Buying Picks and Other Questions

[PatrickAupperle]

Firstly, I know you have seen at least a billion of these threads here, and I have spent most of the day looking through them. I have narrowed down the set I want to three choices, unless someone wants to suggest something. Firstly, quoted out of the "LP101 Ultimate Startup Set" thread.

Here's what I think should go into a Deluxe (as in, not basic) Newbie Picking Set:

Standard small half diamond ($1.50 - SP07)
Standard small hook ($1.50 - SP09)
Standard snake rake ($1.50 - SP10)
Short twist/flex wrench ($1.40 - TW02)
Double-ended wrench ($1.40 - TW18)

Total cost: $7.30

I think that the purpose of a newbie set should be to allow you to learn how to pick, and allow you to learn whether you like picking enough to buy some of the rarer/more specialized/more expensive picks.

I'd say slimlines instead of regulars if they were individually available, but they're not. I think it's better to learn on handle-less picks -- A, it's cheaper, and B, it teaches you to be lighter with your picks.

A key extractor isn't a lockpick, a ball pick (and whatever variants) is redundant and usually never used, I've never ever found a use for the slimline wrench, and I think the case is an unnecessary $10, considering that anyone who stays interested is likely to buy a full set later on.

Just my two cents,
Spider

Secondly, the MPXS-11 set, which seems like plenty of picks.
http://www.lockpickshop.com/MPXS-11.html

And Lastly, the MPXS-14 set, which I saw recommended on the "FAQ: So where do I buy lockpicks and what do I need to buy?" thread.
http://www.lockpickshop.com/MPXS-14.html

Obviously, I do not want to spend any more money than I would have to to get a decent beginner set. I have never picked anything before, and I am not sure if I will enjoy the hobby. Also, this will, at most, only be a hobby, so I don't need anything too extravagant. So, what set would you all suggest for me?

I will also need a good lock or two to practice on. What lock should I get?
I was also wondering what the use of certain picks is. Especially the half-ball, full-ball, double-ball, and full-anything. Could someone explain these?

Thank you in advance.

[PatrickAupperle]

bump

[keysman]

Please try here: it will answer most of your questions


viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10754

[PatrickAupperle]

Please try here: it will answer most of your questions


viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10754

That seems like a good resource, and it is one I have looked at many times. It does not answer any of my questions. I want someone to suggest which of the above three sets would be the cheapest good set for a beginner. I also want to know what the back half of a full ball/diamond pick is for. Maybe this information is hidden somewhere in this link, but I can not find it.

[ToolyMcgee]

Really? It doesn't answer any of them... I'd read it again. This one too: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

[PatrickAupperle]

Ok, so the individual picks are good.
So, what lock should I get to practice on? Also, what is the back of a full pick for? I still can't find those two answers. Is any lock, with out security pins, ok?

[ToolyMcgee]

Ok, so the individual picks are good.
So, what lock should I get to practice on? Also, what is the back of a full pick for? I still can't find those two answers. Is any lock, with out security pins, ok?

Lockpick identification - by Romstar

Beginner's Lockpicking Exercise - by digital_blue

Both easily located through a previous link. Thanks keysman!

-Tooly

[PatrickAupperle]

Ok, so the individual picks are good.
So, what lock should I get to practice on? Also, what is the back of a full pick for? I still can't find those two answers. Is any lock, with out security pins, ok?

Lockpick identification - by Romstar

Beginner's Lockpicking Exercise - by digital_blue

Both easily located through a previous link. Thanks keysman!

-Tooly

Ok, so any lock that I can disassemble is good.

Now, you all are making me feel really stupid on the other point. I have read that "Lockpick identification" thread at least a dozen times, but I can't seem to find the explanation of the back of a full pick. The back does not even contact the pins, does it? Please explain it or show me where in that thread it is? I really want to know, but can't seem to find it. It's not incredibly obvious is it?

[ToolyMcgee]

Unfortunately, it should be obvious.

the original diamond is a two-sided pick. Similar to the full ball pick.

A double sided pick is for a double sided lock. They have double sided keys Though not all double sided keys belong to true double sided locks

I've my share of dumb beginner questions, and so does everyone else. There's no reason feel stupid about it, but there are enough beginner posts between all of us that usually it's possible to search out your answer before you have to make a new thread to ask. You don't have to wait for the answers you can find. Google advanced search can help alot.

-Tooly

[PatrickAupperle]

Unfortunately, it should be obvious.

the original diamond is a two-sided pick. Similar to the full ball pick.

A double sided pick is for a double sided lock. They have double sided keys Though not all double sided keys belong to true double sided locks

I've my share of dumb beginner questions, and so does everyone else. There's no reason feel stupid about it, but there are enough beginner posts between all of us that usually it's possible to search out your answer before you have to make a new thread to ask. You don't have to wait for the answers you can find. Google advanced search can help alot.

-Tooly

Wow, , that really should of been obvious. I tried searching, but got nothing. Well, sorry to waste your time with this thread, but I really wanted to know. Thank you, all of you, for all of the help. Double sided locks are a thought that never even crossed my mind. I bet those can be hard to pick.

[Davis]

A double sided pick is for a double sided lock. They have double sided keys Though not all double sided keys belong to true double sided locks

To be more specific, I believe double sided picks are for double sided wafer locks, such as Chicago style locks like what you sometimes see on glass cases in stores. If I'm wrong please enlighten me.

Davis

[LocksmithArmy]

They should work for most double sided locks, wheather it be pin tumblers or wafer tumblers. They take a bit of finess but will work on either.

I have a 100 percent success jiggling any wafer(single or double) lock with a full ball pick, and I have raked a few double sided non wafer locks with it aswell...

[ToolyMcgee]

To be more specific, I believe double sided picks are for double sided wafer locks, such as Chicago style locks like what you sometimes see on glass cases in stores. If I'm wrong please enlighten me.

You're wrong Sort of... these type are what you are referring to as specifically for double sided chicago locks. There's really nothing about the shape of a full diamond or ball that makes it only suitable for use on a wafer/disc type tumbler. A good ball/diamond pick can even be used successfully in a dimple lock.

-Tooly

[rrkss]

If I were you, I would buy a thinline tension wrench, the standard tension wrench and the double ended one which you already have listed.

For picks, go with a short hook, half ball pick, half diamond and the snake rake. I've been able to open almost every lock in my collection using those 4 picks. The 3 different tension wrench sizes are a must since you will be running into different types of locks.

[PatrickAupperle]

If I were you, I would buy a thinline tension wrench, the standard tension wrench and the double ended one which you already have listed.

For picks, go with a short hook, half ball pick, half diamond and the snake rake. I've been able to open almost every lock in my collection using those 4 picks. The 3 different tension wrench sizes are a must since you will be running into different types of locks.

Sounds like a good idea.

Also, thank you to everyone who posted while I was away. The information supplied has given me some insight into the different picks. Now, I am eagerly awaiting there arrivals.