hello everyone :)

[r00st3r]

hello all, I am not new to picking locks, as I have picked many in my youth...even once using a lock(my main lock..with no key) that had to be picked open. I figured this was safe since i could open it without ever using the key...and there was no key...it was a lock that my father had lost the keys to...so i used it.
I am not however a picker on the level that most of you are on, so lets say that I'm a beginner b/c that was an easy lock to pick...anybody with a pin could have picked it..
I also got into a combo lock..but one of those cheap ones used for airline travel, i opened it while driving and gave my wife the combo...i just went by feel, and such a cheap lock...it opened a little bit more with every correct number...again a no brainer...but I'm still proud that i was able to open it while concentrating on driving my car, and picking at the same time. lol

Now it seems that the more I read, the more complicated it gets, and I have two locks that I can't pick. One I did pick open, but can't get closed(on a drafting table from Grummann, lock by Dupont), and another pad lock that I can't open(ace 40mm).
I used to use safety pins, bobby pins, paper clips, etc...all the bad stuff...now, I'm trying to make my own and use a tension wrentch, but to no avail.
any help here would be greatly appreciated.
also, I have read many opinions on starter pick sets...but have seen a bit of duality in this department...preferences and all...what really is the best starter set?

this is a great site, and you have taken it to a whole new level...thank you for being here...i am not a locksmith, but I love puzzles, i hack sites that allow it and pick my own locks only, hence...no broken laws ever...the safe way to hack and pick.
oh sh&87..this is way to long...sorry
rooster

[r00st3r]

i saw 7 people viewing
but noone was posting
sung to Bob Dylan" A Hard Rain's A - Gonna Fall"

[alias]

Hi r00st3r,

I wouldn't be discouraged by getting 7 views and no replies. There are more than 5,000 registered members here and about 100 who post more than once a week not to mention that the views count non-members who just happened to be browsing the forum. If you got to a 70 views without a post, THEN you start to worry.

Onto your questions;

- The best beginner set has no answer, it really depends on SO many factors that there is no 'be all and end all' set to buy. The Southord smaller sets tend to be OK at a reasonable price but if you have the cash and think you'll be picking for a while, the Peterson bi-fold or tri-fold are good value. Some people like Southord, others don't. You'll basically get as many opinions on the best beginner set as you get replies so just get what you can afford and try to get a basic crossection of picks, a hook, a half diamond, an s-rake etc and you'll do fine. Read some of the dozens of threads about the topic of 'best starter kit' and just pick one of them....hell it's a personal thing.

- As for the locks, there are posts around on the forum about the 40mm Ace padlocks and without searching myself I seem to recall most people saying they can be a bit of a pain. Perhaps get yourself a Master #1 which is a good beginner lock then step up to the Ace. Even though you pay more for the Master than the Ace price doesn't always equate to harder pickability.

- Finally the drafting table lock - I'd say that you might have to pick it again to be able to lock it. This is the case in some locks so just try setting all the pins and rotating the lock back the 'other way' to the 'locked' position. Without more information about the lock it could be anything that's preventing it from closing from the driver pins falling into the plug as you rotated it past 180% to a piece of bobbypin/paper-clip jammed in the plug. Post more info about exactly what you did and what state the lock is in now and I'm sure you'll get a few replies. Try to be as specific about the lock mechanism as well because saying "drafting table from Grummann, lock by Dupont" really doesn't provide much information to anyone who hasn't seen that exact drafting table which really isn't likely to be many people Is it a wafer lock, pin tumbler, disc tumbler etc....

Anyway, that should get you started. I can heartily suggest searching as you'll find many answers to your questions about the Ace and also about beginner sets.........as you say, its a great site and there is a LOT of information if you just search.

[Romstar]

...and how many roads must a man walk down...
...before you can call him a man.....


Welcome to the site, glad to have you here.

Alias pretty much got most of the answers.

Since I am an HPC tools fan, so I will recomend the HPC PIP-13 set. Or Novice set. Very decent selection of tools, and sure to meet most of your needs. Commonly available for $30.00 or less.

Check www.lockpicks.com or www.lockpickshop.com

Both of these outlets have a fine selection.

Romstar

[davidgjr]

is the lock on a drawer on the drafting table ?

[r00st3r]

thanks for all the info
the lock on the drafting table is off now, meaning i unscrewed it from the table...i made a pick from a phone card to open it(just cut a zig zag onto the plastic)..i tried to research it, but can't find any info on it. Basically, i just want to be able to open it so i can install it back on the table. When i look inside the lock i can't see any pins or anything. There is a hole on the other end allowing light to pass through, and it seems like nothing is there...it is a very old table, so probably a very old lock as well....plans for planes during ww2 were most likely drawn on this table. I used to live on Long Island, and Grummann went out of business, so they had an awsome sale on all of there stuff. If i can get my hands on a dig cam i will post pics...but thanks for all the info. This is probably the most informative site that I have ever been on.

r00st3r

[Buggs41]

Grumman? I used to work avionics on their A6-E Intruder. They sure did build one ugly, yet awesome, all weather attack aircraft.