So far in the last month I ordered stuff close to 150 dollars, namely:
1. Ordered a few picks off Southord, none arrived. Been in contact with a lady called Megan, as I read that the Pagoda set can open most locks (Raimundo's Titan kit is beautiful, even as objects of art, problem is shipping to Europe). She was most helpful, so far I can only positively comment on Southord's customer service. Will see when that kit hopefully arrives.
2. My better half ordered a 32 piece Klom set, which promptly arrived from China. I did not know about this, so ordered the same set from amazon.co.uk, with a three-piece jiggler key set, which did not arrive. I'm close to a 150 dollar's worth of merchandise not arriving. Anyway, thanks babe.
3. Still thinking of a pick gun and a tubular set, from China, as their prices are so much lower and it seems I will receive them. Klom gun for 50 euros and tubular gun 30, still hesitating. The KLOM electic gun is absolutely unnecessary, heavy and raises suspicion, but what the hell, as a man I am entitled to love and have power tools
Yes, yes I know, beginner's collecting fever, just learning the ropes, so far only managed to open a wafer padlock and a simply bitted cylinder padlock with the rakes in the KLOM set. I have much to learn, reading the forums and practicing as much as I can.
Also read Deviant Ollam's two books, these forum's posts and watching youtube videos. All the theory, slowly the hand skills
Now, onto the comments:
>Especially navigation, radar, radio, or engineering spaces. the techs who normally >service these areas should be able to get into the equipment without problems. >Somebody else getting in will set off alarms.
Navigation, radar and radio spaces are under my command as a navigation officer, so I have the authority to open anything I like. The problem is getting the right key, which might not be available. Pick tools are the last resort, but prepare for the worst.
Engineering spaces are out of the question, if I have any business down there I get the Engineer OOW. Would not touch anything under any circumstances as the engine room is a highly specialised area.
Agreement for the last 400 years: deck officers = bridge, engineers = engine rooms. Keep it that way.
>AS far as "game machines" - the purser will be on your case fast if you open these >without the proper authorization.
This is a special case, usually electricians are looking after these. The extra hassle and confrontation does not worth opening any of these, having tubular picks falls into the same category as lifeboats and vests - when you need them, they are there.
>If you are looking for the keys, ask the executive officer, he has them, that is HIS >JOB to keep the security of the vessel intact.
As a fellow officer it is MY JOB to make the Chief Officer's (Executive Officer, XO in the States / Internationally for warships) life easier. Normally he has so much to look after that he will not mind if I open the bloody bridge alarm panel to shut off the beeping - this saves calling him and 10 minutes of his sleeping time not having to sort through 100+ keys.
Back to the original post, it looks like (IF they arrive) that the solution for the original question is:
1. KLOM 32 Piece set
2. Southord Pagoda
3. jiggler keys.
Still undecided on the pick gun and tubular picks, for the latter please advise on the most common size, as I can get the 7, 7.5 and 7.8 mm set for 30 dollars or one pick for 10 dollars.
Best and thanks for your advice.
