which picks do I need?

[south town ninja]

I'm a beginner lock-picker, and I am trying to assemble a good set. I have tried to get a few individual picks here and there, tried making my own and am not so much frustrated as wondering whether or not I have the right picks for my purpose. I have read the different literature from the big names in lock picking discussing the varieties of tools available, but I could sure use some good solid advice, with some concrete suggestions, not just general advise. Thank you

[GWiens2001]

There are no concrete suggestions. Picks are very much a thing in which some users prefer one, some prefer others.

The best advice is to get a short hook, a medium hook, a diamond rake, and a bunch of tension wrenches. No need for a huge assortment. Trust me, have a lot of picks, but only use a few for 90% of my picking. the other 10% of my picking is for specialized locks, such as the Vachette AXI home, disc detainer locks, lever locks, and so on.

It will help others to help if you fill out your location data, as some locks are very common in some areas, but almost unheard of in other areas.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

wondering whether or not I have the right picks for my purpose.

We don't know your purpose.. padlocks? deadbolts? USA? Europe? Japan? are you picking for fun? as a locksmith? hanging upside down from grappling hook rope?

Standard picks will fit in most USA keyways, slim line picks will fit better in gnarly European keyways. Let us know where you are from, fill in your profile, and we can offer much more specific advice. As GWiens2001 already said, picking is a very personal experience and everyone chooses the tools that suit them best. One person might swear by their HPC short hook pick to open Schlage deadbolts, while another person might swear their Southord S rake pick opens Schlage locks just as well.

[parkourer]

Like all the others say, choose the tools that you think best suit you. You said you have a few picks here and there. What are they? Why can't you use them?

First, you need a Tension wrench. My opinion is that one tension wrench works for everything.
The basic necessary pick is the hook. It can open all locks (depending on your skill). If you want to rake a lock, you need a rake pick (s-rake or c rake). I started out with the rake, and was able to rake a Master Deadbolt, but soon found out that i needed a hook.
3rd is the half diamond (which i am waiting on). It is said to be a really versatile pick. That is my 2 cents

[Divinorum]

Like all the others say, choose the tools that you think best suit you. You said you have a few picks here and there. What are they? Why can't you use them?

First, you need a Tension wrench. My opinion is that one tension wrench works for everything.
The basic necessary pick is the hook. It can open all locks (depending on your skill). If you want to rake a lock, you need a rake pick (s-rake or c rake). I started out with the rake, and was able to rake a Master Deadbolt, but soon found out that i needed a hook.
3rd is the half diamond (which i am waiting on). It is said to be a really versatile pick. That is my 2 cents

Just adding my 2 cents to this. One tension wrench will only go so far. For now one tension wrench might make do but, once you get into different locks with restrictive key ways etc your going to need multiple tension wrenches. Different sizes for top and bottom of the key way. Not all locks are alike hence one tension wrench wont always work.

[parkourer]

Just adding my 2 cents to this. One tension wrench will only go so far. For now one tension wrench might make do but, once you get into different locks with restrictive key ways etc your going to need multiple tension wrenches. Different sizes for top and bottom of the key way. Not all locks are alike hence one tension wrench wont always work.

Ahh. I have a question. Can you top of the keyway tension a Master Laminated Padlock (like a No. 3) with a smaller tension wrench?

[GWiens2001]

Yes, I do it all the time. Just make sure the tension wrench is not touching the first key pin.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

You can actually easily make your own tension wrench (s) and save your money for the picking tools. An old locksmith showed me how to take a piece of a wire clothes hanger & make a 1/2" long bend at the end. Now use a hammer and an anvil, or even the back of a vise, and gently pound the end of the wire until it flattens out. I like to finish mine with a file or grinding wheel but they do make nice tension wrenches. The question above about master padlock use shows that you will need a few different sizes as well, to cover the different sized cylinders you may be called upon to unlock.

Remember when picking a padlock that it becomes much easier if you can hold the shackle closed to reduce the spring pressure upon it while picking. Can be very difficult tho, you'll likely need three hands (or more) so get good with those fingers. Some of the tougher pin tumbler locks to pick are the Master padlocks

[GWiens2001]

You can actually easily make your own tension wrench (s) and save your money for the picking tools. An old locksmith showed me how to take a piece of a wire clothes hanger & make a 1/2" long bend at the end. Now use a hammer and an anvil, or even the back of a vise, and gently pound the end of the wire until it flattens out. I like to finish mine with a file or grinding wheel but they do make nice tension wrenches. The question above about master padlock use shows that you will need a few different sizes as well, to cover the different sized cylinders you may be called upon to unlock.

Good tip for the tension wrenches. If you are bending it when you pick, you are probably using too much tension, so a coat hanger would probably work.

Some of the tougher pin tumbler locks to pick are the Master padlocks

Will make note of that for future reference.

Gordon

[Paleo123]

One of the best tips I've picked up so far is using tok tension on loose locks. Has worked well for me.

[GWiens2001]

Once you get used to keeping the tension wrench in the keyway, TOK is the way to go. It does take practice to keep from dropping the tension wrench. Or knocking it out if you rake rather than SPP.

Gordon

[Bob Jim Bob]

I have found that having a variety of tension wrenches is better than having a variety of picks.

[GWiens2001]

+ 500 to that. Have twice as many tension wrenches as picks in my main kit.

Gordon