G'day I would first like to say welcome and happy picking mate.
I am a beginner like yourself and very much a novice (just ask varjeal). Sorry for the short replys I hope some of these answer your questions and the ones that I dont please feel free to PM me, post here, or post in relevant threads. I will look at the Tassie law tomorrow arvo.
BTW if you have not already read the thread and its links (twice) and do a search on the site before you post. You seemed to think of your questions and have read most (eg law questions) it is just such a common thing that new commers dont do. Oh and also check out the rules and links
viewtopic.php?t=588
And yes i am normally a grumpy bastard, but dont let that stop you from learning such a fun past time
Welcome again
Regards,
Marso
Are the keyways in Australia like the American ones or like the skinny European ones?
1. More like the American ones. For one the pins are to the top (most of the time) and it is a large enough keyway to buy normal picks. Due to our multicultural nature in AU we do get different locks from around the world though, so if you get a chance european picks may get used still.
Are there any lockpicks/lock picking tools that specifically work or don't work more often than normal with Aussie locks?
2. Answered most in #1, lockwoods have strong springs so weak picks might not work. Hard to get to the last pin first etc..
Any Australia-Specific lock picking advice in general that I should know of?
3. When i work out how to pick the lockwood consistantly I will let you know
What are the types of locks that are most common in Australia?
4. See above, normally lockwood but numberous different locks. Keep an eye open when you look around (amazing what i look at now keys/locks/padlocks/cardoors etc..) and you should get an idea what is in your area. Also ask the locksmiths since they install the locks.
Anyone know any suppliers of lock picking tools in Australia, or that ship here cheaply?
5. Yes locksmith suppliers but they supply to locksmiths. Buy over the net I remember a few did it, just keep in mind laws for your area and see the FAQ section there are laws there.
Australian Law
Has anyone ever heard of anyone having any trouble shipping Lock Picking equipment to Australia?
6. I dont see anything in the Customs docco to say they will keep it but it would not suprise me. US law requires them to take details (and ensure your a locksmith) when shipping so you may need to find sites outside of USA. See FAQ section for shops online.
Can anyone find the laws on picking for Tasmania, Australia? (The ONLY Australian state not included in the postings about Australian Laws, in the Legal section)
7. I will look it up later in the day and post it to the law thread.
Are there any businiesses in any countries other than the US that sell Lock Picking equipment?
8. Yes most countries have locksmith suppliers. See #6
Are there any special packing/shipping considerations to take into account, when trying to have the item shipped as quickly and as eaily as possible ?
9. Normally you dont have much say, buy from a reputable shop like the site sponser
http://www.lockpickshop.com/. Most shops online will mark the goods as "tools" or something which will allow it to go through customs easier.
Some places quotes for shipping to Australia are as low as $4 USD, which I assume is via your public postal service. Other places quote as high as $100 USD to ship to australia...which I presume is via courier.
10. Might depend on shipping method, might be customs duties, might be the fact you are trying to get a car tyre shipped. Ask the site what is included in the price.
Is it worth paying $96 more to get it sent via courier?
11. Probably not. You in that much of a rush? What your neighbour is away for a week?
Who is the best courier/postal/shipping service to use?
12. One that YOU trust and have used before. Dont think you get much choice when you buy online. I would phone a few places in the phone book first either a locksmith or if you can find locksmith supplier.
Electric Pick Guns
Are electric pick guns really worth it? (If not, are Snap guns?)
13. Manually pick and see how you go, if you enjoy it and regularly open peoples door (or want to know how they work) then buy it. Big investment for a hobby on a whim.
Do they open all pin tumbler locks? (if not, which ones will/wont it open)
14. No read the threads. And as all tools it does depend on the person using it. Read or post in any specific thread about this topic.
If you went an tried to pick 10 pin tumbler locks at random, how many on average would it open?
15. You got a picture of the 10 pin tumbler lock? Are they all in line or ofset? not enough info again ask in another thread.
How long would it take on average to open a lock with one?
16. Depending on the lock and the person using it. Between 30 sec to 5 min. And you will get some where you wont be able to open.
Has anyone ever bought/tested the black plastic pick gun that retails for around $89 USD?
17. Ask in another thread. Post a url and possibly pictures.
Will they work in Australia (other than the obvious issue with 110/240v power)?
18. Hopefully most guns will run off AA batteries or none at all. See above post regarding lockwoods, the keyway is kinda weird so might be hard to get a gun in. Anyone tried this?
Can a beginner justify buying one?
19. See #13. In my opinion I would spend you money on locks and picks.
If I do, should I buy/will I need replacement picks with it?
20. Depending how hard it will be to order, if its hard i would get replacments since there is a high chance a beginner will break/wearout the picks.
Circular Tension Wrenches
Will they work in Australia?
21. Australia is not that advanced that things will not work here but they will over seas.
Are circular tension wrenches effective?
22. Are you talking about the spring loaded tension wrench?
http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/picks ... orque.html Are they much better than normal tension wrenches/other kinds of tension wrenches I dont know about?
23. See above link and read the whole site. Basically the spring loaded one is to give a really light and even touch to the lock. Good for some high security locks. Anyone got any more info about these? I have read a number of people who like the the Falle Torque tool. They say it gives greater access to the keyway and lots of control over the tension.
http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/picks ... front.html Will they work with electric pick guns?
24. Probably depending on the lock and the gun. Yes probably.
Are the cheap $29 USD ones worth the money?
25. Run before you can walk I would suggest buying a normal pickset (see the FAQ) and if you enjoy it then start buying speciality tools.
What sort can you recommend?
26. Probably answered that above dont know tired and was going to bed before i got this post
Can a beginner justify buying one?
27. See above.
Kwikset Core Removers
Will they work in Australia?
28. See above. Different core removers are used for different locks. As long as it is within a certain amount size difference i dont see it not working.
I am asuming you are talking about the plug follower? See below:
viewtopic.php?t=1439&highlight=plug+follower http://store2.yimg.com/I/safetycentral_1770_3051385 Will they work on any other brands/types of 'key in doorhandle' pin-tumbler lock?
29. If we are talking about plug followers it depends see #28. You need the key. If you dont have the key you may need shims and a blank. I posted on the thread about this before.
Will they work quickly and easily?
30. Depends on you, repinning kits are made for normal mum and dads to rekey so you should be able to work it out. But not if you are trying to plug follow a bi-lock or something.
Will I have to do anything else/use any other tools to open the door after the core is removed?
31. Read the threads above.
Will it remove a core from the outside?
32. You need the key and to open the door normally you use screws on the side of the door to remove the lock.
Can a beginner justify buying one?
33. If we are talking about the same thing, think about buying a cheap lock (10$ no brand from the hardware). Try moving the pins around or removing some. Use the methods described in the above thread instead of buying one at first.
Normal Picks & Tension Wrenches
Is there any special picks I need for use in Australia?
34. See above.
If I decide to buy a small, beginners pick-kit, what are the most important picks to have? (which ones do I absolutly need?)
35. Depends who you talk to as to what you need. I like small hook, small half dimond, snake rake and the small twist and straigh (TR-4) tension wrench. Flip-it is a nice to have also.
http://www.hpcworld.com/lockhpc/p_standt.htm Which is the most useful/effective type of tension wrench (is it better than a circular one?)
36. Depends on the lock for which wrench you need. The tr-4 should do you well. Falle wrenches are nice and i would love to get my hands on a set
Is there a cheap pick-kit (and preferably supplier) that an Australia lock-picker can recommend?
37. In the FAQ section there is a thread on what picks a beginner should buy. As per supplier see above.
Your Honest Advice/Opinion/Preference
In your honest -opinion-, based on your own -personal- experience, what is your -single- most effective locking picking hardware/technique.
38. Depends on the lock. I like to rake then single pin pick the rest with my small hook.
In your honest -opinion-, based on your own -personal- experience, when you go to open a lock, which hardware/techiniques do you try and -in what order-?
39. See above.
In your honest -opinion-, based on your own -personal- experience, what is your -favorite- method of lock picking?
40. See above.
Are the keyways in Australia like the American ones or like the skinny European ones?