What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

[Snosnipe]

http://www.amazon.com/MPXS-08-Eight-Piece-Metal-Handles/dp/B000NVFUQU Southord all the way!!!

[Edgyman]

I started off with two bobby pins I shaped and started picking padlocks that had 3 pins. some of the padlocks had effectively no security and just needed a tensioner and jab the other bobby pin in. takes me more time to pick up my tools than to open it. After that i went and paid for a set i got a few in it as shipping was expensive to get to australia.

[Archive555]

I started off with two bobby pins I shaped and started picking padlocks that had 3 pins. some of the padlocks had effectively no security and just needed a tensioner and jab the other bobby pin in. takes me more time to pick up my tools than to open it. After that i went and paid for a set i got a few in it as shipping was expensive to get to australia.

A lot of people start out like this. I personally think that this is NOT the way to go, as many are crushed by how 'hard' it is, and don't pursue this great hobby very far.
A decent set of lockpicks will by far get you further, and in no time you'll be picking locks like a semi-pro.
And I agree, shipping to Aus is such a rip-off...
Especially with current exchange rates

[bldiener]

after reading this I bought my first set very happy thanks so much

[freakparade3]

after reading this I bought my first set very happy thanks so much

If this thread helped one person it was well worth writing. Glad it helped you.

freakparade3

[smttyxc92]

these are awsome tools to pick from and im gona go for it because i started with a set of home made tools but now that im getting the harder locks i cant open much because i cant SPP only rake thanks!

[chinkbot6000]

thanks a lot for the help. also there is a coupon code for southord that is 30% off cs2008 thats pretty sweet. -lucid

[Kage321]

I have ordered [MPXS-14]SouthOrd Pick Set 14 and I was hoping to get my hands on them today but going by the UPS website that doesnt look likely

So at the moment Im reduced to using a bobby pin tension wrench and paperclip hook. The only thing I've managed to open is a tri-circle 3 pin.

I picked up some other locks but I havent had any luck with them. Im going to try and find a cylinder lock that I can re-pin over the weekend for something better to practice on. Any irish pickers out there?

[chev49]

Ok, Thanks freakparade
I didn't realize that discussing trip wires in this forum is verboden
but they are useful.... (accidently learned something today while reading posts.... Hmmmmm)

[hillbilly21]

hey i'm' thinking about ordering the basic/ beginer picks from lockpickingtools.com its a four piece set with a tesion tool. just wondering thats a good deal and the right picks. right now i'm just workin with hack saw blades that i grinded down to resemble a hook, rake, and tesion tool. but i wound up breaking my first hook. But inturn made a almost "flat rake" that i like using. thanks cody

[zeke79]

A cheap basic set as freakparade pointed out is all you need. Personally I would recommend spending the few extra bucks and getting plastic handled type petersons. I'd pick up a standard hook, half diamond, gem, and their "reach" picks. A standard tension wrench will serve you well. If you really get into the hobby those picks will take you all the way to the toughest of locks to pick. The tools that really make the difference for me after that is the tension tools. You can custom make your own from the metal inserts found in some windshield wipers or from street sweeper bristles. The main thing is to have a big selection of tension tools that will allow you to tension from the bottom of the keyway with the "handle" portion of the pick at the 6 o'clock position, wrenches that will allow you to tension from the top of the keyway with different blade widths on your wrenches to allow for different wardings on the keyways you will run into, then you will also need some shorter handled wrenches than normal that will allow you to apply top or bottom tension without the door jamb interfering with your wrench. There are a huge number of possible wrenches that you can make. Some will work on close to all the locks you run into and some will be very specialized possible so specialized that they are only used on one type of lock. These tools are cheap to make (free if you cange your wiper blades or have your local auto parts store such as autozone save old wipers for you) and are probably the best addition one can make to their pick set.

[hillbilly21]

alrighty thanks for the help

[Buick455]

Ok, I have been lurking for a while and I have decided I'm buying myself a set of picks for x-mas. I think I’m going to get the PXS-14 ( http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html ) b/c it comes with different tension tools and a few extra picks. Its more picks for less money then the MPXS-08 ( http://www.lockpickshop.com/MPXS-08.html ) is there any reason for this price difference, besides the sale? Someone suggested buying a Kwikset Deadbolt to practice on; can I re-key it so it’s like a whole new challenge? I have seen practice locks that have a cutaway (which I like) but the prices seem to be high, with the Kwikset can I see what’s going on inside? What do you all suggest? I would love to learn sitting at my desk/workbench rather them my front porch, lol.

[Buick455]

I think I’m going to get the PXS-14 ( http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html ) b/c it comes with different tension tools and a few extra picks. Its more picks for less money then the MPXS-08 ( http://www.lockpickshop.com/MPXS-08.html ) is there any reason for this price difference, besides the sale?

Ok, I now see the difference the PXS-14 is without metal handles, which I'm guessing will be less then comfortable to use..

[SEVEN]

H.P.C. Tool,s cant be beaten for price a little light sanding and they are as smooth as southford lockpicking is a hobby that can turn into a full time occupation ,or just something to brag about.