How many picks do I need?

[Vipros]

Learning to pick locks has been an ambition of mine for some time now, but only recently have I actually done anything about it. I've searched the internet for guides etc. and found the MIT guide and similar manuals.

The question I have is this:

I have pretty much decided to buy some picks rather than try and make my own (not having a grinding disc or probably the skills to make a decent pick myself) and I would like some opinions as to how many picks I actually need to start learning.

I've been looking at the SouthOrd 5 pick set, and was wondering if this is enough to work with, or whether it'd be worth the few extra £'s to get a set with a few more picks in it.

Any opinions would be gratefully recieved.

[Chucklz]

Five piece set is fine. You probably should invest in the Slimline set, as it will be a bit easier to maneuver in European locks. If you would like to have a bit more(but not much at all) versatility, and more options once you learn, the 9 piece slimline set includes a combination "diamond/hook" pick which many members,myself included, find useful.

I wouldnt recommend buying a set much bigger, or much more expesnive than a 9 or even 14 piece set, at least not when you are starting out. You may want to invest in a few more tension tools, as these are actually the most important part of picking a lock.

www.lockpickshop.com is a sponsor of this site. If you use the coupon code lp101 you will receive a 10 percent discount.

If you prefer to order from a UK vendor, members have had good service from airpistol.co.uk and from devonlocks.co.uk

[Quin]

Certainly if you're starting off you don't want to spend too much in case you find you don't like it.

Most people tend to use the same 2 or 3 picks but a multitude of tension wrenches.

[Vipros]

thanks a lot for your advice, I was looking at the SouthOrd 5 piece slimline set, so I think I'll go with that one

[technik]

yep, sounds good

[Luke]

I only reguarly use 2 picks and 1 tension bar. Half-diamond, half - hook and a small twist flex wrench. Oh yeh and a screw driver.

[wolt]

I myself just started with this less then 1 week ago and i made my own picks out of windshield wipers, it aint all that hard seeing that you get pictures and measures to follow all over the forums man.
Now I'm mastering my first padlock and intend to move on to door locks, it's really just as good to start with homemade tools seeing that you might not like it and dont wont to keep doing it as quin pointed out.
Oh, and you dont need a grinding disk at all, i just used a file and in 4 hours i got a 9 pick set.
I'm just saying man, try it for starters...

[dav-som]

Only started myself.
I bought the South Ord 14 peice set and within 10 mins had my front door opened, then the back.

Big mistake, for although I got the set for a reasonable price, the missus is making me get the locks changed on both doors..

[Chucklz]

Probably a good idea anyway, especially if your locks were Kwikset or some other poorly made product. Besides, you now have two locks to tear apart and play with.

[quasar]

I was just wondering, if you need the slim set to get into the smaller locks, what happens when you use the slim set to pick a normal lock?

Why doesn't everybody just get slim pics instead

[^kimba^]

Slimline handy for locks over here in the UK, but they can and half cut into you had. I prefere a haveier rivieted handle with a slim tool end personally. For a begineer thou, slimline is good, as the tool is so light it allows you to better control the pressure you are exerting on the pins.