Final Puchase Decision

[Blitzkrieg]

After reading alot about people's favorite picks, and how the only really use a rake and either a half diamond or a hook, I have decided that I could just purchase those 2 or 3 tools and a tension tool. I really want something compact and able to keep in my wallet all the time and I think if I only had a couple tools that would work.

I have read the jackknife tools are not very good, but I wouldn't mind hearing about any other compact tool sets that may be good.

So far I think that I may buy a double sided rake/hook tool from Southern, unless any one can give me a reason not to. I suspect that it may be too small to get a firm grip on, but the scale in the photos is deceptive. http://www.southord.com/catalog.asp?cat ... owstart=20

If I buy my tools seperately I would also need a tension tool and I don't have a clue as to what size would be good for most locks, or if I should get a small and larger one. There is also a tension tool with what looks like a diferent size on both ends, is this any good?

So basicly I would like to hear about the simplist way I can get a compact and resonably effective tool set. Thanks in advance!

[Chubby]

Hi Blitzkrieg
HPC "KGB" set consists of a Half diamond, Rake, Hook, and broken key extracter, X2 tension tools...Ideal for you I would have thought.

[CitySpider]

Sounds like you read some of my posts, maybe -- thank the heavens, someone actually did.

I much prefer Southord's actual rake and hook to their double-ended pick. Similar shapes, but slightly different designs. For instance, it's difficult to use the double-ended pick's rake upside down.

For a minimal set, I recommend a Southord handleless rake, a southord handleless hook, and the Southord Z-wrench (the one shaped like a Z). I'd probably modify the Z wrench when you get it, but you'll figure that out.

For an "I want to try everything basic" set, add the small half diamond and a twist wrench.

For a pocket set -- I'm not thrilled with mine, because it has a couple of tools I don't use. Next time I order from SouthOrd (I've talked about this before), I'm going to get a jackknife replacement rake, a jackknife replacement hook, and maybe a jackknife replacement key extractor, and I'm going to thread them on a little splitring and maybe make/find a small case for them. Then I'll take a windshield wiper, break it into appropriately sized strips, and put some of them in the case, too, just in case there isn't a way to improvise a wrench -- just take out a strip, pop it between a desk and the wall, and bend it right there and then. But I'm pretty sure I'll be able to improvise a wrench out of surrounding stuff in just about every situation.

I haven't tried this, so I don't know how well it would work, but I don't see any reason it wouldn't.

[Varjeal]

I would suggest not purchasing double-sided tools. Spend the few extra dollars and purchase the single-sided tools you want with good handles (not the plain steel ones). You'll be much happier and your hands will thank you.

There are a couple of sites that offer "mini" picks with smaller/shorter handles, so give these some consideration as well.

Good luck.

[marso]

Just because im a grouch, I find it silly people insist on asking for compact picks they can fit in their wallet. And then ask for a good one. Are you into learning lockpicking or just carrying the set around?

When learning you want the best pick you can find so you learn fast. Then you can buy whatever you want and apply your knowledge. If you buy a compact set when you are purchasing these picks fine, but if you are learning get a nice set too.

For your compact set consider the KGB or the wallet sets sold by HPC and others. For your learning set read varjeals faq about purchasing a pick.

The nicest Z shaped tension wrench I believe (and remember to read my sig) is the HPC TR-4. Look on their site http://www.hpcworld.com/

Also I would google and so forth before you ask where to get these items. And if you are not a locksmith asume you can not order some of these tools online, it seems to be the way it is.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

[CitySpider]

1) I've used both handled and non-handled Southords, and much prefer the non-handled. It's personal taste. I never spend more than half an hour or an hour picking a lock, and I haven't found that long enough for the handles to be uncomfortable. Plus, I've found I get better feedback through the non-handled.

2) Another vote for the HPC TR-4. Best commercial wrench I've used. (Never used Falle).

[Chucklz]

Ive also used the handled/non handled Southords, and I find I like the handles best on my hooks, mainly because of where the center of mass is when I hold the picks. This whole debate simply comes down to personal choice and comfort. Experiment!

[micronpc]

where can u view/buy said kgb set online?

[Grudge]

KGB Pickset is available from lockpicks.com:
http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=204&1=217&3=70
$35.00

[avarice]

Hello all.

I love my double ended wrench with a passion. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy and squishy inside.

However, there are times when you must use an exceptional amount of dexterity, and thats when double ended picks might become bothersome. Whem picking a lock where the key hole is firmly facing the sky, I tend to use my picks in sort of a "dipping" technique, and rest my index finger on the butt of the pick for control. In such a case, a double ended pick might end up poking my finger.

[Blitzkrieg]

Well after all that I went with the slim line 5 piece set. I decided that it is portable enough, after all picks aren't really very big, and it has all the basic tools and it will work great for learning. Thanks for all the friendly advice!