To build my own set or to buy a commercial set

[weevilthebug]

Dear All:
At this point I have been doing allot of reading and trial and error in the machine shop. I initially got into making tools from watching Pyro's "How to" video. Many thanks Pyro. I am looking at the Southern Specialties lock pick sets. I am impressed with their design and handles. I have made various tools now out of hack saw blades and wind shield wiper blade inserts (the easiest builds I have ever done). Do you think I should go with the commercial set or just keep making my own off of the various templates I am coming across. I am building a training set of locks now using the same standing board for easy transitioning from lock to lock.
Regards:
Havoc

[JackNco]

it really comes down to how happy you are with the tools you are making. I have always brought my tools and so always been happy with them. IF ur happy making tools why waste the cash. if ur curious i use SO and Peterson and would recommend them both.

[Shrub]

Your parents loved you didnt they lol

I would get the locks and see what the ones youve made are like first,

If you want to show us a picture of your picks it would help,

You see its hard to suggest a direction because you could be making A1 first class picks at home or you could be making things that are too big and rough edged,

If its the latter buy the commercial set but if they are great kep making your own,

I would always advise buying a set if your learning and then turn to making your own when you need another type or to replace one, the main point being that you have a decent set to begin with so you know its not the tools at fault if you struggle picking,

For another guide you could check out my www button,

[Gordon Airporte]

If you're competent making your own picks I think the big draw for buying a commercial set is the handles. If you've found a way to make handles that you like a set is much less attractive.

If you still want one, what would you actually end up using from a basic kit? The hook and maybe a couple of the rakes. Hooks are easy to make so you can do some trial and error making one or two that you really like. That leaves the rakes, which are more difficult to make by hand. If you just can't cut an acceptable snake or W rake profile and you really feel that it's important to have, then get a set.

There are many interesting picks out there that don't come in a basic assortment and would be burdensome to buy individually (or with the set they come in.) Some of the pick profiles in the Falle set are great, for example, and the Peterson reach and gem picks, raimundo's Bogata is a must, etc.
Even if you buy a set you'll still want to make some of these.

[Knows-Picker]

I would say that if you have the money, then buy a set. Even if it is just a small starter set. That way you have a better idea how to make your after using a profesional set. You can model your new picks after the ones that are most effective for you in the bought set. I have tons of bought picks, but when it comes down to it, I usually use my home brew. Once I found the handle dip at Lowes, and added the pumice grit...... I don't think that I can buy a handle that feels as good. I actually put the same coating on all of my bought picks, so for me I like the ones I made. And my rakes seem to open them faster then the standard rake profiles that you can buy. That is another bonus to making your own picks... You can make profiles that CAN NOT be bought. You will find with messing around with a dremel and a high speed carbide tip, that you can make some amazing rakes and snakes, so even if you buy some, keep making your own. Just my 2 cents.

[weevilthebug]

Dear All:
Thank you all for your comments and I want to especially thank both "Shrub" and "Gordon Airporte" for your insight. I have decided I am going to buy a commercial set and see what modifications I need or want to defeat various locks. With the home made picks and tension wrenches I made I was able to open several locks and truly enjoyed the "sporting" nature of defeating locks. I think I will post a picture of the tools I have made here just for comments sake.

[Shrub]

I would like to see them,

[NeurologicalOverride]

Hey all,

Besides Pyro's video on making homemade picks, you can also check out my new video on metacafe:

How to Make Lock Picking Tools

It's short and to the point. Hope you enjoy it.

N.O.

[JackNco]

Now thats a nice video. very to the point and i love the way u print the template on the hacksaw blade. Im not sure if thats ur own idea as i haven't looked in to making picks that much but you really shoudl post that video in the my videos thread, let as many people as possible enjoy it.

[scorpiac]

Nice little video, good job!

[NeurologicalOverride]

Hey, thanks. I'm not all that familiar with this site, so I'm still not real sure where to post stuff like this.

The idea for printing onto the hacksaw blade was definitely not my idea; I know a lot of people who are "in the know" use that method, though, so I thought I'd present it to a wider audience. Glad you liked it.