Newbie from the UK - Basic Information

[Fouldini]

Hey guys, i've been looking around the internet in all its shapes and forms for the past few hours attempting to find some information for a newbie looking into starting lockpicking/locksport as a hobby, where to get your tools, a grasp of the basics, etc

One thing I have noticed however, is that when it comes to buying a pick set, there is a difference between the 'USA Picks' and the 'Slimline' EU picks...?


I would presume that considering I am in the UK I would require the 'slimline' EU picks - however I also want to get hold of some practice locks which are good for a newbie with NO experience yet in lockpicking (although i'm very keen to read up and learn more, any book recommendations would be appreciated).

I've always found that for me, the best practice is through applying rather than learning pure theory (although naturally I understand you need to strike a balance), but the the main questions I have are:

1) If I am from the UK do I require the 'EU Slimline' Picks?
2) The majority of the practice locks I have found, I would presume, are sized for US Picks - so would my EU picks require specific EU practice locks?
3) Where is a good place to obtain (ideally online) picks and practice locks for a UK beginner like me?
4) Is there any reading material you could recommend for someone with no prior experience?

(I suppose it may actually be simpler/cheaper for me to learn with US picks and US practice locks if EU picks don't work on them - and then invest more if I take well to my new hobby?)

My appologies if this is in the wrong section or anything like that - i've been scouring the internet for a while and this community seemed like a good place to ask my questions, I have done a lot of research into lock picking but once again, I feel the best way for me to learn would be to obtain some practice locks and picks, combine that with some good reading material (so I understand the theory) and get 'cracking' (pardon the pun) over my summer break!

Thank you very much for all your help, it's much appreciated
~ Fouldini

[Scope]

This was covered by me on the tools side of things about 2 weeks ago, topic is on General Chatter link. "Buying picks in uk? Suggest you look here first".

[EmCee]

Hi Fouldini

1) Pin tumbler locks used in Europe generally have smaller keyways than those used in the US, hence the need for 'slimline' picks (in the UK most people call pin tumber locks 'Yale locks'). In Europe and some other countries lever locks are also widely used but they are rare in the US (in the UK, most people call lever locks 'mortise locks'). Lever locks require different tools and those tools are not categorised as standard and slimline.

2) Slimline picks will not be a problem to use in the larger keyways of US locks. In fact, some US folk prefer slimline picks as they can be advantageous when working in difficult keyways.

3) Scope has posted a list of UK suppliers - an Internet search will find plenty of US suppliers and this forum has a thread listing recommended or 'to be avoided' suppliers.

4) There is a wealth of information on this site. I'd suggest starting from there and then looking for books.

Cheers...

[Scope]

3) Scope has posted a list of UK suppliers - an Internet search will find plenty of US suppliers and this forum has a thread listing recommended or 'to be avoided' suppliers.

Reason for this:

Post was named- "Newbie from UK - Basic Information"

Thats why i posted as above

Also: UK sites do offer USA Picks anyways, so why pay import taxes & wait longer for your picks??? Most Lock Picks in general are made in USA.

[Fouldini]

Thanks for all your help everyone, i opted for a 2 pin practice cylinder and 5 peice slim lockpick set from LockPickShop.com - once they arrive I should be a lot more active around here