@dave yes, in fact, many are inoperable, some are operable—but barely, and some are in remarkable shape.

I often work oil through them to make them work better. Sometimes use degreaser, an ultrasonic cleaner, WD-40, wire brushes, etc.

@alice @dave Being honest now (I realise you take immense pride in your locksport!), have you ever encountered a padlock that completely defeated you? If so, which brand was it? I mean, as an expert in lockpicking, what would you confidently recommend to a friend?

Also, what would you recommend to secure a bicycle? I've been told by a police officer that nearly everything can be brute forced with industrial bolt croppers - indeed, thieves prefer this method to tinkering with fiddly mechanisms.

@ApostateEnglishman in the wild, no one¹ is going to pick your lock.

I'd recommend something like the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini. No one is going to pick it (but it's possible), and almost no one is going to cut it (but it's possible).

There are only a few locks that have utterly defeated me, and they come in two varieties: rusted to the point that they're nonfunctional, or high-security disc-detainer locks (like the Abloy Protec 2). Most other things I can open (eventually).

¹ if your day to day is like a spy thriller, maybe it's different, but for most people it's not.

@dave