Where to buy Curtain Picks?

[cymap]

Hi guys, I am not a locksmith(yet) and I am just learning this great hobby. I have read a lot of posted on here about curtain picks and which to buy etc and it seems that the CB pick comes out on top. I want to try and start having a tinker with mortice locks aswell as the cylinders etc.

So my question is where to buy the CB pick from and which to cover alot of the main locks for a start and do I need to be a locksmith to get one. Thanks for all your interesting posts and perhaps in time I may beable to do the same for a beginner.

[Bump]

Whichever curtain pick you want to choose its going to cost a few pounds, usually more than the non-trading guy wants to spend. If you are determined and think you really want to go into this then see the following links.

http://www.chrisbelcher.com
http://www.safeventures.com
http://www.rbmedical.co.uk

If you want to know how to use them them Chris Belcher runs day/week-end courses or you could try http://www.rapidlocksmith.com

There are other training facilities but non so cost effective as these.

[Shrub]

The cb picks are sold through M.E.Duffels and they wont sell to non trading lockies.

The most common you would need is the 5/5.5g one, it will for now be easier to make your own or get friendly with a lockie who will buy one for you.

[cymap]

Thanks for the quick answers guys. I do realise they cost a few quid but as I feared it looks as if I am going to struggle getting one as i am not a locksmith . Thanks again

[illusion]

Ask some of the locksmiths on this site of they would consider buying one for you.

Can you pick lever lokcs that don't have curtains?

[cymap]

Hi Illusion , I havent tried picking levers at all yet as Im only a beginner and you know what its like when you start you like to get the tools etc. I assumed apart from the wire picks which seem a bit primative(not that its wrong) that the cb pick is what I need for mortice locks etc. Thanks

[illusion]

Ahhh.. then start on locks that don't have curtains mate - you can make the tools for little cost.

Check this out mate: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=10743

This will have you picking simple lever locks in no time!

Once you get this done, then go on Ebay and look for something like an ERA 7 lever lock - this'll give you something to work up to. When you pick this then you know you're gonna make a good investment buying a curtain pick.

Hope this helps,

Ben

[cymap]

Ahh, ok many thanks for the advice Ben and others. I will start that way. Be prepared to be hassled by me

[illusion]

Hey - if you get into lever locks then it'll be worth any ammount of hassle.

We need more lever lock fans!

[cymap]

Thats a nice guide Ben thanks. Are safe lever locks similar as I have seen a few of them on ebay over the last few weeks would they be good to practice with aswell. Thanks

[illusion]

Yeah - most locks that don't have a curatin work the same - some have two sets of levers, but the principal is the same.

My guide was written for simple lever locks for a reason - it can be applied to bigger locks though.

Get a simple 3 lever lock - should cost less than a tenner.

Once you do this then look for a 5 or 7 lever - just don't pay too much for it.

[SteveW]

Hi Cymap

Try going to your local lockie shop abd see what they are chucking out. Some lever locks are so common they may have stacks of the things just lying around. Ive got so many lever locks now i dont know what to do with them all. But the ones i havnt had a go at picking yet i cant seem to get my hands on

Cheers
Steve

[bonez]

steve maybe i can take some of these locks off you mate

i go to the local lockie shop and they don't give any thing away!
pm me and we'll sort something out mate

jb.

[illusion]

That's nice of you bonez.

Steve - you need some of the immaculate packing skills possessed by true locksmiths. If you can't get every lock needed, complete with tools into a small plastic briefcase, then you should be ashamed.

I can send up some wire tools if needed.

[bonez]

i like to help! ok i'll share them with ya