Lock Picking 101 Forum
A community dedicated to the fun and ethical hobby of lock picking.
       

Lock Picking 101 Home
Login
Profile
Members
Forum Rules
Frequent Forum Questions
SEARCH
View New Posts
View Active Topics


Live Chat on Discord
LP101 Forum Chat
Keypicking Forum Chat
Reddit r/lockpicking Chat



Learn How to Pick Locks
FAQs & General Questions
Got Beginner Questions?
Pick-Fu [Intermediate Level]


Ask a Locksmith
This Old Lock
This Old Safe
What Lock Should I Buy?



Hardware
Locks
Lock Patents
Lock Picks
Lock Bumping
Lock Impressioning
Lock Pick Guns, Snappers
European Locks & Picks
The Machine Shop
The Open Source Lock
Handcuffs


Member Spotlight
Member Introductions
Member Lock Collections
Member Social Media


Off Topic
General Chatter
Other Puzzles


Locksmith Business Info
Training & Licensing
Running a Business
Keyways & Key Blanks
Key Machines
Master Keyed Systems
Closers and Crash Bars
Life Safety Compliance
Electronic Locks & Access
Locksmith Supplies
Locksmith Lounge


Buy Sell Trade
Buy - Sell - Trade
It came from Ebay!


Advanced Topics
Membership Information
Special Access Required:
High Security Locks
Vending Locks
Advanced Lock Pick Tools
Bypass Techniques
Safes & Safe Locks
Automotive Entry & Tools
Advanced Buy/Sell/Trade


Locksport Groups
Locksport Local
Chapter President's Office
Locksport Board Room
 

Starter Tools

Picked all the easy locks and want to step up your game? Further your lock picking techniques, exchange pro tips, videos, lessons, and develop your skills here.

Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 12 Jan 2011 23:14

Hello ladies and gentlemen.
I recently became interested in this hobby and I would like to start it on the right foot. I tried using paperclips with mediocre success, but I realize that they are less than adequate tools.
I did a little bit of reading, but I still have trouble understanding the usage of some of the picks. As such, I intend to buy just the most basic ones and see how things go from there.

I plan to purchase the following:

Slim Line L Rake
Slim Line S Rake 2
Slim Line Double Ball Pick
MAX-17 High Yield Lock Pick to practice feeling
Medium Turning Tool .078 (Is .078 the size? Is that a good size for most Canadian locks?)

I want to be able to use these for most any lock I encounter. Are they good choices?

I also really want to pick up the Pro Keychain Lock Pick Set for portability. I understand that it won't replace the above tools, but it's still usable, right? Does its weakness lie in in the malleability of the picks, or the fact that it folds down and makes it harder to sense what's going on? If it's the latter, maybe I could just hold it by the pick rather than by the handle?

Any advice for this first time buyer?
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby edsmiley » 13 Jan 2011 0:05

I would recommend to pick up a standard hook, maybe something like this if you are looking to stick to the slim line:

http://www.lockpickshop.com/MSL-06.html

A good beginners set would be something like what TOOOL sells. That includes two hooks (a standard and a euro slim), two half diamonds (a thick hard model and a thin slender one), and two rakes (a snake and a Bogotá-style wave jiggler). You could still pick up these individual picks from lockpickshop or maybe go with a small set from there.

I have a double ball, never really used it for much, heard it was decent for some wafer locks. Rakes are nice, but is a whole different technique than single pin picking (SPP). S-rakes are common, the Bogotás are nice too (see serepick.com for some designed/made by the master Raimundo).

For tension tools, when I started, I bought a few like you posted, made a few of my own. Those should be ok to start and if you search around here, there are plenty of posts about making tension tools out of various pieces of metal.

The thing you have to watch out for with the keychain sets is that the feedback is very different. I just picked up a Southord Jackknife (JPXS-6) and the feedback feels totally different than with a regular pick. However, still is quite usable, just different. Probably something you can get used to, but if you are just starting out, I would stick with a standard pick as you will probably use that the most.

Take some time to read the forums and the tons of sticky posts that are all over the place. They have a wealth of information.

Good luck!
Ed
edsmiley
 
Posts: 91
Joined: 1 May 2009 21:33

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 13 Jan 2011 2:20

Thank you for the suggestion about the hook. :)
I understand that the one I had originally posted was too thick?
I had no idea that an organization like TOOOL existed! This makes lockpicking look like a sport! Actually I don't see why it couldn't be one. It makes for a better sport than, say metallurgy or caligraphy!

The reason why I stuck with the slim ones is that I don't see that many large locks in my city. It wouldn't make sense for me to spend time lockpicking a different kind of locks at home.
Or is it that the slim ones are significantly more fragile?
Is there a factor that I'm not aware of?

Thanks for the info about the Pro Keychain. I think I'll buy it either way, I just wanted to know what to watch out for. :)

Thanks for the reply!
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby illusion » 13 Jan 2011 6:13

Alienrace wrote:Thank you for the suggestion about the hook. :)
I understand that the one I had originally posted was too thick?
I had no idea that an organization like TOOOL existed! This makes lockpicking look like a sport! Actually I don't see why it couldn't be one. It makes for a better sport than, say metallurgy or caligraphy!

The reason why I stuck with the slim ones is that I don't see that many large locks in my city. It wouldn't make sense for me to spend time lockpicking a different kind of locks at home.
Or is it that the slim ones are significantly more fragile?
Is there a factor that I'm not aware of?

Thanks for the info about the Pro Keychain. I think I'll buy it either way, I just wanted to know what to watch out for. :)

Thanks for the reply!


Slimline picks generally are more fragile but I've had a set of SouthOrd slimlines for near enough four years now and aside from one pick slightly bent by using it for a very non lock-related purpose, they have all held up well.

Get a deep hook, a shallow hook, a half diamond and an s-rake - Throw in a couple of wrenches and you are laughing. The nine piece set was the one I started out with and still use fairly often these days.

Check out Peterson picks too, not much dearer but better IMHO.
illusion
 
Posts: 4567
Joined: 2 Sep 2005 13:47

Re: Starter Tools

Postby WolfSpring » 14 Jan 2011 13:22

Alot of people will put down south ord, I've had them 18 months now I overpaid for to many picks I'll never use. I've replaced the hook a couple times because of stupidity, DO NOT use your main hook for such things as handcuffs and combo locks lol. I can pick everything from Kwikset to Medeco so far(medico is the best I've gotten my hands on minus an Emhart). It's not about the quality of tools as much as the skill of the picker. Wit that said I do have a brand new set of sparrows I'm working with now but I've got to file and sand them down to my liking. Had them a few days and still using my south ord hook.

Anyways I find this overlooked set a great for starters:

http://www.lockpickshop.com/?Screen=SRC ... &x=19&y=18

It's got the basics plus a very basic book, and you get a discout for putting lp101 in the coupon code. That way you're not paying to much and if you get into it later down the road you can invest in some real picks.
What most people call intelligence I call common sense.
WolfSpring
 
Posts: 291
Joined: 12 Aug 2009 9:32
Location: Colorado

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Shivahn » 15 Jan 2011 23:34

One thing you might want to think about (or really, you should probably do) is get yourself something easy to practice on. I started trying to pick padlocks and locks at home, and ended up becoming frustrated and actually quit for quite some time. I recognize that part of that is the fact that I'm simply terrible with padlocks, but it's pretty disheartening at first.

I bought myself a double-cylinder Kwikset deadbolt from Home Depot the other day and thanks to the fact that they're easy to change the number of pins on, have managed to work myself up from not being able to pick anything to easily picking 5-pin cylinders (granted, easy ones, but it's still pretty impressive considering how awful I was before).

So I would seriously consider buying a lock that you can change the pins on for practice. You can always swap out the pins for harder ones if it's too easy, and it's much easier to train yourself up to harder things than try to hit the ground running.
Shivahn
 
Posts: 5
Joined: 15 Jan 2011 15:59

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 19 Jan 2011 2:17

Yes, I was planning on getting some locks and padlocks to practice on. I'm guessing that their price is generally a good indicator of their difficulty.

As for the tools, I looked at the sets and while they offered a good discount, they always included things that didn't interest me. This combination sets me back $20 and it has everything you guys suggested (plus Pick 15, which just intrigues me). Any comments on how to make this even better?

Slim Line Medium Hook Pick
Slim Line Small Diamond Pick
Slim Line S Rake 2
Slim Line Lock Pick 15
Medium Turning Tool .078

I'm also getting that Pro Keychain Lock Pick Set. Any more comments on how reliable this product is? I want to have it so that once in a blood moon when I need it (say lock myself out), it does the job.

Any thoughts?
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 28 Jan 2011 11:18

Or maybe I should just get the SouthOrd Jackknife and nothing else for now? Is the quality good enough to make a proper introductory tool for a casual hobbyist? It would sure make the whole purchasing process a lot simpler! :)
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby WolfSpring » 28 Jan 2011 11:42

The Jack knife is not worth the money, it is cool to have as a novelty item but not really usefull. Some people use it but it does not replace a good hook in any fasion, limited feedback and not really good for harder locks. It works thats for sure, I bought one as did many here than it sat in a desk drawer for months then came up missing and I was more mad that it cost me 40 bucks than it is missing. Just my opinion.
What most people call intelligence I call common sense.
WolfSpring
 
Posts: 291
Joined: 12 Aug 2009 9:32
Location: Colorado

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 28 Jan 2011 12:01

That's a shame. Is it better than Pro Keychain Lock Pick Set, though? Or would you say that it's about the same and just costs more?
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby edsmiley » 28 Jan 2011 17:44

Southord does have the jackknife in the Outlet which is much cheaper ($26) than the regular one. That is the one I ordered and it looks perfect to me (No blemishes or anything).

I really like the pick selection of the Southern Specialties Folding Tool and was actually thinking of picking up one of those (I think I am a closet pick collector :o). The plastic handle one is much cheaper than the metal handle one. Check out LocksmithArmy's review on his site at the bottom: http://www.locksmitharmy.com/southern-specialtier.php

I think as most people said, for the casual portable set, these are fine. However, I think that for a proper introductory set would be regular picks (a hook) with handles because of the feedback. If you are planning on being casual, the small picksets mentioned here will probably cheaper overall.

Good luck!
Ed
edsmiley
 
Posts: 91
Joined: 1 May 2009 21:33

Re: Starter Tools

Postby MBI » 29 Jan 2011 3:21

Alienrace wrote:That's a shame. Is it better than Pro Keychain Lock Pick Set, though? Or would you say that it's about the same and just costs more?


It seems you're determined to get a folding pickset despite the advice people are offering. I'd suggest going a different route as well, but if we can't talk you out of it, I've tried a few folding picks and the one I like best has been the Southern Specialties jackknife pickset with the aluminum handle.
http://www.lockpicktools.com/lockpicks.htm
The plastic one isn't bad at first, but if you're going to be using it a lot you'll want the durability of the metal handle. With the rigidity offered by the locking thumb bar on that set, there is simply no comparison with other folding sets that I've tried.

HOWEVER, like the others who have made suggestions in this thread, I'd really recommend just buying a VERY basic pick set. Preferably one with handles as opposed the the simple ones that are just stamped steel with no handle scales added. Just go with any well known pick maker: HPC, Rytan, SouthOrd, Southern Specialties, Petersen... whoever. I'm sure I'm leaving out plenty of good companies from this list, but what I'm getting at is just avoid the cheap Chinese imports, like from DealExtreme.

All you really need to start off with, is a hook and a tension wrench. Seriously. If you want to experiment a little bit, get a basic kit that also has a half diamond, maybe some kind of rake or two, and several tension wrenches. It'll let you start to play, learn basic skills, and form some preferences. Down the road as you find out what kind of picking style you prefer, you can add some other picks to your kit. I have hundreds of picks that I've accumulated over the years, but I only use one hook about 90% of the time. I use far more variety of tension wrenches than picks. I even keep a tiny pair of pliers and some cut-down windshield wiper inserts in my pick case so I can make custom wrenches in the field if I need to fit a lock I'm working on.

Whatever you buy, you'll probably end up needing to polish them. Mass produced picks have rough edges. Take the working ends of your new picks and smooth them down with some wet/dry sandpaper. It will make a BIG difference.

Lastly, as others have mentioned in this thread, spend some time and browse these boards. Especially the "Stickies". You'll find plenty of tutorials on making picks, polishing or modifying existing picks, making tension wrenches and setting up some locks to do beginner's exercises to learn to pick initially. 99% of the questions you can think to ask, have probably already been answered here already. For example, the question of whether to buy folding picks, and what kind to buy, has been covered at least a dozen times. I'm not saying that to make you feel bad, just to illustrate the point. There is TONS of great info here. Dig around and make use of it.

Good luck with your purchase.
MBI
Moderator Emeritus
 
Posts: 1346
Joined: 9 Oct 2007 2:29
Location: Utah, USA

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 29 Jan 2011 3:42

Peterson quality is really that much higher than South Ord? City Lites looks nice. :)
Would I see a big difference if I got those instead of the ones I linked?

Yeah, you got me, MBI!
I'll probably end up getting a Jacknife on the side regardless lol. It's such a cool concept! You never know when a set might come in handy, which means you have to carry it around everywhere. I can see myself doing that with a folding tool, but not so much with individual picks. I'll probably just use those for practice and bring them only when I know I'll need them (say a hot friend locks herself out and calls me for help - can't wait for that! :D ).
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby Alienrace » 29 Jan 2011 3:47

Oh and I lurk here a lot. :)
It gives me vicarious pleasure while I still don't have any tools yet!
Alienrace
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 Jan 2011 0:38

Re: Starter Tools

Postby mrlocks » 9 Feb 2011 1:03

WolfSpring wrote:The Jack knife is not worth the money, it is cool to have as a novelty item but not really usefull. Some people use it but it does not replace a good hook in any fasion, limited feedback and not really good for harder locks. It works thats for sure, I bought one as did many here than it sat in a desk drawer for months then came up missing and I was more mad that it cost me 40 bucks than it is missing. Just my opinion.

Yeah - its not really useful even I purchased one and hardly ever used that and yes it provide no success in harder locks.
mrlocks
 
Posts: 8
Joined: 5 Feb 2011 3:04

Next

Return to Pick-Fu [Intermediate Skill Level]

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests