When it comes down to it there is nothing better than manual tools for your Lock pick Set, whether they be retail, homebrew, macgyver style. DIY'ers look here.
Hey Guys, total newb question here but I'm a newb so I'll ask
I'm just getting started in the hobby and am currently using an old set of Pro-Lok picks I bought about 15 years ago. They're spring steel, not stainless. I've read a few places that having quality picks makes the learning process easier. I'm new to the hobby and pretty heavy handed still, and I'm noticing a slight bow developing in my half-diamond, which is currently the only pick that I can use with any level of proficiency. I'd like to learn to use the hook better but have a hard time getting it past pins, even in a large keyway like a Master padlock. Am I just too ham-fisted to get these to work or would having stainless picks make a difference?
Mikeh727 wrote:Am I just too ham-fisted to get these to work or would having stainless picks make a difference?
Thanks for any insight anyone can provide.
-Mike
HI Mike,
Welcome to the forum.
Stainless picks will not necessarily make a difference. While good tools are important to some degree, the most essential element to developing your skills is practice, practice, practice. Equally important is using 'suitable' tools.
It's natural for a beginner to be heavy-handed, and so it's pretty likely that you're working that way at the moment. This will change quickly as you move to finding some awareness of what's going on while you work in the keyway.
There would be nothing wrong with the 15-year old picks you're using if they suit the locks you have. As your tool set gets bigger, you'll find picks you click with and picks you don't, some that are immediately useful and some that find a place later. And - no doubt - some that brings one question to mind, "Why in the hell did I buy that?!?" Well, that's certainly my case, anyhow.
The words "quality picks" is always subjective. You can always spend more on picks, but the most expensive picks on the market are no match to someone who has practiced day in and day out.
In short, you're at no disadvantage with the tools you have, if they suit the locks you want to work with. If not, get a set of Southords that are within your budget and move to them. There is no point in working with a pick if you're not free to have some maneuverability in the keyway.
DISCLAIMER: Reader may posit an understanding of what was written, while this may not coincide with the intended meaning of what is read. Use of brain is required. One size fits all, and may contain traces of gibberish
Thanks MrAnybody. I understand that practice is the key. Knowing what's happening in the keyway is still a limiting factor for me. I'll pick the same lock four times in a row within a minute or two, then take five minutes to get into the same lock the next time I try. Obviously, what I think I'm feeling is not what's really going on. I made a cutaway lock to try and get a better idea of what's going on and discovered that I'm usually pushing on two pins instead of just one. I definitely need to develop a better feel.
As you say, quality is subjective. What is it about the Southord picks that you especially like? I was looking at a set from Toool that seemed to fit my needs, in conjunction with the Peterson pry bar. How do Southord picks compare to the Toool Beginners Blend kit besides a price difference? Having never handled either set, it's tough to make a decision based on pictures on a website.
Mikeh727 wrote:I'm noticing a slight bow developing in my half-diamond
You mean this?
Had the same problem as you in the begining! You'll get through it eventually. I use Southord too. Don't know about the set from TOOOL but I like these. You just need to watch out for the kind of picks you choose. If you live in Europe choose the slim lines because they are narrower and fit restricted keyways. If you live in US, go regular, as they are more sturdy. But if you already have a set, stick to it. No point spending money that way. You will eventually want something better (or at least different) and it's best to buy it when you're more experienced, so you can choose exactly what you need/want. I started with just this: and little by little I've been improving it to this:
This way I don't get to have many tools that I don't want, because I buy what I think that suits me!
The rest has been told by MrAnybody. Practice practice practice! Good luck!
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise. - GWiens2001
Picking locks is more about skill than tools. Sure, if the picks don't fit in the lock. it may limit you a lot.
Starting out with really crappy picks with no feedback and lots of sharp edges may not be as easy as with any semi-decent set. As long as you have a set, give it a go. When you figure out a reason why they are not good get something else. If you want to see the difference you could get a pick or two from some other brands just to try them out without it consting you too much.
A lot of beginners worry about materials, being heavy-handed and bending picks. Unless you get some extra thin picks you are reasonably safe. Picks might get bent at the beginning and you must just accept it. Consider them consumables in the beginning if you are very heavy-handed. Sticking to a not too expencive brands like Southord might help you keep the costs down in such case.
I say "Good Enough" tools are very important. Mostly Torque Tools in my opinion, since I find picking, to me, is about applying the right amount (still working on it).
Some guy was posting videos of using just about everything from bananas to a strip from a ruler edge for picking, but he said constantly that it was all about experience.
boggif wrote:Picking locks is more about skill than tools. Sure, if the picks don't fit in the lock. it may limit you a lot.
It also depends why you are picking. If you are a hobbyist then collecting picks can be great fun. However when you are just starting out and learning all you need is the basic stuff!
Practice, techniques you are comfortable using, practice, and experience, topped with lots of practice. A member here (Farmer Freak) posted a YouTube video of him picking a lock (Schlage, I believe) using the normal tools, but instead of his hands, he used his feet! Farmer has more than a little practice opening locks under his belt. He has the kind of skill l wish to acquire, but likely never will be able to put in the time required.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
GWiens2001 wrote:A member here (Farmer Freak) posted a YouTube video of him picking a lock (Schlage, I believe) using the normal tools, but instead of his hands, he used his feet! Gordon
Holy cow I'd love to see that. Sounds like a lot a fun!
I had a search for it, but couldn't find it. You know of a link to it, Gordon?
DISCLAIMER: Reader may posit an understanding of what was written, while this may not coincide with the intended meaning of what is read. Use of brain is required. One size fits all, and may contain traces of gibberish
Yep...pretty much exactly like that except mine is even a little more profound. I figured that it was because I was way too heavy handed. I'm really happy to hear that what I'm experiencing is pretty much a 'normal' learning curve. I'm still trying to find that 'feel' on a consistent basis. I've gone through locks a few times and felt like I knew exactly what I was feeling, and other times I'm just not getting the same feedback. I'm willing to put in the practice to get there.
Back to the original question, the picks. I appreciate the feedback I've gotten from everyone and I did order a few new picks and Peterson Pry bars to try. I don't expect that the better tools will make me a better picker, but at least I'll have a variety that I can try and find which best suits my needs for various different applications.
Well, that's certainly my case, anyhow.
Holy cow 