lock pick sets

[vandelay]

Hi guys,

So i was wondering how much easier it is to pick locks with proper pick sets than using just bobby pins and other household items. Ive never used a proper pick set partly because i like the novelty of using everyday items and also because i wouldn't know where to get them in Australia (if they're legal). I also like a challenge, but could a proper pick set help improve my picking skills? The hardest thing i can do right now with hair pins is probably an ABUS with some security pins inside. Sometimes it can take me an hr if i try to single pin pick it haha

Thanks in advance

[raimundo]

It is 68 percent easier with real picks and 78 percent easier with handmade bogotas.


statistics are made up, 64 percent of people will believe any statistic without questioning where it comes from.
79 percent of politicians who quote statistics are lying.

[LocksmithArmy]

lets watch 2 videos then decide...

video 1...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LocksmithArmy?feature=mhum#p/search/1/EnnsFK5Gf2Y
this video picks 3 locks... with proper picks... the first of which is a kwikset (generally considered a super easy lock) it pickes the kwikset in 8 seconds with real picks

Video 2...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LocksmithArmy?feature=mhum#p/search/2/DzrIZNF2ah0
this video picks 1 kwikset with a bobby pin... in... about a min thirty seconds... give or take...

idk abt statistics but the time is staggering... now you may just be saying i suck with bobby pins... and that may be tru... but either way you look at it real picksets will the a great choice...

if you cant find a place to buy some try online... if noone will ship to austrailia (which i doubt) maybe a member will ship... if none of that is possible for you... make you own on a grinder out of scrap metal.

[Noxinal]

I really just started, but the first tools I made from paper clips. I could open wafer locks on filing cabinets without a problem, and in about 30 minutes, a kwikset knob. The second set I made from a hacksaw blade. I could open the kwickset in about 2 minutes. I only had one pick and tensioner though. I just got a "real" set from dealextreme, and can open every lock in my house and office in less than a minute easy. I don't think they will hold up very long, but the handles are more comfortable than bare hacksaw metal.

[vandelay]

Thanks guys. i think id better invest in a real pick set.

[Shaun1987]

Agreed, go for thin picks. I have a swiss army knife style set, but the picks are too thick really, Im going to sand down the feeler about 60% when i get the chance.

I suggest seperate pick sets, not a combines 'swiss army knife' style one. Also seperated picks are cheaper!!!!

[weilawei]

Definitely get real picks (thin ones!). Once upon a time, I bought a pick set, but I usually just use three now. I prefer a short hook (lifter pick) as a workhorse, a small half diamond (tight keyways/raking), and a C rake (although an S rake might not be a bad choice).

I do keep a bobby pin, but that's for picking handcuffs. A short hook works too, but I try to be nice to mine. I'd also suggest a twisted tension wrench so your finger(s) can lie flat on it. Don't bother with a feather touch--they're not necessary and only fit in humongous keyways.

[meastabrook]

just picked up the HPC jackknife set, its alright

[Shaun1987]

what do you guys think of...

http://www.lockpicktools.co.uk/Lock-Pic ... C-500.html

Im looking for a decent feeler pick really, my current one cant cut the mustard.

or...

http://www.lockpicks.com/longhookpickplus.aspx

or..

http://www.lockpicks.com/longhookpickeconomy.aspx

maybe

http://www.devonlocks.com/html/media/bi ... -500-l.jpg

[weilawei]

Those hooks seem awfully long. I've noticed that I have to switch to a short half diamond to move around in tight keyways--even my short hook is oftentimes too tall.

As a whole, however, that set looks very reasonable for ~$16. Southord's stuff is very durable and they all have handles (which is something I especially like, as I tend to use a pencil-style grip, not a hammer-style one).

[Shaun1987]

Those hooks seem awfully long. I've noticed that I have to switch to a short half diamond to move around in tight keyways--even my short hook is oftentimes too tall.

As a whole, however, that set looks very reasonable for ~$16. Southord's stuff is very durable and they all have handles (which is something I especially like, as I tend to use a pencil-style grip, not a hammer-style one).

Same, I ordered a long feeler+duel tension wrench+snake rake pick, that should keep me going for a long time

[sterry20]

Everyone should learn to pick with the things they have laying around the house and homemade tools just in case of emergency they would be able to pick their way out of a jam!

[raimundo]

there are a lot of things that can open different locks in different ways,
Ive been making snapper picks out of bicyclespokes lately and they just eat up a lot of run of the mill locks,
certain womens hair clips can be used to shim the locking dogs on some padlocks,
a pointed tool that is thin can in some cheap padlocks reach through the plug to engage and draw back the locking dog.

so as far as working with items that are to hand, you still have to do a little "makeing"

Many people are makeing more sofisticated picks and they have to use some material, from hacksaw blades that I do not use,
there are many brands of hacksaw and each might have a different tempering. some can be brittle but with a hacksaw blade there is a lot of material to 'waste' before you get close to the shape of a pick.

If what you are implying is that we should know a 'mcgyver' that will help if there is an urgency like its raining and 33 degrees out at midnight and you have misplaced your keys or locked them in the car. Well Mcgyver has to have something to work with, and under those conditions he would have very little to use.

So whats wrong with being prepared with something before that exigency comes up.