I recently got into locksmithing

[Georg3]

I recently got a job as as locksmith (5 months ago ) and like my old man says "you've got to have an edge", so I'm very interested in getting into picking because it seems that it something of a neglected art by a lot of locksmiths today.

We've got picks at work, but I'd like to buy my own. Are the souber tools range of picks a good buy? Also, is there literature I can look into on lock picking? Or is it just down to experience and perseverance?

I've got quite a lot of questions but I'd end up sounding like a babbling fool if I asked them all, so lets start with those ones.


I'm in England btw, so some of you guys might be familiar with the suppliers that I'm likely to be getting picks from.

[illusion]

South-Eeast England... where abouts are you mate?

it really depends upon what 'picks' you wish to buy.. I could tell you that the Chris Belcher curtain pick is a good investment, and that the RBMedical 2-in-1 pick is also worth considering.

[Georg3]

Berkshire. I don't want to be more specific than that just incase someone on here knows where I work. I wouldn't want something I say in jest getting back to HQ and getting my arse fired. I'm sure you understand

Well I'm interested in a good set of cylinder picks and also a decent mortice pick to get me started really.

[illusion]

no problems...

I have a small set of Southord slimline picks which has served me really well... they are really cheap and haven't broken to date. Of course others have their own preferences so I'll leave it at that. Get the slimline ones if you choose Southord.. it'll make locks with thin keyways easier.

'mortice' is a bit vague to be honest... there are overlifting picks made for non BS locks which are very effective made by Souber... But in the same repsect you can achieve the same results with 2 pieces of wire at 90 degree angles... it's up to you.

British Standard lever-locks have a range of picks designed to pick them, and the pick made by Chris Belcher has been praised by many lockies in the past - it allows you to lift low-lifting levers with relative comfort.

for simple 2+3 lever locks read the guide I made in the "locks" section of this site and look for the tools used... get some bike-spokes or piano wire and make them from this... it will open them well with practice. Cheap and cheerful and effective as well.

Hope this clears thigs up somewhat