first set

[overmind64]

I know that there have been quite a few few posts on the subject of what is the best pick set to start out with, but I still would like some feedback on ideas. That and I was wondering how you would rate the southord high yield picks, considering they seem to be much more expensive per pick than the others. Anyway, for my first set I am looking for something that will last for awhile since I know I will be sticking with this hobby. =) Also I was wondering if getting the stainless steel handles on the picks like this http://www.lockpickshop.com/BTLPSH.html would make it feel more comfortable. A third thing to add is that since i'm in the US I should still go for the slim lines right? oh and the high yields are normal sized and not slim lines right?

[Olson Burry]

Definitely go for the handles and I say stick with the slimlines, you won't regret it. The regular SO picks are just a little too thick to be used effectively in smaller padlocks and wont encourage you to take time and develop feel. Regulars take a much more "pry bar" like approach which doesn't really help later on. There is a pic in this thread where you can see the difference between the slim and regular picks and some commentary about them.

Both the C1510 and C2010 southord picksets are slim and all come with the metal handles, some of their sets contain a mixture of both so make sure you check if you go for something else.

I haven't tried the high yield picks but I can't see them being worth the money, for that kind of cash you could get a set of HPC, petersons or something.

Even a smaller set of slimlines would do as a first set if you didn't want to spend quite as much. As long as you get a couple of hooks and a half diamond the best thing you'll get out of a larger set is a greater array of tension wrenches. You can never have too many of those.

[overmind64]

yea, 11$ US per pick doesn't really seem like it's worth it, especially if it isn't slim line, and for the prices they have for the sets, i'd just go for the government set. Since I will be using slim line picks then, should I buy a bigger tension wrench too? Finally, can you not order from HPC like you can lockpickshop? I think it mentioned something about having to go through a retailer.

[Slick Pick]

I started with the stainless steel SouthOrd 20 Piece Pick Set, which cost me $48.95.Then I went with the Peterson GS-20-5 SET, 20-Piece Government Steel Set, which cost me $215.00. I ordered it direct from Peterson. The difference for me was night and day. The pry bars and serrated tension tools and pick selection were so good I don't see how you could ask for or want anything more. I haven't been able to find this set any where at but Peterson because it's a new pick set from them. This is what Peterson states about the Government steel:

Please note that our "Government" series of pick sets seem to be our best sellers. The high quality PROPRIATORY STAINLESS STEEL that we use provides unexcelled picking results, and also have a greatly extended pick life.

Also if you happen to break a pick they offer this:

There have been so few problems associated with these picks that we find it easy to extend a limited lifetime warranty on them: Send any broken Government Steel Picks (G-S) back to Peterson Manufacturing, Inc. with a check for $12.50 and we will happily send you back a new G-S pick of your choice, no questions asked postage pre-paid.

Yes it's a BIG price difference but it also made a BIG difference in the response and feel. And I think the quality and workmanship are worth every penny and this set will last a lifetime. I spoke with Ken directly on the phone and you couldn't ask for a nicer person to deal with. I hope this helps.

[overmind64]

wow, thats pretty amazing. I think I'll stick with a set of slim lines for now, but when I need another set i'll definitely go for that. Especially since it comes with plastic handles and a warranty like that. Not that I plan on breaking any picks

[KINGpick]

Hello, I am new to lockpicking101 and I had a question about picks. Now I know that there are some good pick sets out there and some cost more than others. Well lets get to it I don't know if I did a foolish thing. I went out and got the Peterson's 20 piece set. When i got it i was thinking, i don't want to get 1 set and then a better set and so on. So i went full out. Did i do a good thing or not?

[Olson Burry]

You wont be disappointed with your Petersons. Far from it. The important thing to remember is that it is the skill of the picker that opens the lock in the end and not the tools.

It's great to have smooth tools and tension wrenches that fit perfectly and of course they help enormously. The peterson set will deliver.

Once you find your technique and style, it is quite easy to order specific, individual tools or embark on creating your own for locks you find troublesome, so dont worry about having to spend lots of cash on more sets, as time goes on you'll learn what you need.

[5thcorps]

Often times it is the first set of picks you use that you become the most comfortable with. because as you learn you learn with the tool. Getting comfortable with a set of tools is a big hurdle to get over.

[raimundo]

lockpicks can be made on a punch press at the rate of about a 100 picks a minute, with air blowing them out of the space below the die. The steel comes off a large coil and gets run through a straightener on the way through the press, then the parts a put in a tumbler for deburring.
Its amazing how much they can charge locksmiths for something that has an actual manufacture cost of a few cents,
Most likely petersens contracts out to have a punch press company do a run of 25 or 50 thousand parts, then they put the punch and die in the storage room until the next order.