assembling a tool kit

[thedude2579]

alright I am still new at lock picking i have learned a great deal here my question is what are some tools to have / some unconventional or tools for other things that are good for lock picking. all i have right now is a bundle of old skeleton keys, a tweezer set, utility pocket knife, other various tools and a brain that's good at solving puzzles. thank you to any one whom has advice

[JackNco]

well lockpicks will be a good start.

Other than that if you are planning on taking it up as a real hobby.

- needle file set(s)
- Digital caliper
- Vice (swivel action is best)
- Needle pliers
- Tweezers
- Normal pliers
- Wire cutters

Small screwdrivers
- Decent selection of sandpaper. i mostly use 600 grit but have a selection between 120 - 2000grit.
- electrical tape can also come in pretty handy for making handles. i know its a personal preference thing but its my preference.

Other - (things i need but haven't got round to getting yet)
- Plug follower (I use a AAA battery and Tape)
- Circlip pliers (I use screwdrivers and usually mess it up)

If your planning to make your own picks you will need a dremel or bend grinder as well.

I have also found uses for small hammers (although i used a big one a small one would have been better)
Lighter fluid for cleaning out locks (although i wouldn't recommend it) most people use break fluid, but this is usually to hand.
Pin/needle Vices

erm.... i think thats about it

kind of went of a rant but gives you some idea i guess.

all the best

John

[JackNco]

that should have been break cleaner

[thedude2579]

would a dental pick be too barbaric ?

[JackNco]

no idea never used one

[Eyes_Only]

They're good for pulling out mangled springs out of locks you screwed up on while trying to repin them or similar situations. I make that mistake all the time.

[Gordon Airporte]

would a dental pick be too barbaric ?

It would probably be too thick for most keyways, although there are some commercial sets based on them.
Jack mentioned having a dremel or a bench grinder for heavy material removal when making picks. An angle grinder will work also. Basically a tool to rough the pick out and a selection of files and sandpaper to refine and finish it.
For raw materials: the skeleton keys probably aren't going to do you much good, sorry, but a pile of hacksaw blades (which can be old and worn out for our purposes) and a collection of the spring steel inserts in wiper blades are essential.

[Legion303]

- Plug follower (I use a AAA battery and Tape)

That's a great idea. I have all these nearly-dead batteries (AA and AAA would both work for the plugs I have) and I never even considered this use for them. I'm stealing your idea.

-steve

[raimundo]

hacksaw blades are disposable, to be thrown out when the teeth are dull, this leaves everything necessary to make picks still in good condition, even a broken blade is still good for pick making. But avoid any used blade that has gotten deep scores in the side of the blade,

[lockpicker69]

i use a dental pick as a scribe to mark memorable places on certain locks i havent met before. some people will make a drawing of it which is ok if you are in a workshop and you have the time ,its just so you know how the thing goes back together .i am sure we all have tools which we use that arent desined for lockpicking/locksmithing yes ?

[donjon]

- Plug follower (I use a AAA battery and Tape)

That's a great idea. I have all these nearly-dead batteries (AA and AAA would both work for the plugs I have) and I never even considered this use for them. I'm stealing your idea.

-steve

I must agree that is a great idea i've been going through my house trying to find something to use and never considered these.
Thank you very much.

[lockpicker69]

also drill bits do the job as followers

[JackNco]

it just struck me that u could use parts from locks as well