Cabose wrote:Hey I'm Leum and am new to lockpicking. I'v read a bunch of the tutorials on this site but havent found much in how one should start this hobbie. I assume you need some picks. However after looking under the shop I just got more confused. So heres my questions for whom ever. Should I buy my first set of picks, or make them? How large a set should I buy and from where? or What matieral should I use to make them. Is there some where that shows what each kind of pick looks like (I'v seen a sticky concerning this but I didnt see any pictures) What type of lock should I start with? and finaly Has anyone had trouble getting lock picks shipped to Canada and does anyone know if there are any stores that sell lock picks in Victoria, BC?
Thank you. Im sorry to ask so many questions. Thanks again
Leum
Yep, you need some picks. If you are buying, I would recomend a basic set to start. SouthOrd's C801 set is a good choice. They are handled, and have a good selection of picks.
If you choose to make picks you will need either a grinder or a Dremel tool, or as a last resort you can do them with files but that takes a great deal of time.
Assuming that you make them, you can use good quality hacksaw blades. do NOT use bi-metal blades, as these are not hardened in a way that allows you to make picks. If you can find it, try a few industrial supply stores and look for 12 inch long 1/2 inch wide stainless steel feeler guage stock in 0.025" or 0.020" thickness. This is the best material you can get. Don't let them sell you a feeler guage set. This will contain guages that are about 4-6 inches long and range all the way from 0.003 to 0.050 inch. This is NOT what you are looking for right now.
I am not aware of any stores in your area that are not Locksmith supply houses that sell picks to the public. Also, I have never heard of anyone having picks confiscated either. I would recomend both
http://www.lockpickshop.com and
http://www.lockpicks.com both of them are excellent companies.
As for a template, I have included one here, and most of the shapes are self explanitory, but just to be sure, from top to bottom are:
1. Full ball pick
2. Half ball pick
3. Double full ball
4. Double half ball
5. Medium half diamond
6. Small half diamond
7. Medium hook/lifter
8. Large hook/lifter
9. "S" rake
10. 3/4 or "C" rake
11. "L" or riffle rake
12. Combo riffle and C rake
13. Key extractor
14. Large DeForest pick
15. Small DeForest pick
These templates are full size, and if printed 5" x 6" they will be perfect size.
Romstar
