So where do I buy my lockpicks from?
For all those who want a variety of sources to find lock picks and tools, this is your source for links:
1. A sponsor of this site. A highly recommended site to order from. (enter lp101 into the coupon box on the order form and receive 10% off)
http://www.lockpickshop.com/
2. This is Southern Ordnances main website. Many frequent posters in this forum recommend products from this site. They have a great selection, fair prices, and they ship pretty much anywhere.
http://www.southord.com/catalog.asp?cat=locksmith
3. This site has some UK-specific as well as other unique tools.
http://www.multipick-service.com/en/start_en.htm
4. Another site:
http://www.brockhage.com/
5. AND another:
http://www.picklocks.com
6. Yet to be checked out, but a valid link:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/defenser/index.html
It has come to my attention that the defenser site may be related somehow to http://www.thepickshop.com If someone could pm me with more info (defenser refuses to return my email and I'm not that net friendly). That would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to find out the status on this link so that if it's bad no one else will get scammed.
Defenser has contacted me about the site, they claim to not be related to to them, but the picks I ordered from them never got to me, and it has been over a month and a half. Nor did I recieve any email. This one is 100% positive for you to lose your money on if you buy from them.
-Pheniox
BTW, Thanks to Eagerpicker who took the time to pm me links 5-7. Keep up the good work.
7 Yet another:
http://www.lockpicks.com
Thanks to Salzi684 for pointing this one out.
8. And for all you folks in the UK:
http://www.airpistol.co.uk/lockpick1.htm
9. Also for you folks in the U.K. and area, the newest addition to our list:
http://www.devonlocks.com
Seems like this is a good one. Don't forget to post your reviews once you've received your purchase. Now accepts major UK credit/debit cards as well as cheques, bank drafts, postal orders etc. He's been trading over a year already.
Just got a positive feedback on them, so I am recomending them offically now.
10. Warning!! Here's one to stay far away from:
http://www.thepickshop.com
After several email attempts at contacting this company, and several complaints received of being ripped off, I'm officially blacklisting this site. This company apparently has no phone number or email address to contact.
11: salzi684 recommends this one in particular since it offers individual Rytan picks:
http://www.lockandsupply.com/catalog/lo ... oducts.htm
*new* 12. http://www.magicworld.co.uk *NOTE: DO NOT BUY, I've had reports of scamming going on.*
Not only are they crazy priced, but some have reported product not received and no replies to persistant emails.
Note to all buyers: If you've been ripped off, call your credit card company and give 'em the details. Mail order complaints can be registered (I think) with either the Post office or institution you bought it from (they'll be able to tell you what further steps to take) or report it to the Better Business Bureau.
Basically, buyer beware. If the site doesn't look legit, it probably isn't.
If you have problems with a particular company, first try to resolve your problems with the company directly, then post your review in here and let us know how they treated you.
12. http://www.lockpicktools.com
13. http://www.hudsonvalleylocksmith.com
14. http://www.peterson-international.com/
15. http://www.clksupplies.com/
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Ok, I know where I am buying them from now! So what do I need to buy
Well....after viewing potentially millions of posts from people asking what to buy, hopefully I'll answer that question for you.
I'm going to offer to two basic sets. The first will be a starter set for the America's, etc. and the second will accomodate smaller keyways, and some of the popular European locks. You'll notice I'm using links to the site sponsor, but feel free to browse around. I doubt, though, with the discount offered to members here that you'll find better prices. Anyways, here it goes:
Amercian (standard): (For beginning lockpickers)
1. First, here's the link: http://www.lockpickshop.com/MPXS-14.html
Now, some of you are going to say something like, "well there's cheaper and smaller sets." But here's the facts. If you are serious about lockpicking as a hobby or sport, you need a good selection of comfortable tools. This set should last you a loooong time if not abused or "borrowed". From viewing the different sets available, this package has everything a beginning lock picker should need:
a.) Stainless steel (long-lasting) picks.
b.) thick handles for comfort.
c.) An excellent selection of tension wrenches from medium to heavy.
d.) variety to use in both pin and wafer tumbler locks.
e.) No annoying duplicates.
"But", you're telling me, "I'm from the U.K. and those picks are too thick to work in a lot of the locks here." Well, stop your whining, and start shopping here:
http://www.lockpickshop.com/C1510.html
Same basic idea as the one above, just a slimmer design. And if your not sure which to go with, go for the slimmer set listed above.
Once you've become proficient with your set, you can then move on to other types of tools like tubular, lever, pick guns, decoders, and other nifty tools. Why waste a pile of money on a large set only to find out you HATE lockpicking? Start off a bit smaller, and you'll still keep busy for a very long time.
I hope this helps all of you who have decided to plunge into the sport.
Btw, if you're a registered user here, enter lp101 into the coupon box and you'll receive a 10% discount on your order.
Happy Picking.
*gives Varjeal a cookie for putting all that together*
Thread that has discussion of the start-up kit
viewtopic.php?t=2144
