Just starting out, what to get?

[Fortune]

I'm just starting out hobby lockpicking, and I'm wondering what would I need to get started? I have limited money, so the cheapest tools would be best, and homemade tools would be better. Any suggestions?

[JohnnyWalker]

I'm just starting out hobby lockpicking, and I'm wondering what would I need to get started? I have limited money, so the cheapest tools would be best, and homemade tools would be better. Any suggestions?

Hello and welcome to the group, fortune. I think a basic set from any of the manufacturers will do just fine. Most will likely include a short hook, possibly a medium hook, a half diamond, maybe a rake or two, and at least one tensor (possibly two). Many of these you can find for around $20 +/- a few bucks (not including shipping fees). SouthOrd is a brand many here like, but there are others to choose from.

If you want to go the "homebrew" route then I would suggest finding a template for lock picks. Many folks like to make them from hacksaw blades and others purchase strips of spring steel online or at a local shop in town if they can find one selling it. You'll also need a Dremel (or any other tool like a Dremel) with a cutting wheel to cut the metal around the shapes from the templates. Then finish them off with a grinding wheel or a file to remove burs or sharp edges, and then polish them if you want to with fine grit sand paper or polishing compound.

Here's a link to another thread from this forum with templates:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=17326&start=135
The links from the first post no longer work, but the links in the second post by maxmixer still work and they're to scale (I held some of my pics up to the pics and they covered them perfectly).

You might also want to look at this thread "What to buy. Pick sets for beginners" for additional advice:.
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=39809

Good luck and have fun!

[KPick]

Go to ali express and get yourself a KLOM lock pick set. It has green rubber handles. Thats a good starter set right there since it comes with all kinds of tools : heres the link for it. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Instant-Shipping-Lock-Picking-Tool-Genuine-KLOM-32-Piece-Lock-Pick-Set/1077271730.html?s=p

Its a great set, and I speak from experience on this topic.

Also, you should get yourself the cheapest lock possible. but please get one thats made of all metal. dont get any plastic locks as they break way to easy. Master locks or "Security" locks work fine. There are a ton of other generic Chinese locks you can utilize.

Thats the cheapest you can go to be honest on a dependable level .

[smokingman]

On that klom set, does the metal go all the way
down the plastic handles or just to the second hole in the plastic handle?

[KPick]

On that klom set, does the metal go all the way
down the plastic handles or just to the second hole in the plastic handle?

No they dont go all the way Smoking man, but they do work great as a practice set. and they are stiff enough to last.

[Joe Gerardi]

Just a note about AliExpress: it's a bunch of different retailers all vying to sell you merchandise. You need to search on what you're looking for to get the best deal. For instance: I found the exact same set, but for a few bucks less:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Ins ... 11798.html

So take the time to look for what you want: it might save you a few buck to get something else!

..Joe

[StevenJ54]

Aliexpress is a great and cheap place to get the right tools, too bad the delivery time is 2-3 weeks most of the time.

I make all the tools myself if it is possible, there are a lot of decent youtube movies to find out how!