Getting a lockpick set

[Ciix]

Hello,

[off-topic]
This is my first post
I'm relatively new to lockpicking, and I must say I like it.
I've recently - 1 week ago - picked an ABUS 65, with two bobby pins...
I made a tension wrench by folding one, to double thickness, and used
one as a hook, by deforming it a bit using a hammer and a vice.
I got it after like... 5 mins, and I must say that was complete joy, though
the wrench broke easuly after getting it out.
[/off-topic]

Anyway, I'd like tougher tools...
I've looked at many sites for a lockpick set, including lockpickshop.com - i know the lp101 code trick - , lockpicktools.com, etc.

However, I don't know whcih one to chose...
What I want is solid tools, which will not break or get twisted/deformed while I pick. I want a kit which will last long, i.e. many years. It's not cheap ya know, so I'm ready to pay like 100$ for one, but I want it to be durable.
I also want my set to be able to get in short keyways, that is, padlock ones - usual ones, not exagerately small too.

I've seen shouthord slimline, but we told me it wasnt the best company at all.
How about lockpicktools.com? They seem to have better prices than lockpickshop.com - even with lp101 discount -, and good stuff.

I'm open to any other suggestion...
Also, please tell me any experience you've got with picks you broke...
Do these tools are usually solid, thats what I'd like to know.

Also, I'm starting to think about doing my own picks, too. For this I could buy a bench grinder - like an old school tough US made in a garage sale -, but will I also need a dremel??? I've thought about many materials - hacksaw blades, wiper blade inserts, etc - but the best thing I found is to buy a sheet of steel - not stainless - at a local metal shop for around 15$ - 15$ = approximately 50 lockpicks I could make -, cut it into some rectangles, and make the picks by grinding them. What you think about that?

If usual lockpicks break too easily, or too frequently, I'll make my own, because it's, in long term, a better investment to pay 100$ to get the tools,
then you spend only 15$ for a sheet of steel... - not stainless tough, but steel is very hard anyway - [...]

Cordially,

Ciix

[Squelchtone]

You know... you could have replied your question to one of the other 50 threads that happen to be on the same topic of people asking which set to buy.

cluttered forum is cluttered.

Squelchtone

[Ciix]

Ask yourself wether you answer contributes or not.
I've read ALOT of posts on these forums, and... I see you often
complain for such reasons.

I want to get advices also, not have a search fiesta.
I won't read your 50 threads, this is a hobby, not a lifestyle.

Also... they don't really talk deeply about tools from lockpicktools.com, so...
nor grinding, nor... thats why I ask, duh.

sry if i offed you,

cordially,
ciix

[cedrice]

Ask yourself wether you answer contributes or not.
I've read ALOT of posts on these forums, and... I see you often
complain for such reasons.

I want to get advices also, not have a search fiesta.
I won't read your 50 threads, this is a hobby, not a lifestyle.

Also... they don't really talk deeply about tools from lockpicktools.com, so...
nor grinding, nor... thats why I ask, duh.

sry if i offed you,

cordially,
ciix

you want answers and information, its all here...go find it

[Squelchtone]

Ask yourself whether you answer contributes or not.
I've read ALOT of posts on these forums, and... I see you often
complain for such reasons.

It does contribute. It tells n00bs to go look, this isn't 1-800-askalocksmith, as I like to say quite often. We're not your personal pool of research secretaries, so get off it.

and if you want an answer.. you're over thinking it and have unrealistic expectations of commercially available tools. Just buy a pick set and have fun. They will all break or bend if you mistreat them or don't know how to pick a lock and just ram them inside the keyway. (Example: I had a n00b at a locksport meeting snap my Bogota clean off at the handle because he was trying to turn it like a real key.) Southord, HPC, Peterson, home made, Majestic, GoSo, Deal Extreme, Lockpicktools.com, Lockmasters, etc. will all bend and break if you're rough with them.

I know when I started I thought the best way was to force or will the lock to open; I learned that is not the case. With time and experience you will find a lighter touch, some finesse, and a better feel for what's going on in side the lock. I haven't broken a pick a long time now and I use most of the above brands.

Anyway, I'd like tougher tools...

They're all very tough and capable, every brand and site you mentioned (except GoSo, they snap easily). It's not being heavy handed that matters. Your bobby pins are poor comparison if you think that's what real pick tools feel and act like.

I like Peterson because of the nice leather roll up. Some people like Southord snap over pouches, some people like HPC's zipper cases. Lockpicktools.com happens to be a great place with great prices, and the owner is very nice to work with. Lockpickshop.com is also really nice, and shipping speed is insane.

My point is that you just can't go wrong with any of these, just have fun and know that things may happen, and if you bend a tension wrench because "you're doing it wrong" then that's life and no need to complain about it.

Have a wonderful day,
Squelchtone

[unlisted]

If someone can find the thread where I complain about the youth of today expecting a hand out and being served constantly, please do and post it here.

This n00b fits the bill to a T.

Also, what Squelchtone said is very appropriate on many levels.

I won't read your 50 threads, this is a hobby, not a lifestyle.

Exactly, so why would you expect anyone from here to answer your question? Not one single member on this forum is paid to be here... So do some of your own research. There are Countless threads on this subject already.