New to the sport/hobby, looking for starting tips

[MBI]

I have just recently become interested in the hobby of lock picking, and have decided to try my hand at making my own tools. I feel that if the tools were made by my hand, then they will work especially well for me, and I can personalize them. The only problem is, I am not really sure which picks to try to make. I will only be picking the most generic locks and was wondering if anyone could tell me which tools I should aim to make (as well as possibly what they should be made of) for my early attempts. Also, I don't really know which type and brand of locks I should begin with, and would be grateful to anyone who could give me some advice. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from anyone with experience.

[barbarian]

Lots of people here can give you help and info.

Try starting with locks that are cheap or easily available where you live. Maybe an old padlock you can find at a yard sale, or maybe a cheap deadbolt lock at the discount place near you. It's nice to have the key that works for the lock.

Don't try picking any locks that you have on your house, or that you use for anything. You can damage the lock and get into all sorts of troubles.

For picks, there are lots of templates here and tutorials talking about materials. It depends on what is available where you are. Hacksaw blades, butter knives, feeler gages, any kind of thin strong steel that you can get. Maybe try a half diamond and a short hook to start with. You might also like to make a city rake or snake rake too. Don't forget a couple of tension wrenches.

[hydruh]

Also, read the stickies in every forum that you have access.

Start here:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10528

S

[ToolyMcgee]

I feel that if the tools were made by my hand, then they will work especially well for me, and I can personalize them.

Barbarian pretty much nailed it, but with all the "what to buy" threads I had to be a parrot on this one.

Try your luck with a few different styles of hook. Can't have too many of them. Material can be a hard choice.
Here's the last thread I remember that lists most of the useful items. http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=36692

For beginner tensioners I gotta say different sizes of stainless wiper insert.

As for locks... whatever you may already have around that you aren't using to lock something up. Second hand stores can be gold mines for cheap keyless locks. Home improvement stores have sales on door locks rather frequently. Ebay...

[prag]

All great advice. I always believe that there's an ocean of knowledge in this forum. Read all the info and try the methods and always remember that this is information from people in the know.

My second advice is to apply feather light tension when picking locks. Doesn't matter what method you use, always remember feather light tension.

Ps don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll be amazed at the responses.

Good luck with your new hobby.

[savs2k]

The first picks I ever made were I believe a half ball,double ball, snake rake, half diamond, and 2 hooks. It took me a long way in my opinion. I know what you mean about making your own instead of buying then because i'm still like that. Spend the time to make a few good tension wrenches though.

[rabidsquire2]

Thank you guys so much. I took your advice and using a hack saw blade, made my own small hook and half diamond pick. Also, I made two tension wrenches using wiper inserts from old windshield wipers. I bought a cheap two sided deadbolt, and converted one to a three-pin and left the other as five. I practice each day and am now proficient at picking both. I had not been trying light tension, so thank you I will give it a try. Also, I'm running out of hacksaw blades, and was wondering if anyone knew where I could order a few at a reasonably good price? Thanks again...

Rabidsquire

[raimundo]

I agree with prag about the site, locksmithing101 is working well, if you want to see how bad it can get, look at alt.locksmithing and see what a bunch of arguers can do. That site is much older and its just a lot of personality clashes. Actually I haven't looked at it in years, but I assume its the same as always.