easy question

[kidkawaii]

sorry for the total n00b question - but im looking to get some good resources on lockpicking (in north america to be specific).

how is this set for someone whos never handled picks?
http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html

but MOST IMPORTANTLY, can anyone recommend some literature?
some softcover book with everything i'd need to get a better handle on things? (im open-minded to online resources - but i MUCH prefer the hardcopy in my hand)

cheers.

[LockDFTR]

First, welcome to the site, and welcome to the addiction that is locksport.

The set of picks you have listed are a decent first set. They will give you the basic few picks you need, and a couple different wrenches. I never liked the rubber handles, even as a beginer. And it is a great idea to buy from a site sponser!

As far as literature.......
There are unlimited posts and stickies etc.. on this site that will tell you everything you need. Also, bring up the MIT guide to lockpicking on your computer, as it is popular with alot of the members here.

If your heart is set on an actual book, there are a bunch to look at. You can look at something by Eddie the wire, Steve Hampton, or any other lockpicking book you can google to find a title. If you want to learn more about how a lock works, get a book by Bill Philips, or Locks, safes, and Security by M. T. Weber. Greyman, who is a member on the forums has a great book out that deals with higher security locks. But that might be a little ways off for you?

Like I said, this site has everything you will find in any of the books, plus a whole lot more. Good Luck!

[apb]

I had a lot of literature on lockpicking when I was first starting out and a lot of the books were very similar. They would break down the components of a lock,explain pin/wafer differences and then get more advanced. Then they would go into the mechanics of picking. Thinking back to what was the most worth while "hardcopy" reference to keep next to you as you're starting out,, I would definintely go with the "Visual Guide to Lockpicking". It available at most any locksmithing dealer online. The drawings are very clear and precise and explanations and advice very straight forward. There's a DVD out therewith it also but I haven't seen it. That being said, if you do decide to purchase it or any other book for that matter, don't spend too much money on books. Just for the reason I stated above. Except for the Locks, Safes and Security volumes by Marc Tobias,(which are over 200 bucks if you can find them) there won't be a whole lote of difference. Stick with this site and thestickies and you'r getting good orbetter info for no cost. Besides, a decent book and lots and lots of practice, is better than a library of lockpicking material and the occasional picking sessions from time to time.

[David_Parker]

Odds are you're going to settle on three commercial picks: half-diamond, rake, and hook/feeler. From there you settle on to variations of the feeler, and or other rakes which are usually custom made by other forum members.

Regarding the books, LockDFTR and apb I agree with. As someone starting out, you've got the bug and are itching to consume as much as you can read. The truth is that most the information is redundant. I know its hard to take, but everyone has their own technique. You're going to find that some people put their tension wrench at the top, or maybe at the bottom. Some use a double head to grab the both. Rigid or flexible? Rake or single pin manipulation? Its all in your hands. These things change as you become more enveloped into higher security locks, where the tight tolerances do restrict tension placement and pick selection.

You will come to a point where all theres left to read are high security locks and their break down, because 98% of the locks you're going to come across are the same. And you'll pick them the best why you find suitable.

So read the stickys, and most of the guides you can download. And remember to listen to other forum members! They know a lot! We've all been where you are, and we're all willing to help! But you've got to read and research!

And practice, practice practice!


-Dave.

[LockDFTR]

M. T. Weber?????

WTF!!!!!! How about Marc W. Tobias.

Boys and girls, let this be a lesson. This is the kinda stuff that happens when alcohol is involved while posting!

Obviously, I had not had enough to drink yet, thereby messing up Marc's name. I will make sure I am drunk enough next time

[StabbyJoe]

MIT guide is a good read, too. ^^,
That set is a nice starter one, too IMO

[JK_the_CJer]

Good choice on the pickset; that was my first one. If I may make a suggestion: go with metal handles. It's not that big of a deal either way, but I think they are well worth it.

[steve0527]

sorry for the total n00b question - but im looking to get some good resources on lockpicking (in north america to be specific).

how is this set for someone whos never handled picks?
http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html

but MOST IMPORTANTLY, can anyone recommend some literature?
some softcover book with everything i'd need to get a better handle on things? (im open-minded to online resources - but i MUCH prefer the hardcopy in my hand)

cheers.

Thats a good set to start with, it was my first set and i still use them time to time, when you get better and get the feel of it you should try making a set on your own. its fun and you even learn more about how pins work and stuff like that.
For literature read MIT guild to lockpicking or you can find some good books at lockpickshop.com. If you want a good movie buy lockpicking for the new mellium it helped me out a lot when I started.
Also you should try the "Beginner's Lockpicking Exercise - by digital_blue" its a great guild and it will really help you out.

Hope this helps
steve0527...