Which picks for a UK Newbie. Help?

[jaxo]

Hello, I'm new and need some advice on how to get started.

I want to buy my first set of picks. I'm in the U.K.

Should I buy the slim picks or the standard, does it really make that much difference? Can you still use the slim ones ok in non UK/Euro locks?
I've read that some people find them harder to use.

I'm thinking of using it more on the house if I ever got locked out and for the challenge.
Yale, lever locks, garage door etc. Does that make any difference?

I thought it was all standard its thrown me a little that there are slim ones too!
I've been looking at the Southord ones available.

Jackknife ones any good for over here?

I don't want anything to 'all singing, all dancing' to start off with.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

[Chucklz]

Standard picks will be of little, if any help in picking UK lever locks. Sorry bout that. Slim line picks are the most versatile, as you can use them effectively in both highly warded and relatively "open" keyways.

What you have read about people having trouble, probably stems from the use of handled v. non handeled picks. It really depends on your picking style. I used to prefer handled picks, but recently I have been attempting to use a different style to improve my feedback, and the handleless picks don't cause the same problem that they used to.

[CitySpider]

Standard picks will be of little, if any help in picking UK lever locks. Sorry bout that. Slim line picks are the most versatile, as you can use them effectively in both highly warded and relatively "open" keyways.

This is a little unclear. I think what Chuck means to say is that pin-tumbler/wafer picks, both standard and slim-line, won't be good for picking lever locks.

[Chucklz]

At least someone besides me knew what I was trying to say. Sorry bout that, I am a touch crazy (as all lab scientists tend to get)

[toomush2drink]

You will definately need slim line picks for the uk as some of the locks can be tricky.Also if you thinking of starting out on yales maybe a bird ( no not a fine female but a wren bird cylinder !!) would be better.Yales are quite difficult as they have antipick pins in them (spools).Have a search around the forum for good starting locks as this has been covered already. Try devonlock for the picks they seem ok on price etc.

[quicklocks]

i started with a south ord 5 pick set the one with the book and i got it from air pistols.com and for £15 pounds its not alot to waste if you find picking is not for you the book that comes with them is ok but the mit guide is better.

[mr lockpickman]

make pics, look on theseboards, it's a lot cheaper than buying them,

or if you want you can buy individual pics from

http://www.multipick-service.com/en/tools/picksets_en.htm

[mr lockpickman]

i'm not sure if the individual pics are slimline though

i am in the u.k. and i would advise you to buy/make slimline pics

(i know i'm doubble posting but i thought that i should say that)

[jason]

I'd disagree with Toomush (sorry mate!), but ordinary US picks seem to work OK for me - I've got slimline HPCs (2000 series stainless steel) and ordinary picks. I work part time as a locksmith (in the UK) and the "ordinary" Majestics get more use and they are a great deal cheaper.

If you are starting out, get a cheap set (my Majestic 11 piece set was about £13.00 - my HPC set cost about £60 excl the dreaded VAT!).

These sets though are useless on lever locks so don't waste your time (or more importantly money) some "locksmith suppliers" say that they work - they don't (generally those "suppliers" know bugger all about locks) you need lever picks (either home made from welding rod or shop bought spring steel)

[Chucklz]

Jason about the lever lock claim-

In the US, the most common lever locks are of the smallish variety on safety deposit boxes. It has been claimed that you can use a large hook on these to lift the levers. I have a feeling that most suppliers from the US aren't aware of other kinds of lever locks.

[toomush2drink]

Jason im using majestic picks which i thought were slim line but maybe im drunk and confused lol, but i must say i have filed a few down to make them easier to get into certain keyways. Looks like ive learnt something else today.
It seems that only us brits and aussies have "proper" lever locks.

[Safekey]

Chucklz. Just wondering about this hook. Most of the smaller safe locks i've worked on have strong drop levers. I just cant figure out how you would get a hook into the lock high enough to lift the levers ? Do you know any more on this concept ?

[Chucklz]

I have never tried it myself. Just relating what I have been told. Peteron has a hook that appears to be designed for "letter box" lever locks. http://www.peterson-international.com/i ... htm#postal


In door lever locks are almost non existant in the US. I see them on very very old houses (could also be warded?). I am still looking for one that is in use on an exterior door.

[jason]

I probably should have been a bit clearer, I haven't had any good reason (or chance) to play with a deposit lock, I mostly deal with door/window locks.

I have had dealings with a locksmith "supplier" (think back of "Exchange & Mart" who seemed to think that a 32 piece Majestic set (for £200) would open "every lock you'll find" if I bought a manual for £10 (which was the MIT guide!).

The real problem is morons like that are selling to newbies and giving them the "benefit" of their advice.

[Chucklz]

Jason I agree about the newbie situation. It is unfortunate, and I hope all of us here can do our best to prevent such business practices.

About the Safe Deposit Box, I really dont know anymore than what I have already told, perhaps someone who does this kind of work can confirm/deny.