Strongest/Best LockPicks

[LockSmithNovice]

After reading a part from Modern High-Security Locks How To Open Them by Steven Hampton. Saying this quote.

"You can also get picks on the internet: Try <www.lock-picks.com>. But you get what you pay for--stamped-out picks tend to break often, as they cannot be tempered like stainless steel. Also, they rust when carried on your person (from the natural moisture of the body) making a nasty reddish-brown stain in your wallet, pocket, or on the skin. So good lock-pick tools are hard to find and wear out rapidly, break, rust, or are just not shaped for the newer high-security locks.
"Personally, I prefer hand-ground, stainless-steel picks because though they may not bend, they will not break under normal use and can be bent back into shape. Also, with this tapered design, the likelihood of one bending is remote (lock picks are finger tools that require delicate manipulation for proper use and should never been used with excessive force). For comfort, I put cushioned, color-coded vinyl caps over the handle ends of picks when working with high-security locks, as these locks take time to pick open."
"All the tools that I use here can be made at home and some are covered in my first two books. It's best that you make your own. If you have stainless-steel steak knives (flat, stainless butter knives will also work) and an inexpensive grinder with cut-off wheel, you can copy off the patterns. Cut them out (inside of the line) and lightly glue the patters on the thoroughly cleaned knives, then spray paint two to three light coats (two minutes drying time between coats) with a high-temperature paint such as black wood stove paint. Let dry 20 minutes then carefully peel off the paper patterns with a needle and bake the knives for one hour in a 275-degree oven. When cooled, you'll have a hard, durable pattern from which to cut and grind your own professional, lifetime picks. Follow the instructions in these books and remember to cut your pattern right on the inside of the line."


I ask because I am afraid to make my own worried I may them up. Can someone give me a site I can get quality picks. Money isn't really a burden right now, I'm not a certified LEO or Locksmith but in no way am I going to use picks for illegal reasons.

[ToolyMcgee]

If money isn't an issue, then you should really use it to purchase some good literature. That's not a quote so much as it is most of pages 16 and 17 from the book. I own that book and several others, and I have somehow made it this long without cut and pasting entire sections from any of them. Somehow I feel like you found the torrent...

My hangover told me to tell you that's extremely irritating.

-Mcgee

[straightpick]

An inexpensive pick in the hands of a pro will get better results than the best custom made pick in the hands of an amateur.

[LockSmithNovice]

If money isn't an issue, then you should really use it to purchase some good literature. That's not a quote so much as it is most of pages 16 and 17 from the book. I own that book and several others, and I have somehow made it this long without cut and pasting entire sections from any of them. Somehow I feel like you found the torrent...

My hangover told me to tell you that's extremely irritating.

-Mcgee

HAHA. Yeah I guess it's not a quote. Sorry for being annoying but. I am extremely new to this. I just got "The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing 6th Edition" and reading it now. I'll soon be at least knowledgeable to define things and not sound like a complete idiot. Also going to my library tomorrow and getting Locks, Safes, And Security. The $200 one so that should help me in my quest for mechanics of locks. Actually a friend sent me the E book.

An inexpensive pick in the hands of a pro will get better results than the best custom made pick in the hands of an amateur.

I'll take that as to get the HPC set.

[AlexMHH]

I have a few Peterson tools, and a decent number of Southern Specialties picks in a set that I assembled myself. I'm still using the hook, half diamond and "Wave" rake from Southern Specialties 95% of the time, and feel that it's a great place to start, for far less money than buying others. As an intermediate-beginner myself, I feel that these picks, and maby the snake rake, are all that I really need for the time being, and can highly recommend them and the company. For reference, I got the Laminated Ripple Core Handles, and sanded them down for smoother picking.

[Eyes_Only]

It doesn't matter how strong a pick tool is. If you don't have enough experience with picking and a deep understanding of the very basics the picks will eventually end up bent or broken. I would start out with a simple spring steel set like the ones made by HPC or South Ord. I'd rather break those than mangle up a nice Peterson pick set thats more pricey.

[LockSmithNovice]

I was actually looking more if someone would make me some butter knife picks. I got a friend who is a professional locksmith so he may do it. Dunno yet.

[datagram]

I was actually looking more if someone would make me some butter knife picks. I got a friend who is a professional locksmith so he may do it. Dunno yet.

viewtopic.php?t=40466

dg

[LockSmithNovice]

Yeah, I would do that but the only reason of doing it is I'm scared I'm going to it up because to be professional lock picks especially to an amateur like myself there is a desired thickness of the picks right?

[shatter]

I have a few Peterson tools, and a decent number of Southern Specialties picks in a set that I assembled myself. I'm still using the hook, half diamond and "Wave" rake from Southern Specialties 95% of the time, and feel that it's a great place to start, for far less money than buying others. As an intermediate-beginner myself, I feel that these picks, and maby the snake rake, are all that I really need for the time being, and can highly recommend them and the company. For reference, I got the Laminated Ripple Core Handles, and sanded them down for smoother picking.

I just recently purchased some new picks from Southern Specialties to add to an already existing Southern Ordnance set. I got a handful of picks that I already frequently use with the LRCH handles and I am very impressed. I would recommend both Southern Ordnance and (especially) Southern Specialties to any pickers at every skill level. Both are relatively cheap and for having simple designs are of high quality. I know the original author said that finances aren't really an issue but the only bad thing I have to say is to watch out for the excessive shipping prices, especially at Southern Specialties. I bought just a few picks and shipping was over $11. That just seems ridiculous for an order that was under 7 dollars.

...a quick summary: SS (LRCH) > SO > God

[n2oah]

reading a part from Modern High-Security Locks How To Open Them by Steven Hampton

Now there's yer problem.