by jason » 23 Jun 2004 11:08
I'd disagree with Quin, I have both normal (US sized) Majestic picks which I got on my course and they work fine on UK sized/profiled locks and also slim stainless steel picks (HPC 2000 series).
I use the HPCs (slim picks) on higher security stuff with the Majestics for the bread and butter domestic properties.
You learn to angle the pick to suit the keyway. The slim line stuff is more expensive and in my opinion (for what it's worth) not worth getting until you decide you really enjoy picking (or earn money from it).
Don't start on Yales, they have a couple of anti-picks which will just cause annoyance - read the FAQs for locks to start on before working up to Yale.
I don't think it's worth spending money on large picksets as most of them are either duplicates or so oddly profiled as to spend their time left in the case unused.
Make extra tension wrenchs, they will improve your picking and cost next to nothing.
sledgehammers make excellent back up picks!