pts): 'I highly recommend not using your ability to pick a number 3 as a standard to measure your picking skills against. They are the exact opposite of an indicator of skill.'
[confidence: high]

Picking Notes

Tensioning from the top is recommended for beginners; ToK (Top of Keyway) tension is preferred by some users as it allows the pick to be used as a lever. One user mentions the #3 core can 'brick on you' (stick) or be good depending on the instance.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/myktylgaan (7pts): 'If you've never tensioned from the top of a lock before I highly recommend as a first step...'
- u/Charming-Height-118 (5pts): 'For master lock 140/141s I prefer to use ToK tension because I can use my pick as a lever'
- u/vapescaped (3pts): 'The #3 has to be the worst core in history. It's so bad, it can be good. Or it can just brick on you.'
[confidence: medium]

Tension Tips

Beginners are advised to practice tensioning from the top of the lock using Sparrows pry bars before attempting specific locks. For the 140/141, ToK tension is preferred by some to utilize the pick as a lever.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/myktylgaan (6pts): 'If you've never tensioned from the top of a lock before I highly recommend as a first step getting a set of Sparrows pry bars...'
- u/Charming-Height-118 (5pts): 'For master lock 140/141s I prefer to use ToK tension because I can use my pick as a lever'
[confidence: medium]

Bitting Variance

The Master Lock 140 and 141 are often grouped together as beginner practice locks. The 141 is specifically noted as 'newer' and having 'no security pins,' whereas the 140 may have them (or at least is distinguished from the 141 in this regard by one user). The Master Lock #3 is frequently criticized for having a terrible core that behaves unpredictably ('muddy feedback', 'bricks on you', 'worst core in history'). The 140/141 are described as having wide-open keyways. Some users suggest buying multiple units (e.g., four 141s and four 140s) to account for manufacturing variations.

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