Just starting out....Need some picks

[xboxbman]

I've been lurking a bunch the past few days getting info and decided to register so I can post and ask questions I'm sure have been answered many times before. I've been interested in lockpicking for some time and decided to finally give it a try....but I have no picks. My question is: Would it be wiser to buy some picks or make my own? I've read the howto's and it looks pretty straight forward, plus I have access to a grinder and dremel, but wasn't sure if it would be wiser to buy some picks and gain some experience with them, then build my own once I know what's what.

[josh0094]

i lik to make picks.. there fun

[DPTR]

Would it be wiser to buy some picks or make my own?

Personally I would say, start out with a simple 20 dollar set and polish them well. Once you get used to those, you'll know what you want from a pick - so when you do get around to making your own you can make them exactly the way you want them.

[nemesis61]

I suggest buying a small, inexpensive set of tools and start picking a few simple locks. And read. Then read some more.

You need to get the feel for the principles and mechanics of picking and the different tools you'll be using. Learn the difference between a hook, a rake, snake, a bogota.

And tension. Tension is probably 80% of picking.

Once you start getting the feel for what you are doing - then you can start "customizing" by grinding your own tools.

Unless you're flush with cash. If you are cash-heavy, then by all means shoot for buying the best tools possible.

However, if you are a skilled/semi-skilled craftsman and want the satisfaction of knowing you made it your-self, then that's the way to go.

Time and patience will determine what you want to do and what route you take.

[Noxious584]

I started off making my own crude picks with much success. I recommend trying first to make a pick or two, but if you have trouble by a cheap set and practices with those to get a feel of which pick design and size you like. After that you can mold your own picks or buy them according to your preference.

Peace,
Nox

[Lockdown27]

I started out buying 3 basic picks.. Diamon, hook, w rake.. Then I started making them and saw I liked my picks better. I say all the time.. Its all preference.

[xboxbman]

Wow, that was some fast responses. I think I will try my hand at making my own picks this weekend. I spent about an hour working on a padlock last night at work(there was nothing else to do and my boss didn't care, as long as I wasn't sitting around in front of customers) with 2 hairpins. I managed to get one pin picked. It was a Pro Standard 1350 I think. Dunno if it's a good lock or not. But I was pleased to be able to get one pin...considering what I was using