Falle Safe Pick Set

[Exodus5000]

Ok, if I'm just picking a bad time (based on other threads) to be talking about this topic then go ahead and lock this up and bah-lete it. I figured I might as well throw my hat into the ring on the discussion of the effectiveness of the falle safe basic pick set.

First off, lets take a look at what safe-ventures has to say about the pick set:

System Capabilities
The Falle-Safe Basic Picking Kit is more than just a set of picking tools. the kit has been specifically designed to make picking both easier and quicker than other tools, and contains many items which are unique to Falle-Safe Securities. When used correctly the tools contained in this kit will enable the user to open approximately 95% of all 5 & 6 Pin Tumbler Locks. The kit also contains a set of lever lock picks which are effective on all tensionable 2 & 3 Lever Locks. These tools have been designed for use by professional entry technicians who fully understand the picking principles


System Limitations
The limitations of these tools are governed solely by the skill level of the user and the amount of time he dedicates to practice. Personally, we have defeated many high security locking mechanisms including INGERSOLL and KABA by using the tools contained in this kit. There are of course many limitations to the picking procedure. The fact that the procedure does not produce a key and that the user requires an uninterrupted period of time to use the method will naturally make other techniques more suitable. However, a well trained user with good skills will be confident that these tools will do the job in those situations where possible.

I think this is a fair assesment of the capabilities of these tools. After all, I think it's true that picking ability is by far more dependent on the skill of the lock picker than the type of tools used. Of course there's a point where tools become useless, but I'm speaking in general.

By contrast I wouldn't overlook the capabilities of much cheaper lockpick sets, such as the peterson line. The "reach" hook made by peterson mimics the capabilities of the falle progressive curves, very well might I add.

Do I like my falles? Yes. I've not had to deburr them as other users have, the picks are comforatable, I get superior feedback with the adjustable wrenches, and I'm not proficient with diamonds, so the massive amounts of hooks are right up my alley.

I assert that the more customized a pick set becomes, the effectiveness of that pickset by extension becomes more dependent on the individual pickers style. If you're proficient with diamonds (for example Romstar) you would probably not think much of the falle safe pick set.

For the newbs out there wondering what to believe about the falle safe pick set (whether it's the be all to end all pick set in the universe) it's a very good pick set, but your ability to open locks will not greatly increase by switching from a peterson pick set to a falle safe pick set. I know that's a qualitative statement, but it's my opinion.

This has the potential of being a clean and fun discussion, lets try to keep it that way?

[Romstar]

I used to own a Falle set. I don't anymore. Just to be fair on this entire matter, I am going to buy another set just to say that I have it.

I use hooks a lot, I use diamonds a lot.

I have long felt that the reason these pick designs have been around for more than 60 years basically unchanged is because they all have something to offer. That was my reason for disagreeing with Mr. Fall concerning his removal of diamonds.

All of my sets include ball picks, lifter/hook picks, diamond picks and even rake picks. I'm not overly fond of rakes simply because they don't promote good picking technique.

When they work though, they are an excellent tool to have. The problem is that so many new pickers get their sets, and rather than start with the basics, and work their way up from there, they either start raking like mad or they get too engrossed in a particular style of pick.

The same thing can be said for Falle's set. It doesn't convey the complete picture of whats available and what can be done. So outside of any disagreement about the diamonds, I consider them to also be specialized tools.

For what they are, they are excellent picks. Some tools need extra treatment when you get them, some dont'. I think thats luck of the draw as much as anything.

That's where the mess begins. I have never said they are no good, I have stated numerous times that they are excellent picks, and extremely well thought out.

I did say however that I felt they were perhaps over priced, and their "mystique" has added a level of fascination with them that make people believe they are something more than they really are.

These picks are legendary, perhaps not so much because of how they work, or how they're made, but because of the original rarity of them. At one point, owning a set of Falle picks meant you'd "arrived". They were the top of the heap, and just having them said something.

Today with Peterson and others offering specialized tools, and much better materials I think that the original basic Falle pickset has been eclipsed.

I always felt the double prong tension tools were nice, but bulky, limited in their application, and perhaps even a bit of a gimick. There is no application for these where you can not use a regular tension tool, either of the regular variety, or the fitted variety.

These are my opinions of the set based upon having owned and used them. I have nothing whatsoever against Mr. Falle, or his obvious skill and background as a picker.

As you have so rightly stated, the skills of the individual are the driving factor here. Mr. Fall has his opinions, and his reasons for those opinions. I disagree on some points, and will most likely always do so. This does not detract from the obvious use, quality or even beauty of the Falle-Safe pick set.

I do not reccomend them because there are other viable, less expensive alternatives on the market, not because I dislike them. I like the Falle tools just fine, and if you own a set, and like them, and they serve you well, your money has been well spent.

I hope that this clears up some of the confusion that may still linger concerning my opinions about these tools.

Romstar

[illusion]

I think that's a fair comment Romstar.

I don't think they are too expensive if you consider that they are probably targeted towards locksmiths and 'government people' where several jobs are done with them and they pay for themselves. I do think that they are a little dear for people who do it as a hobby, and I've said countless times that i wouldn't have bought mine if they were reduced in price.

Aside from that I agree with said comments.

[UWSDWF]

i wouldn't have bought mine if they were reduced in price.

why?

[illusion]

i wouldn't have bought mine if they were reduced in price.

why?

I honestly don't think it's worth £150 from my perspective, as someone who does it as a hobby. I guess locksmiths and 'government people' will be able to justify such a cost.

Oh, arse, there's a typo in there; it should read "...if they were *not* reduced in price." Sorry for that, I didn't notice when writing it.

[UWSDWF]

good, I was a little confused there for a moment, I was expecting to hear so you could have a better write off with the taxman or something

[kodierer]

I would love to own a falle set to play with. I don't think I can justify the money right now, but when I have money to flush down the toilette again I think I will buy a set.

[gostone]

I just got mine on Friday, and have been playing with them non-stop all weekend. I am opening anything and everything in sight.
I am forcing myself to use the variety of wrenches, and different tools. I am very happy with them, they do need a polish though. I had to go over them with emery paper. The deep curves are quite interesting. Even on narrow keyways, if you use the Falle wrenches and maneuver the curves in the keyway quite well, even on paracentric keyways. I am going to make a set similar to the Falles, but with some modifications.

[Peter Martin]

Making my own tools definitely motivates me to start using the picks I've made, which in turn makes me a better picker.

I believe that the true advantage of Falle's unique style was the motivation to MAKE my own set and the subsequent benefits of increased practice of using them.

I must say that the Falle picks do carry with them a great "mystique"--I did see them and wanted to buy a set. They are unique looking and truly grab interest. However, I resisted the urge--mainly because of the expense. And now that members have been kind enough to post templates, drawing and measurements, I don't think anyone who embraces pick-making as part of their hobby needs to rush out and buy them.