advise on picks

[lockpickingnewb]

Hello. I've been interested with picking locks for a couple weeks and have been reading up. I read a book called "Improvised Lock Picking" which explained the basics as well as showing how to make picks and stuff from household items. I have also read the MIT guide and the faqs section. My problem is that my picks I bought won't be here for another few days, and I want to start now! In "Improvised Lock Picking" he suggested a safety pin as a pick, but it seems to be too flexible and I really would rather not make my own picks until I can see what type work best for me. So my question is, what can I use as a pick for a few days until I get my good ones? Thanks alot.
~Ryan~

[stick]

Safety pins are decent. If you find it bending too much, try heating it at the bend until it's red hot, then dunking it in cold water. If that doesn't work, you can also try a hairpin. Grab the end of the hairpin vertically, so that the edges of the hairpin are being held by the pliers, about 5 mm or so, and just bend it until it's in a hook shape. Essentially, you're changing this

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into this

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[omelet]

If the safety pin you have now seems like it would bend, you either have too small a safety pin, or you are over estimating the force you will need to apply. There are plenty other things to use for macguyver style picks, just search on here for em.

[stick]

The first one should be

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but you get the idea.

When you're done, it should still lie flat on the table, or you bent it in the wrong direction, and it won't fit in a lock.

[pick_maker]

While waiting for your picks to arrive you could make a decent hook pick out of a dollar store steak knive in 15 mins- should you have access to a bench grinder.

Fumbling with a bobby pin or paperclip pick can be needlessly frustrating but, whatever suits you.

[lockpickingnewb]

Thanks alot- Ill try that.