Beginner from England

[emgray]

Hello everyone,
Had an interest in this for a while and recently I've been looking to buy some picks after coming across a beginner pick list.

These are what was on the list:
Long Hook
Short hook
C-Rake
Small Diamond
Large Diamond
Standard Tension Tool
Twisted Tension Tool

Would this be ok for someone who'll be buying locks in England? I ask because I noticed that Southord (where I'll be buying the picks from) sells a euro tension tool and was wondering if I should get a double ended euro tension tool rather than the standard tension tool.

What about the list. Is there anything on there that can be removed or does something need to be added (or maybe a bit of both)?

Also, is Southord a good site to buy from or are there any better alternatives?

Thanks for reading.

[smokingman]

Your choice of tools is good, though you will find there is not as much use for the large diamond as it is too big for most pourposes.
Small and medium is more useful for diamond picks.
The more different sizes of tension tools the better as you will find many different keyways
and places to use them in.
The euro picks are a good choice but they are thinner and may bend more easily,
but if used properly will hold up fine.
Southords are fine , but as you progress you will, as most do, begin lusting after more expensive tools.
We all do this, but find that while it is gratifying to have them, it is the picker and not the tools
that yield success.
Just remember, finesse not force is your key to success and your tools will last for a long time.
Happy picking.

[emgray]

I appreciate the reply smokingman.

Here are the links to the picks on the Southord site:
(I hope it's not against forum rules)

Long Hook
Short Hook
C Rake
Small Diamond
Tension Tool
Double Ended Euro Tension Tool

With regards to tension tools do you think that the ones I'll be buying are varied enough for someone just starting out?

[smokingman]

Those tension tools are fine, as you encounter different shapes of keyways you will see where some may need to be shorter or thinner tipped.
Then you can make your own to fit as you need them.
There are many tutorials on making your on tools that will show you what
to use and how easy it is.

[cuttinedge1]

I would say save the $20 and spend it on a needle file set. You can make some very good picks out of windshield wiper blades and you will be able to get the exact pick you want.

[emgray]

One thing I forgot to ask was about the type of locks that I would be able to pick with the above set (I'd like to try opening tumbler locks as well as the locks on padlocks)?
What about this type:

[smokingman]

One thing I forgot to ask was about the type of locks that I would be able to pick with the above set (I'd like to try opening tumbler locks as well as the locks on padlocks)?
What about this type:

That is for a lever lock, you can make wire tools for levers.
Look on youtube for lever lock picking and see what is used and how.

[GWiens2001]

One thing I forgot to ask was about the type of locks that I would be able to pick with the above set (I'd like to try opening tumbler locks as well as the locks on padlocks)?
What about this type:

That is for a lever lock, you can make wire tools for levers.
Look on youtube for lever lock picking and see what is used and how.

Though you might want to start with something easier than an Ingersoll.

Gordon

[bowman78]

A bit late for this but here haha

That's how the lock works
As for tools I don't see too many rakes in there.
Rakes are sort of the "easy way out" IMO but if it can open a lock that's what your going for right?
Bogatas are nice rakes, bi-peak and a tri-peak would be good to have in there. Worm rake would work well too.
I'm not an expert. I felt if i was gonna post that gif, I should say something else with it haha.

[smokingman]

Rakes and the like are not for these lever type locks.
They require tools made for this kind of lock.
It is not hard to make a basic set of them , but some like curtain picks are harder to make .
And as stated above, I would not start on this particular brand of lock,
but find an easier one.

[bowman78]

Sorry, I probably should've specified that the tools i was talking about aren't related to that kind of lock. I was talking about a picking set just in general. And Every day carry sorta thing.