MPXS-14 or MPXS-20??? Same price but which is better?

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 13:00

Hello fellow pickers,

I'm brand pickin' new and have spent the last 3 days reading, reading and more reading all the topics in here. I'd like to say hello and thank you to everyone that makes this site happen. I can't believe ALL the in-depth info in here and I'm just soaking it all in. :shock:

I haven't picked any locks as of yet however I'm just about ready to order a pick set but am a little confused between the 2 mentioned sets. The MPXS-20 has 6 more items over the MPXS-14 (obviously...I'm a genius!) and yet they both cost the same. My instinct would be to go with the 20 since it does have more and also has a better lookin case (in my opinion). Can someone please explain what the difference is and which set is better. Are both sets made exactly same...same material?

Thanks in advance to all/any that reply.

Happy Pickin'

by **Sipe** » 14 Feb 2004 13:13

one reason for the simaliar pricing is that one could be slim line or it could have reinforced handles

good luck

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 13:19

It's definitely not the slim line models as they (Lockpickshop) have those listed differently. Below is the description they give for the 14 and 20 sets:

14 Piece Lockpick kit. The MPXS-14 Lock Pick Set comes with nine lockpicks and a broken key extractor, all manufactured of tempered stainless steel and all with our exclusive rivetless stainless steel handles, four tension tools and a top grain leather snapover case. Rust-proof, full hard stainless steel lockpicks with a comfortable grip.

One of our most popular lock picking sets, the MPXS-20 contains fourteen assorted lockpicks (six with stainless steel handles), a broken key extractor, and five tension tools, all packaged in a luggage quality zippered case. This high-quality, USA made lock pick set is rust proof, has full hard stainless steel picks with a comfortable grip.

by **Chucklz** » 14 Feb 2004 13:31

The difference is between the number of picks you get that have the reinforced handles. Both work equally well, though many members here prefer having handles.

by **Grudge** » 14 Feb 2004 13:34

Notice that the MPXS-20 has 14 picks but only 6 have 'handles'. The MPXS-14 has 9 all with 'handles'. SO picks with handles cost more so they give you less on the -20 but throw in some other goodies.

Some people like the handle picks, others are fine with the non-handled variety (it has a handle, but it is 1/3 the thickess of the other variety). You can always use shrinkwrap, electrical tape or even buy slipon handles from lockpicks.com if you end up not liking them, so this would probably not be a deal-killer.

Most people, however, don't end up using but two or three picks out of a set, so getting a bigger set might not really give you more usuable picks (the ball/snowman pick are worthless, for example IMHO).

Anyway, hope that clarifies some of the difference.

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 14:30

You guys are soooooo awesome! Thanks for clearing up the differences and for all your opinions. I think I'll stick with the 14 piece set...I think...not sure...darnit...back to square one! Naw, just kidding...I'll order the 14 piece later tonight.

Any other useful picks/tools I should get or is this set pretty much all I need for being a noob? I know many posts say to start off small but I figure if there's anything else that's REALLY useful (...patience I know...) I mind as well order it now and save on the shipping.

by **Chucklz** » 14 Feb 2004 15:05

A couple extra tension wrenches may be in order. You may find that you like to modify them.

by **marso** » 14 Feb 2004 17:27

Welcome, and yeh I would personally go for the MPXS-8 or whatever it is. You normally will only use 1-2 picks and a rake. Perhaps buy a spare torque wrench. But get picks with handles that are not removable.

Remeber if you buy from the "shop" icon above (www.lockpickshop.com) you get a 10% discount if you use lp101 as your cupon.

Good luck and happy picking, let us know how it all goes.

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 18:41

Thank you Chucklz and marso for the suggestion on purchasing extra tension wrench. Now another question is raised...which one? I noticed in the Shop they have about 7 different models. In you opinion which ones should I get?

Standard Tension Wrench
Short Twist Flex Tension Wrench
Long Twist Flex Tension Wrench
Thin Line Standard Tension Wrench
Double sided Wishbone Tension Wrench
Double-ended Tension Wrench
Kwick Pick Tension Wrench

Thanks

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 18:50

Sorry to be a pain but I also forgot to ask if anyone knows if a rake comes with the MPXS-14 Kit? I would imagine so but if not I'll order one as well. What rake is recommended? That might be a matter of preference but I just wanted to get suggestions. Thanks.

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 18:59

I just found the answer to my last question about the rakes being included in the kit. The following pics are included in the MPXS-14 Kit:

Long Hook
Snake Rake Pick
Double Ball Pick
Jagged Rake Pick
Half Diamond Pick
Short Hook Pick
Jagged Snake Rake Pick
Single Ball Pick
Key Extractor
4 tension wrenches

So it has 3 rakes which I assume is enough?

by **Grudge** » 14 Feb 2004 19:03

lockpicks.com lists the following in the -14

1. Long Hook
2. Snake Rake Pick
3. Double Ball Pick
4. Jagged Rake Pick
5. Half Diamond Pick
6. Short Hook Pick
7. Jagged Snake Rake Pick
8. Single Ball Pick
9. Key Extractor
10. 4 tension wrenches

So 2, 4 and 7 are rakes.

As a new picker you will find you probably like either hooks or diamonds for most of your picking. This set has those, plus a nice selection of rakes. A decent number of tension wrenches and only two 'throw aways' (the ball and double ball). I have never used a key extractor, but if you need one it would be a life saver (it removes keys broken off in the lock).

I would say a good choice unless you are intrested in the Euro or slimline sets.

by **UnLock** » 14 Feb 2004 19:07

LOL...that's the site I got the infornation off as well. Thanks for your input.

by **Renotesse** » 15 Feb 2004 7:38

i understand that the ball and double ball is for wafer locks?

well ive never come across those locks in my life (all of 16 years now

) and i also hear its hard to make them without the use of a workshop.... can anybody honestly say they have ever used one sucsessfully?

by **CitySpider** » 15 Feb 2004 10:13

I've run into a lot of wafer locks, they're actually very common. However, you don't need a ball pick to pop them. As a matter of fact, you probably don't even WANT to use a ball pick to pop them. A diamond or a rake works much better.

MPXS-14 or MPXS-20??? Same price but which is better?

MPXS-14 or MPXS-20??? Same price but which is better?

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