Review
Guy Stevens had the requested package in my hands a short week after ordered. Not bad for a cross-border transaction.
The parcel was complete, well packed, and thankfully, only marked tools to avoid customs hassle.
Inside the overall package were the following items:
(1)-dvd
(1)- package of padlock shims
(1) MPSX-11 Southord pick set and case (the ones with the handles)
(1)PSX-14 pick set and case with vinyl grips (not sure if these were optional or not)
(1)Brockhage automotive "reach" pick
(1) Southord plastic handle jacknife pick set
First off, the dvd.
For the aspiring newb to lock-picking, the cd contains several files that will give the locksport enthusiast a quick taste of what they are in store for. I cannot comment on the videos due to the crappy computer I work on, but from the contents of the rest of the dvd I expect there to be some interesting material, and as a freebie, who can really complain about that?
Next up, the padlock shims. In the whole kit that I received, this was by far the least functional aspect. During my career as a locksmith I've not had opportunity or previous desire to use such a device, but out of curiousity requested the items, and once received, immediately went to my inventory shelf to test 'em out. I knew that padlock shims would not work on the newer style of locks using double-ball (heel and toe) locking mechanisms, and so went first to the cheapest line of Master padlocks I carry. After long, frustrating moments of trying the shims out to no avail, I gave up and began to visit friends who had locks I could play with to test out the shims...I couldn't get 'em to work no matter how hard I tried or by what method...this to me means that most padlock shims are next to worthless for today's varieties of locks, and besides, they don't really belong in a locksport enthusaists kit anyways as its purely a bypass method and not true picking....anyways....
Next up is the MPSX-11 Southord pickset. Bear in mind as you read this that this is my first experience with Southord tools, and it was tough to keep a purely analytical mind as I've read several dozen reviews on the tools. The ones I received had nice slim handles, nice polished tips, and good quality tension wrenches (a must in my book to make a good set.) The case itself is an adequate snap-closed affair commonly found in such sets. If you're looking for an inexpensive start to a pickset, this is really a good place to start. 3 tension wrenches, 7 tools, and 1 extractor complete the make up to the set. I personally found the long handles (well, long compared to most of the tools I currently own) to give the pick a nice balance, and should be more than adequate for even the largest mitts. The fit and finish on these tools is really quite good for a mass-manufactured tool. In common locks they worked as well you might expect, and faired well in even smaller padlocks considering their standard thickness. Flexibility was par.
Now onto the PSX-14 set also by Southord. If you're planning a one-time purchase and looking for a kit with duplicates of your favorite tools, the psx-14 is a fair place to start. An adequate sized case contains the most common tools used for picking locks, including some spares and even some serious hooks for those trouble-some short pins in the back of a lock. These picks use plain steel handles and are adequate for short picking sessions. If your sessions last longer than 10 or so minutes at a time though, you'll definitely want to add the viny sleeves for comfort. This particular set was thicker than the MPSX-11, and I did have some trouble manipulating these picks in smaller padlocks. I would suggest keeping these for your standard Weiser/Kwikset and other residential type locks. Fairly priced, this set should keep the beginning picker in good stead for some time, and the durability of these tools is simply beyond question.
Overall, where Southord really seems to shine in my humble opinion is with their tension tools. Many will laugh and say something like "yeah, I can make those easy enough", but when you've found tension tools you like and work well for your particular style, anything else is a waste. In each of these sets, they have provided both narrow and wide, flexible and firm wrenches with a good variety and nice finish.
The Brockhage "reach" tool I received went immediately into a Weiser residential cylinder I keep as a "confidence" lock by my computer...without suprise it opened. Next I reached for a Ford pin-tumbler ignition lock and within a few minutes opened that as well, and that makes me very happy. This is definitely a tool worth having for the automotive locksmith.
Finally, I come to the end of this review with my favorite "toy" out of the bunch. The Southord plastic-handle folding jacknife pick. After all the reviews I've read concerning this tool, I must admit that at first I was skeptical. Yeah, it opened my confidence lock and a couple others. Yeah, at first the tension tool is a pain to remove from the handle at first, and yeah it is possible to lose the screw that tensions the tools if your not careful. HOWEVER, if you are relying on this tool as your main one, I think your missing the point altogether. This tool is primarily a "handy" or "emergency" type item. It's great for the working locksmith to carry on a key chain or slip into a pocket. For the enthusiast (where legal to carry of course) it's neat to have at those moments when you've forgotten your standard set at home and you are having a locksport meeting with some friends. It's a fun, addicting set of tools to use, and has the bare standards you will find in most every set. I carry mine everywhere now, and it has nearly replaced the set I used to carry around everyday. The handle is comfortable to use flipped either way, the screw tensions the pick shafts with very little wobble, and I found none of the problems associated with the tension wrench falling out or the screw falling out (so far). My only complaint is the amount of lint I have to remove from the tool each time I take it out of my pocket, but I guess that's my own problem.
Anyways, if you like gadgets, or would like a back-up to your normal set of tools, this is definitely the place I would look. Of course, personally I would more likely go with a metal handle one, and would most likely change a few of the tip choices with some of my personal favorites, but this one was more than up to the task for the casual or "quick" pick session.
Have a look around the site, and if you do purchase items from there, feel free to post an honest review (good/bad/indifferent) in this thread to let other hobbyists and pro's know what YOU think of the tools and the overall transaction experience. Thanks for looking.
