On a Budget.

[chris16]

I'm only have like 29$ including shipping to buy a lockpick set. I was thinking, http://www.lockpickshop.com/C500.html
Would this work or should i wait till I have more money ?
Thanks in advance.

I live in the US.

[MBI]

$29 is plenty to get what you need.

If you're new to picking, you'll probably have the urge to experiment with a lot of different types of picks. But in the end, all you really need are a couple of good hook picks and tension wrenches. No need to spend a ton of cash on a big pick set.

One caution on the set you linked: new pickers tend to be a bit heavy handed until they get the feel for things. Slimline picks will bend more easily than regular picks if you're not careful. It's not a bad set, just be aware of that. As an alternative, consider selecting a couple of picks and wrenches individually, instead of buying a pick set which may come with some picks you'll never use. Some sites let you order that way, although I'm not sure if the place you linked does or not.

[chris16]

$29 is plenty to get what you need.

If you're new to picking, you'll probably have the urge to experiment with a lot of different types of picks. But in the end, all you really need are a couple of good hook picks and tension wrenches. No need to spend a ton of cash on a big pick set.

One caution on the set you linked: new pickers tend to be a bit heavy handed until they get the feel for things. Slimline picks will bend more easily than regular picks if you're not careful. It's not a bad set, just be aware of that. As an alternative, consider selecting a couple of picks and wrenches individually, instead of buying a pick set which may come with some picks you'll never use. Some sites let you order that way, although I'm not sure if the place you linked does or not.

Say i were to get individual picks, what would you recommend ?

[ARF-GEF]

Maybe try getting a hook, a diamond, and a couple of tension wrenches.
I've spent quite some time in looking which pickset to get and many very good pickers gave me the exact same advice MBI did.
Apart from budget friendly this also "forces" you to learn picking with hook and as far as I know the best pickers usually swear on only using single pin picking tools (primarily hooks). So on the long term it would serve you best .
If you really wanted more picks I'd get a long hook and a short hook. Maybe a rake too. I've heard the highly esteemed Toool of the Netherlands sometimes teaches newbies with rakes too. I'm not sure, I thought it's best to start with single pin picking (SPP) but those guys really know their stuff...

[daniel22747]

start with 2 standard tension wrenches
1 short hook
1 snake rake
1 half diamond
1 long rake

That should get you introduced to the basic methods.

[chris16]

start with 2 standard tension wrenches
1 short hook
1 snake rake
1 half diamond
1 long rake

That should get you introduced to the basic methods.

On the lockpickshop you can build your own kit, would you recommend I build off the slimline models or mix and match ?

[zeepia]

Slimlines are well suited for smaller keyways and padlocks. Normal ones are ok with your huge keyways. If you only have bigger (normal) picks they don´t fit inside that lock you just wanted to pick...

And you don´t need to buy tension wrenches either, go to your local auto repair shop and ask them for a couple of old car window wipers. Same stuff inside them as what you get when you buy wrenches from shop.

[ARF-GEF]

If you live in the US get the normal picks, they are sturdier. I think many US locks have roomy keyways. If you live in Europe get the slimlines, you will have more room to move around in the keyway, but be careful they bend and break easier.

[chris16]

Would this work. Most of the "build your kit" picks are slimline.

$29 is plenty to get what you need.

If you're new to picking, you'll probably have the urge to experiment with a lot of different types of picks. But in the end, all you really need are a couple of good hook picks and tension wrenches. No need to spend a ton of cash on a big pick set.

One caution on the set you linked: new pickers tend to be a bit heavy handed until they get the feel for things. Slimline picks will bend more easily than regular picks if you're not careful. It's not a bad set, just be aware of that. As an alternative, consider selecting a couple of picks and wrenches individually, instead of buying a pick set which may come with some picks you'll never use. Some sites let you order that way, although I'm not sure if the place you linked does or not.

Would this work? Most of the "build your kit" picks are slimline, so I have a slimline hook and a regular hook.

[MrAnybody]

Would this work.

Chris,

I think both of the suggestions would be fine to start with. However, I've got 2 suggestions I'd like to put forward.

I know it would have an impact on your budget, but make / buy a case that would accommodate more picks and bits that you're buying right now. in that way, you got plenty of room as you make or buy other picks in the future.

And one way to save jut a little is to make your own tension wrenches. All of my own tension wrenches are made from windshield wiper inserts, and they are just perfect. You'll find a lot of people doing the same here. Give it a Search and see if it's doable for you. All you need is some pliers to cut and bend, as well as a vice or a second set to form a twist. There's no different in quality between buying and making your own, and you'll get your mind set on making another one whenever a tricky keyway comes along. I'm a picker that subscribes to the ideal that a tension wrench is just as important (if not more important) than the pick itself, and to make your own to suit any particular circumstance is something that's very useful.

Happy shopping

[daniel22747]

I would go with more sturdy picks to start. Some of my older short hooks have a little bend near the end of them.

[chris16]

The two pictures I posted were of the same builds I just posted it twice on accident. I plan to make a case, and as for building Tension wrenches and Picks I want to buy some so I physically can see how it works. I plan to build them later on but, if I just start building shit with no plan I could end up wasting material, which I don't want to do. So you think I should go ahead and buy the kit I posted ?

Would this work.

Chris,

I think both of the suggestions would be fine to start with. However, I've got 2 suggestions I'd like to put forward.

I know it would have an impact on your budget, but make / buy a case that would accommodate more picks and bits that you're buying right now. in that way, you got plenty of room as you make or buy other picks in the future.

And one way to save jut a little is to make your own tension wrenches. All of my own tension wrenches are made from windshield wiper inserts, and they are just perfect. You'll find a lot of people doing the same here. Give it a Search and see if it's doable for you. All you need is some pliers to cut and bend, as well as a vice or a second set to form a twist. There's no different in quality between buying and making your own, and you'll get your mind set on making another one whenever a tricky keyway comes along. I'm a picker that subscribes to the ideal that a tension wrench is just as important (if not more important) than the pick itself, and to make your own to suit any particular circumstance is something that's very useful.

Happy shopping

Chris,

I think both of the suggestions would be fine to start with. However, I've got 2 suggestions I'd like to put forward.

I know it would have an impact on your budget, but make / buy a case that would accommodate more picks and bits that you're buying right now. in that way, you got plenty of room as you make or buy other picks in the future.

And one way to save jut a little is to make your own tension wrenches. All of my own tension wrenches are made from windshield wiper inserts, and they are just perfect. You'll find a lot of people doing the same here. Give it a Search and see if it's doable for you. All you need is some pliers to cut and bend, as well as a vice or a second set to form a twist. There's no different in quality between buying and making your own, and you'll get your mind set on making another one whenever a tricky keyway comes along. I'm a picker that subscribes to the ideal that a tension wrench is just as important (if not more important) than the pick itself, and to make your own to suit any particular circumstance is something that's very useful.

Happy shopping [/quote]

[chris16]

Stupid Autocorrect "road apples " haha.

also it keeps posting like twice, not really sure what I'm doing here.

[zeepia]

When you are posting, click "preview" first. What you see there is what you get in the real post.

[IndigoChild]

I know I am a bit late but I have to throw in my two cents. I am personally looking to become a skilled lockpick and though people say you only need a hook and a rake there is much more to it. Every day I learn something new in the world of locksmithing and that doesnt exclude lockpicking skills. The owners of my shop seen my Bogota and L-Rake I like to use as a rake and they have been using the traditional S-Rake. They seem to prefer the bogota because of the locks we see around here. They are extremely effective on most types of locks. Then they have actually adopted a liking toward my half diamond and half diamond deforrest. So as you can see here the types of picks you use are going to be regional. Also are you looking to advance into HiSec or Automotive? High Security locks and Car locks are very different and though you Can use a hook and rake its much better to tackle them with the appropriate tools. Car locks seem to favor my double ball pick. I like to use the Southord slimline double ball as a first resort for cars.

All in all experiment and learn. That pick set you chose is an excelent set for a tyro. It will open just about any standard house lock. Schlage, Sargant, Kwikset, Weiser. But if you feel stuck and you cant progress there are two things you can do. Find out how the lock works and get the appropriate pick, or take a step back and learn the easier locks better. Its kinda like fighting a boss in final fantasy. either get the gear you need or power level till you can overtake the boss.