My New Tools!

[MolonLabe]

I've been picking as a hobbyist for years and recently started helping with lockouts during security details at work. Since I learned many locksmithing fundamentals at a high school hardware store job, I'm delving into the locksmithing and security consulting business as side work. I've always wanted to upgrade from my trusty 8 piece Majestic set that I bought about 10 years ago. Well, my Majestic set went missing a couple of weeks ago, so I spent some time researching a new set. I kept finding that no matter where I looked, I couldn't find a complete set with everything I wanted...either had too much or not enough. I started looking into buying individual pieces and decided to go that route, as long as I could keep it to 2 or 3 orders to eliminate being nickel and dimed with shipping. I now live in an apartment, but would have just bought a small grinder and plenty of stock if I still had a good work space. I will probably do that anyway in the future.

My first stop was SerePick for a legendary Bogota pick set. I went with a handmade traditional triple peak/single hollow diamond set. Matt at SerePick is GREAT to work with and the shipping was super fast. These picks are worth their weight in gold! The first lock I put them in fell open in seconds. I've been perfecting several techniques and have not found a lock I haven't been able to open after trying several methods. These are a MUST in any pick set. Later, I plan on buying a Sabana/double peak pair and a Monserrate fore/aft pair, once more are made and stocked. $30 + $5.95 shipping (3 days from order to my mailbox)

My next order was from Peterson. I ordered 9 of their carbon steel picks and 1 slender government steel pick. I ordered all, except the slender pick, with plastic handles. The slender pick was listed with a rubber dip handle, but I wished I could get it in a plastic handle. Not a huge deal, so I didn't pursue it. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I opened the package and found my slender pick with a plastic handle! I think some of the slender picks are made with plastic handles for inclusion into sets. I can only assume that since I ordered 9 picks with plastic handles, that the person packing my order decided to ship me a pick that matched the rest. Thank you, whoever you are! Anyway, I'm THRILLED with these picks...the handles address any complaints I've had with other picks. At $2.65 each (except the slender pick at $8), these are the best bargain out there, in my opinion! I would love to try a rubber handled Peterson some day, so I might get a rubber handled short hook someday with a larger order, just to play with. The fit and finish of these picks is good for factory stamped picks, except for the Double Rake (snake, C-rake). The first curve from the tip has a pretty large bur on the edge. Not a huge deal, since I plan to polish these up with a dremel tool and some Mother's Mag polish anyway. The plastic handles are in two different colors...not an issue for me, but worth mention. My double rake and half diamond are in the lighter blue that you see associated with Peterson most of the time. The rest are a dark navy blue. My guess is Peterson is going with the darker blue and going through old stock? I have found my new favorite picks and treasure them already! The feedback is good, although I don't find much difference in handle material. I keep a finger near the tip and close to the lock...I get most of my tactile feedback from there. Here is a list of what I got ($31.85 + $7.95 ship; 6 days from order to my mailbox):

peterson gem - slender government steel
peterson gem
hook (short hook)
diamond (half diamond)
hooked diamond (deforest style)
peterson reach (falle style)
double rake (snake or C rake)
half snowman (half double ball)
long ripple (city or L rake)
triple rake (camel back or S rake)

I hope to add the DCAP set (rake, diamond, hook), a couple more slender government steel picks, maybe a case (expensive though!), and would like to try some of their tension tools, esp. the flat five, someday. I can tell I'll be using Peterson picks for the majority of my work in the future. The biggest factor for me in comfort for me in all handheld tools, firearms, knives, etc. is balance. These just feel like they sit in my hands, just right. I would encourage everyone to give at least one a try...it will be the best $2.65 you spend! I might grab a Shirt Pocket set someday for a dedicated portable kit, too.

Next up is my order from lockpickshop.com. It has not arrived yet, but should be here before the end of the week. I ordered one pick shape that I like, which Peterson does not make (SouthOrd slim #15 with laminated metal handle) and a selection of tension tools...2 short twist flex, 1 standard, 1 thin-line standard, 1 standard double ended, and 1 euro double ended. At $1.95 each, I think these will serve me well for most circumstances. When it comes time for more tension tools, I will like buy a U-bend kit from Peterson and make them on the fly, although I would like to try the flat five set some time. Unfortunately, I had not read about the lp101 discount code, so I paid full price on this order. $18.60 + $4.75 ship.

So, for about $64 I have the standard size picks in the 20 piece government steel set (albeit in carbon steel) minus the DCAP and 5 slender picks, along with a compliment of tension tool sizes. Since I have a case (an old zippered PDA case that is a perfect fit), I think I have chosen a good, cost-effective selection and price was a huge consideration at this time! That doesn't include the Bogota set, but that's a vital addition to any kit, IMHO and money well spent.

I have one other decent size order to place from Southern Specialties, but that will be weeks away. I plan to get a set of warded key picks, a set of standard auto jigglers, a handcuff shim, a double ended slim line hook/snake, and a laminated metal handled euro wave jiggler. I would like to try one of these to see how it differs from my Bogota and to have something I can get rough with without worrying about breaking. I figure since I will be placing an order, I can afford a few extra bucks for one, although I consider it a 'faux-gota'...lol. I might entertain the SPP medium pouch since it's only $9.95, but we'll see.

The only other things I want to add to my lockout kit (already have drills and bits as the last resort) are a good air wedge and reach tool for autos, and I plan to make a small plug spinner.

I'll post back with a few words on my lockpickshop.com order once it arrives. I hope this helps others out there who like a modest selection of picks, are willing to pay for good equipment, but can't afford to go with a higher end set, like some of the Peterson sets. I like the carbon steel picks and they are cheap enough to replace individually, if necessary.

[gloves]

Nice story and description, I think I'm not the only one who'd appreciate pictures!

Also, did you ever try making your own picks?

[MolonLabe]

Absolutely! Once I get my lockpickshop.com order, I'll put some pics up, for sure.

And yes, I've made a few...the first time I picked was with a set that me and a buddy made from templates in a library book about locksmithing. We made a hook and a half diamond out of hacksaw blades with duct tape wrapped handles. Not pretty, but they worked! I used an allen wrench ground flat for a tension tool...wish I still had them for the sentimental value.

I've just started a wiper blade collection for that purpose. There's an Advanced Auto about a half mile from my apartment and I'm on good terms with them from buying car parts there so much. They are saving them for me. I live in an apartment, so grinding this time of year is out. Once warmer weather arrives, I'll get a bench grinder from a garage sale and I can grind all day on my balcony. I've already got plenty of custom ideas and can't wait til spring (for more reasons than that too...Wisconsin winters suck!!)

[feathertouch]

Thanks dude! I've been interested in picking and computer program cracking since I was 12, but never had the guts (or the funds) to buy or make picks. Now, 10 years later, you guys have inspired me to take the plunge into picking.

Locks (from an ebay seller):
4 practice locks (2, 3, 4, 5 pins - easily interchangeable)
1 cut-away (6 pin - interchangable pins)
a bag of extra security pins

Tension wrenches:
2 short
1 slim/double-headed european

Carbon steel picks:
peterson gem - slender (government steel)
peterson gem
short hook
half diamond
peterson reach (falle style)
double rake (snake or C rake)
snowman

Total I payed $93.10, which I think was a great deal for what I got. It's a bit pricey to start up, but I've been wanting this for a while. MolonLabe, I'm giving you all the credit for any of my successes