Just Started

[bedheadben]

Hi, I have just become interested in lock picking, and i have not yet even tried to pick a lock yet, are there any specific picking sets i should get? I was looking at the JPXS-6, and it looked nice. And does anyone know if they are legal to own in California if you are not a liscensed locksmith?

[Chrispy]

Welcome to LP101.

Have a look through the Lockpicks - Manual forum and the Got Questions forum for titles realting to "What pick set should I get?". It's a common question and is answered every time a noob registers. No offence.

Possession is relative to intent. If you have a pick set and you're out at 11 o'clock at night in a ninja suit (ninja ) then a police officer can prove intent. If you keep your picks at home next to your practice locks, there's not much grounds for a possession charge. Also, check out the FAQ forums for more information.

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewforum.php?f=2


Welcome and happy picking.

[chopitup]

The answers to these questions can be found with a couple of quick searches. There's a whole bunch of information in these forums that can be accessed through searching. Give it a try. If you can't find it, post again and I'll see what I can dig up for you. At the moment a basic lockpicking set is all you need to learn the basics, or you can search and find out how to make your own out of things like hacksaw blades.

[sivlogkart]

Start with a very basic lockpicking set, as in the early days there is a chance you might break them, and when you have done a bit of it you will know just how interested you are in it and also by then will know what to buy, or better still how to make them yourself. Many of us here make our own picks too. I have SouthOrd.com pick sets but do most of my lock picking with homemade picks that are just right for me.

I think it is legal for you to own and use picks at home but in some parts of the world it is risky to walk around with lock picks, a crowbar and a ladder, as it might be misunderstood for some reason.

KJ

[sivlogkart]

That was quick. While writing my message two popped up before me.

KJ

[Chrispy]

Yeah, you gotta be quick.

[bedheadben]

thanks guys, and sorry for not asking my different questions in different places, but how is the JPXS-6 lock pick set?

[chopitup]

thanks guys, and sorry for not asking my different questions in different places, but how is the JPXS-6 lock pick set?

It's a jack-knife lockset. If you learn on it, you will definately have a different sense of feel then if you use an actual set. I would buy a real set (Ie. even the MPXS-08, 8 piece set) and then if you want something to carry around on your keychain once you know what you should be feeling you can buy it later. Don't start on it. They are nice (I have one) but it's not what you want to learn with.

[bedheadben]

cool, thanks for the help on that

[sivlogkart]

The jack-knife sets are good, but they wobble a bit so they feel a bit sloppy. And lockpicking is all about feel. I do have one too though. Also the torsion tool on it is a bit big for most of the locks sold in the UK.

KJ

[chopitup]

I prefer the longer/twisted tension tools as well. You really have to pay a lot more attention on the jack-knife's tension wrench as it doesn't have the flex or the leverage.

[sivlogkart]

I like the short twisted one myself, as there is a danger of using too much torsion with the longer one.

KJ

[bedheadben]

i do not know anything about this, but i would think not. hey, do you guys know a site where i could get a cheap practice lock or two

[digital_blue]

www.ebay.com

[sivlogkart]

A lot of cheap padlocks are good to start with, and are _usually_ not too difficult. Pick one though where the cut of the key is not too up and down, and it will be easier to pick. Also look for one with has a large keyway.

KJ