Most Complete/Extensive UK Lock Pick Set

[jimmytt]

Hey guys, I'm just looking for a lock pick set for UK locks, that will crack pretty much anything. There are so many sets to choose from, but have narrowed it down to a few, i am looking to purchase fairly soon, and would appreciate any tips or bits of advice anyone can give me on these sets, or any recommendations that would suit my needs.

1. HPC Superior Pick Set / HPC Pocket Killer Kit

2. SouthOrd 37 Piece Slimline / Southord MAX YIELD Pick Set M4000 / Southord MPXS-62 69 Piece / Southord C6010 75 Piece / Southord PXS-14 14 Piece.

3. Majestic 13 Piece set / Majestic 32 Piece Lock Pick Set.

4. Peterson Lock Pick Sets (I am literally clueless as to which one will suit me best with UK locks)

5. Storm Lock Picks (All look very nice, any info on these will be appreciated) DELTA 24.

I realize some of the sets have doubles, but just want an all round set that can be used to crack pretty much any lock. As long as im not deprived of any picks, i will be willing to buy the biggest or most compact set available. The ability to not snap will also be a priority, i dont want a flimsy set. Also, if anyone could give me a list of single picks i could buy to make a nice complete set, that would be great too.

Any info, tips or help you can give is most appreciated.
Thank you good day and much love.

[Squelchtone]

1. Stop using the term "crack" any lock. Its just as bad as saying "break into" any lock.

If you're using a pick set, then you're picking the lock, not cracking it.

2. Why the need for a pick set that will let you open "pretty much anything" This does not sound like you are a hobbyist just looking to learn a fun hobby. I hope you are not going equipped.

3. Doesnt matter how big of a pick set or how many different picks you buy, it isnt the picks that open a lock, it is the skill of the picker. Some pickers only need a hook pick and a wrench, others prefer to have a set of each profile shape in order to have better luck in case they arent that great at using a hook pick to lift the pins one by one.

A fancy pickset will be no substitute for hours and hours of practice on different brands and models of locks.

That is all,
Squelchtone

[fgarci03]

The best set I've come across is:

1) A crapload of tension wrenches;
2) 3 hooks;
3) a half diamont or a specialized dimple pick


With these you can open pretty much any pin tumbler there is

[MrAnybody]

Hi jimmy,

Welcome to the forum.

There's a huge wealth of info out there using the forum search function. Being a Brit myself, I can remember this UK specific question coming up more than a few times.

Anyhow, I'd add/emphasize the following:

All pick sets will have picks you will never use. The bigger the set, the more you won't need. From that point of view, I'd say you're taking a good approach for asking for a list of single picks. Get hooks, a half diamond, an over-reach, and a couple of rakes to play with. Buy some Peterson pry-bars and make other tension tools yourself (again, use the search function). Buy a quality case with plenty of room. You will fill it eventually if you become a tool-whore like most of us. I love Petersons tri-folds.

The only tool that will "crack pretty much anything" is dedicated practice. With that cultivated, you'll feel comfortable with many tools that fall into your hands (or be sure they're rubbish).

Now my opinion on your specifics:

1. Undoubtedly, great picks but never used / needed them

2. Don't bother with a Southord set beyond 22 pieces. Really needless duplication. Slimlines are great, but they make the hands tire easily since there's no handle on them. Well, they did in my case anyhow. Saying that, they're excellent profiles for UK European keyways. I do love the MAX picks (great handles), but if you want them, go for the .023 versions. Really, really nice. I have their MAX hooks and I use them often.

3. Same as 1

4. I love these. They're my primary tools. Go for the European profiles, the DCAPs and the Slenders. All excellent picks for the locks you'll meet. They're not cheap, but they're worth it.

5. Avoid them, in my opinion. They're getting a reputation as breaking easily. And the necks on them are too wide. They look all nice and shiny and cool, but I don't like them as tools. Again, no handles unless you spend extra. I've had a few and they ended up in the junk drawer. They have some wild pointless designs IMO.

Hey guys, I'm just looking for a lock pick set for UK locks, that will crack pretty much anything. There are so many sets to choose from, but have narrowed it down to a few, i am looking to purchase fairly soon, and would appreciate any tips or bits of advice anyone can give me on these sets, or any recommendations that would suit my needs.

1. HPC Superior Pick Set / HPC Pocket Killer Kit

2. SouthOrd 37 Piece Slimline / Southord MAX YIELD Pick Set M4000 / Southord MPXS-62 69 Piece / Southord C6010 75 Piece / Southord PXS-14 14 Piece.

3. Majestic 13 Piece set / Majestic 32 Piece Lock Pick Set.

4. Peterson Lock Pick Sets (I am literally clueless as to which one will suit me best with UK locks)

5. Storm Lock Picks (All look very nice, any info on these will be appreciated) DELTA 24.

I realize some of the sets have doubles, but just want an all round set that can be used to crack pretty much any lock. As long as im not deprived of any picks, i will be willing to buy the biggest or most compact set available. The ability to not snap will also be a priority, i dont want a flimsy set. Also, if anyone could give me a list of single picks i could buy to make a nice complete set, that would be great too.

Any info, tips or help you can give is most appreciated.
Thank you good day and much love.

[Achyfellow]

5. Avoid them, in my opinion. They're getting a reputation as breaking easily. And the necks on them are too wide. They look all nice and shiny and cool, but I don't like them as tools. Again, no handles unless you spend extra. I've had a few and they ended up in the junk drawer. They have some wild pointless designs IMO.

I've been using a set of those this last month. They are not very sturdy and they can certainly not be used as crowbars (And yes, having to buy a separate handle for like $15 sucks very, very, very much), but if you take it easy and don't apply too much force they are actually nice to use and feel great.

I bought them because even being pricey as they are they were actually cheaper than buying picks to a US online shop when including shipping (which is about $40 for anything from a single pick to a ~$100 set), and I'm not regretting it so far. Sure there are better picks, but these are not horrible.

About OP, if he is starting I'd recommend the crappy $4 set from dealextreme. You can open anything you can open with any other pick (The set is basically a half diamond and truckloads of hooks, which is about the only thing you will probably be using for pin tumbler locks), and if you get bored you will not waste too much money (Plus, even if they are ugly and rust easily you can use them for many other things). Give those a go for couple of months, and if you think it's worth it then choose a brand (Peterson/southord/southern/etc) and buy the two or three picks you use the most.

[taylorgdl]

The best set I've come across is:

1) A crapload of tension wrenches;
2) 3 hooks;
3) a half diamont or a specialized dimple pick


With these you can open pretty much any pin tumbler there is

I was about to write a similar reply, I use the John Falle set, but only a couple of the hooks, and a half diamond, that is majestic I think

[jimmytt]

1. Stop using the term "crack" any lock. Its just as bad as saying "break into" any lock.

If you're using a pick set, then you're picking the lock, not cracking it.

2. Why the need for a pick set that will let you open "pretty much anything" This does not sound like you are a hobbyist just looking to learn a fun hobby. I hope you are not going equipped.

3. Doesnt matter how big of a pick set or how many different picks you buy, it isnt the picks that open a lock, it is the skill of the picker. Some pickers only need a hook pick and a wrench, others prefer to have a set of each profile shape in order to have better luck in case they arent that great at using a hook pick to lift the pins one by one.

A fancy pickset will be no substitute for hours and hours of practice on different brands and models of locks.

That is all,
Squelchtone

Sorry squelchtone, a just a tad new to this, and no defiantly not going equipped. just recently taken up the hobbie. Im also quite aware of the skill it takes to pick a lock, i was in no way infering an expensive set automatically makes me a good picker.

3. so youd recommend the Peterson picks?

[jimmytt]

The best set I've come across is:

1) A crapload of tension wrenches;
2) 3 hooks;
3) a half diamont or a specialized dimple pick


With these you can open pretty much any pin tumbler there is

Any ideas where i can get a specialized dimple pick? ...or should i make one myself.

Also any ideas where to get a decent set of tension wrenches...or again best to make myself?

[jimmytt]

Hi jimmy,

Welcome to the forum.

There's a huge wealth of info out there using the forum search function. Being a Brit myself, I can remember this UK specific question coming up more than a few times.

Anyhow, I'd add/emphasize the following:

All pick sets will have picks you will never use. The bigger the set, the more you won't need. From that point of view, I'd say you're taking a good approach for asking for a list of single picks. Get hooks, a half diamond, an over-reach, and a couple of rakes to play with. Buy some Peterson pry-bars and make other tension tools yourself (again, use the search function). Buy a quality case with plenty of room. You will fill it eventually if you become a tool-whore like most of us. I love Petersons tri-folds.

The only tool that will "crack pretty much anything" is dedicated practice. With that cultivated, you'll feel comfortable with many tools that fall into your hands (or be sure they're rubbish).

Now my opinion on your specifics:

1. Undoubtedly, great picks but never used / needed them

2. Don't bother with a Southord set beyond 22 pieces. Really needless duplication. Slimlines are great, but they make the hands tire easily since there's no handle on them. Well, they did in my case anyhow. Saying that, they're excellent profiles for UK European keyways. I do love the MAX picks (great handles), but if you want them, go for the .023 versions. Really, really nice. I have their MAX hooks and I use them often.

3. Same as 1

4. I love these. They're my primary tools. Go for the European profiles, the DCAPs and the Slenders. All excellent picks for the locks you'll meet. They're not cheap, but they're worth it.

5. Avoid them, in my opinion. They're getting a reputation as breaking easily. And the necks on them are too wide. They look all nice and shiny and cool, but I don't like them as tools. Again, no handles unless you spend extra. I've had a few and they ended up in the junk drawer. They have some wild pointless designs IMO.

Hey guys, I'm just looking for a lock pick set for UK locks, that will crack pretty much anything. There are so many sets to choose from, but have narrowed it down to a few, i am looking to purchase fairly soon, and would appreciate any tips or bits of advice anyone can give me on these sets, or any recommendations that would suit my needs.

1. HPC Superior Pick Set / HPC Pocket Killer Kit

2. SouthOrd 37 Piece Slimline / Southord MAX YIELD Pick Set M4000 / Southord MPXS-62 69 Piece / Southord C6010 75 Piece / Southord PXS-14 14 Piece.

3. Majestic 13 Piece set / Majestic 32 Piece Lock Pick Set.

4. Peterson Lock Pick Sets (I am literally clueless as to which one will suit me best with UK locks)

5. Storm Lock Picks (All look very nice, any info on these will be appreciated) DELTA 24.

I realize some of the sets have doubles, but just want an all round set that can be used to crack pretty much any lock. As long as im not deprived of any picks, i will be willing to buy the biggest or most compact set available. The ability to not snap will also be a priority, i dont want a flimsy set. Also, if anyone could give me a list of single picks i could buy to make a nice complete set, that would be great too.

Any info, tips or help you can give is most appreciated.
Thank you good day and much love.

My man, Mr Nobody, thanks for the great reply.

So yeah, i guess this narrows it down to a....

1. HPC set are looking quite the contender, and i think i may go with these.

2. Southord, just out of curiosity, the best set to buy? ...Any slimline set's worth buying?

3. Peterson, Im strongly considering buying a few individual peterson picks.....any suggestions for the most needed picks? or any set that pretty much covers all UK locks would be great.....

Thanks so much guys

[MBI]

So yeah, i guess this narrows it down to a....

1. HPC set are looking quite the contender, and i think i may go with these.

2. Southord, just out of curiosity, the best set to buy? ...Any slimline set's worth buying?

3. Peterson, Im strongly considering buying a few individual peterson picks.....any suggestions for the most needed picks? or any set that pretty much covers all UK locks would be great.....

Thanks so much guys

I'm a pick wh0re and I like to collect just about one of every different pick I can get my hands on, for comparison, historical and reference purposes. However from a strictly practical point of view, for picks that are going to be USED, I'm more of a minimalist. I know I'm basically restating what others have said, but here's my take on what to buy when you're getting started:

I don't really like buying pick sets because you usually end up with a lot of stuff you'll never use. In my mind the only reason to get one is because you need a carry case and can't find one sold separately, because you find a FANTASTIC deal on one, or you just want to experiment and discover for yourself what kind of picker you're going to be; whether you want to learn to be an expert at raking, or whether you want a more methodical and consistent approach of single pin picking.

If it were me, I'd just buy a small selection of hooks, maybe a half diamond or two, and some Peterson pry bar tension tools. Maybe a set of Flat-Five tension tools too, but you won't use those nearly as much. If you want to try raking, buy a set of Bogota picks. I also like to keep around some flat stainless steel wire, like you can find in car windshield wipers, so I can make custom tension wrenches for locks with odd keyways and I need to make a custom wrench for it. Slimline picks are my favorite, but they are horrible to learn on since new pickers tend to bend them easily. Even an experienced picker will sometimes need a regular hook around instead of a slimline, for times when a lock needs HEAVY tension, or it's very dirty, and you have to use a lot more pressure with the pick.

Additionally, no matter what brand of picks you buy or whether you make your own, get an assortment of wet/dry sandpaper starting from 200 or 400 grit and moving up to at least 1000 grit. You want to polish the burrs and rough edges on your picks so they glide through a lock better and don't hang up on warding and give false feedback.

Lastly, take some time to READ the forum. Extensively. No matter how many or how good your picks are, you won't do well unless you gain some knowledge and experience in practicing. All the answers you've been seeking are already all over this forum. There is a wealth of information here from which you can benefit. Please also bear in mind, if you do need to ask a question and can't find the answer on the forum, there's no need to ask the same question multiple times in different sub forums.

[fgarci03]

Any ideas where i can get a specialized dimple pick? ...or should i make one myself.

Also any ideas where to get a decent set of tension wrenches...or again best to make myself?

Well, hand-made tools are considered better because they are made for your specific needs. But, at least to start off, I would get one already made. After using it you start to get a sense of what you need and are able to build something perfect for your needs.
I would advice Southord dimple picks: http://www.southord.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=15-Piece-Dimple-Pick-Set&Store_Code=SouthOrd&search=dimple&offset=0&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high= or, cheaper, KLOM dimples which you can find on DX.com I think.

Femurat made an awesome dimple pick, I don't he know if he still makes them but you could ask away

About the wrenches... Pry-bars are a must have. I actually taught myself to use 2 wrenches on the vast majority of sitautions. A pry-bar and this bad boy:


It's 2 inches long and I use it on Top Of Keyway tension, just like a pry-bar, but much thiner for restricted keyways like we find in Europe.

I still have an assortment of wrenches for my needs but I dont' use them very often (although they come handy sometimes!):




For pick sets... You need to know that there are several types of locks. On the UK, I believe pin tumblers and lever locks are the most usual. For pin tumblers, pretty much everything has been said. There are some nice kits available (I personally use Southord, although I know they aren't THE best ones), but don't go for anything too big. Get a 15 piece set. It has several types of picks and you will soon learn what you use or need more often and suddently you are building your own toolbox by handpicking every tool.

For lever locks, which I think that are very usual in the UK, you'll need lever picks. I don't know much about them but you can check out this link: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=10743

[jimmytt]

Any ideas where i can get a specialized dimple pick? ...or should i make one myself.

Also any ideas where to get a decent set of tension wrenches...or again best to make myself?

Well, hand-made tools are considered better because they are made for your specific needs. But, at least to start off, I would get one already made. After using it you start to get a sense of what you need and are able to build something perfect for your needs.
I would advice Southord dimple picks: http://www.southord.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=15-Piece-Dimple-Pick-Set&Store_Code=SouthOrd&search=dimple&offset=0&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high= or, cheaper, KLOM dimples which you can find on DX.com I think.

Femurat made an awesome dimple pick, I don't he know if he still makes them but you could ask away

About the wrenches... Pry-bars are a must have. I actually taught myself to use 2 wrenches on the vast majority of sitautions. A pry-bar and this bad boy:


It's 2 inches long and I use it on Top Of Keyway tension, just like a pry-bar, but much thiner for restricted keyways like we find in Europe.

I still have an assortment of wrenches for my needs but I dont' use them very often (although they come handy sometimes!):




For pick sets... You need to know that there are several types of locks. On the UK, I believe pin tumblers and lever locks are the most usual. For pin tumblers, pretty much everything has been said. There are some nice kits available (I personally use Southord, although I know they aren't THE best ones), but don't go for anything too big. Get a 15 piece set. It has several types of picks and you will soon learn what you use or need more often and suddently you are building your own toolbox by handpicking every tool.

For lever locks, which I think that are very usual in the UK, you'll need lever picks. I don't know much about them but you can check out this link: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=10743

Thanks for the reply, yeah i think im gonna go for a Peterson pry bar.

That wrench looks soooo sweet....did you make that yourself? I NEED ONE

I also have a few of goso wrenches you have laying around. Is that 4way thing for cars?

And yeah thanks for the heads up on Southord, think im gonna get myself a few individual Petersons and get lost in a few years of locks.

[fgarci03]

That wrench looks soooo sweet....did you make that yourself? I NEED ONE

I PM'd you but it's better to post it also if someone wants to start making something too..

I made this wrench myself. I used a thin wiper blade insert (there are several width sizes I think, with the same thickness). Just made a small (like 2 or 3mm) bend on one side, a bend in the middle, and a larger (like 5 or 6mm) on the other side for recessed keyways.

After that, rounded just a little bit the edges with a file and smothed everything with sandpaper. It's my go-to wrench for small keyways, and my second choice on all the others when the pry-bars don't fit. Also very simple to build wich is cool for starting out, untill you can make your own personalized stuff!

I also have a few of goso wrenches you have laying around. Is that 4way thing for cars?

Yeah, I bought it as a piece of kit of car lockpicks. Ended up only keeping 2 of them and the wrench. It doesn't fit many locks (besides cars), but when the keyway is big enough (usually on wafer locks) it does wonders. But, as stated, I use them very few times.

[cdf]

Picks are subject to loss and attrition . It is probably a good idea to have duplicates of favourite/critical picks . Yo need loads of tension wrenches , plus a few 6" pieces of windshield wiper insert .

Chris