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What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Having read the FAQ's you are still unfulfilled and seek more enlightenment, so post your general lock picking questions here.
Forum rules
Do not post safe related questions in this sub forum! Post them in This Old Safe

The sub forum you are currently in is for asking Beginner Hobby Lock Picking questions only.

Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby daphreak492 » 26 Mar 2015 8:06

OK thanks. Any hook I should get instead?
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby BlackLotusLuna » 30 Mar 2015 23:13

Hello
I am new to this hobby and have been reading this form for information and found out a lot of information.
I am looking to buy a set to start out and see how I fair at this new endeavor. would like to get one today but not going to rush into getting just any set. Hoping to place an order tomorrow (would love to place one tonight)
I live in California, I have been looking at http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html
and at this one http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-05L.html or thinking about just get both? are any of these ones I should start out with or is there a different one I should get? what about the grips; should it be with or with out?

And after buying the kit what should I practice on to start out? Padlock?
Last question is there anything I should know or advice you would give to someone who is just starting out?

Thank you in advance for your help,
Luna :D
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby Jburgett2nd » 3 Apr 2015 17:06

BlackLotusLuna wrote:Hello
I am new to this hobby and have been reading this form for information and found out a lot of information.
I am looking to buy a set to start out and see how I fair at this new endeavor. would like to get one today but not going to rush into getting just any set. Hoping to place an order tomorrow (would love to place one tonight)
I live in California, I have been looking at http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html
and at this one http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-05L.html or thinking about just get both? are any of these ones I should start out with or is there a different one I should get? what about the grips; should it be with or with out?

And after buying the kit what should I practice on to start out? Padlock?
Last question is there anything I should know or advice you would give to someone who is just starting out?

Thank you in advance for your help,
Luna :D


I use southord picks without grips they are okay quality imo, just bought some petersons to try out. From what I've read on here alot of people make their picks, I don't have the time or will to do that though. I would start off on an easy masterlock they are okay to get the hang of spp (singe pin picking) even easier to rake. My advice would be practice practice practice.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby BlackLotusLuna » 6 Apr 2015 13:34

Jburgett2nd wrote:
BlackLotusLuna wrote:Hello
I am new to this hobby and have been reading this form for information and found out a lot of information.
I am looking to buy a set to start out and see how I fair at this new endeavor. would like to get one today but not going to rush into getting just any set. Hoping to place an order tomorrow (would love to place one tonight)
I live in California, I have been looking at http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html
and at this one http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-05L.html or thinking about just get both? are any of these ones I should start out with or is there a different one I should get? what about the grips; should it be with or with out?

And after buying the kit what should I practice on to start out? Padlock?
Last question is there anything I should know or advice you would give to someone who is just starting out?

Thank you in advance for your help,
Luna :D


I use southord picks without grips they are okay quality imo, just bought some petersons to try out. From what I've read on here alot of people make their picks, I don't have the time or will to do that though. I would start off on an easy masterlock they are okay to get the hang of spp (singe pin picking) even easier to rake. My advice would be practice practice practice.


thank you so much for helping out I do appreciate it!!! and I agree with you I don't have the time or the will either to make my own. I will look in to other picks to buy and maybe just get a few or each brand and see what I like.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby ajmedora4116 » 9 Apr 2015 20:34

Hello everyone. My name is Anthony. I've been using/reading LP101 for like a year or so now. I've never been one to post a lot on forums, but i decided I should share some things I've learned so far.

Cheap lock picks aren't always bad lock picks. My first set cost me 15 bucks online. And the same set sells for up to 50 dollars on other sites. So be sure to shop around.

Another set that I've got (my most recent purchase) was these "wave picks" made by a company by the name of Honest. They work REALLY well in 5 pin deadbolt type cylinders. Especially if you're into raking. I'm working on my SSP skills but I'm fairly proficient at raking.

Big box stores and home improvement stores have been a pretty good source for locks so far.

This post is getting off track, sorry. I just wanted to say hello and if anyone has any advice for an up and coming picker, it would of course be appreciated.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby Big Jesse » 10 Apr 2015 2:23

ajmedora4116 wrote:Another set that I've got (my most recent purchase) was these "wave picks" made by a company by the name of Honest.


can you provide a link to this set? i cannot find it when i google it and ive never heard of it.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby nick08037 » 10 Apr 2015 9:48

wrench214 wrote:
ajmedora4116 wrote:Another set that I've got (my most recent purchase) was these "wave picks" made by a company by the name of Honest.


can you provide a link to this set? i cannot find it when i google it and ive never heard of it.



Is this the item?

http://www.banggood.com/17Pcs-Wave-Brus ... 47852.html

be forewarned when shopping these types of sellers/sites the delivered items sometimes do not exactly match the posted images
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby Big Jesse » 10 Apr 2015 12:01



Thank you!!! i have never seen this site! im all about cheap chinese tools and lishi knockoffs! seriously! i can buy a snap gun for $9 on there lol!!! this is my new favorite site.
i just bought the 'honest' pick set, and a comb pick set. the comb pick set was $5. thats rediculously cheap!!!
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby ajmedora4116 » 12 Apr 2015 12:12

nick08037 wrote:
wrench214 wrote:
ajmedora4116 wrote:Another set that I've got (my most recent purchase) was these "wave picks" made by a company by the name of Honest.


can you provide a link to this set? i cannot find it when i google it and ive never heard of it.



Is this the item?

http://www.banggood.com/17Pcs-Wave-Brus ... 47852.html

be forewarned when shopping these types of sellers/sites the delivered items sometimes do not exactly match the posted images


Yes that's them. You are correct, some of these suppliers use pictures that don't exactly match the product they are selling. Like in my set, out of the 10 picks, I was missing a number 2, and instead I got an extra number 9. So there are no guarantees. But none the less I have found these wave picks to be very effective on regular 5 pin cylinders.

Btw, does anyone know if Raimundo is still making/selling his authentic bogotas?? I've sent him 2 pm's but haven't got a reply.

Can anyone suggest a close substitute to the authentic ones? I know you can get "bogotas" all over the web, but i was really looking for a pair hand make by the man himself. But if that's not possible, who knows of a high quality subsitute??

Thanks for the help.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby soverign » 21 May 2015 20:32

Ok so I have a few questions. This is going to sound stupid to some so bear with me.

I have read some of the posts on here. Some people say but 1 pick. Some say to buy a 30 piece set. They sell that 60 piece set for like 100$ Cost isn't a huge deal to me. So what is the functional purpose of buying less kinds of picks. If I only need 5 different kinds then why make so many?

I see the term "raking" so what does that mean?

Finally I want to learn to pick many kinds of locks. What's a good way to practice?

Is there a way to make the deadbolt on my appt take a different key?
The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby Bluenkight » 21 May 2015 22:09

nick08037 wrote:
wrench214 wrote:
ajmedora4116 wrote:Another set that I've got (my most recent purchase) was these "wave picks" made by a company by the name of Honest.


can you provide a link to this set? i cannot find it when i google it and ive never heard of it.



Is this the item?

http://www.banggood.com/17Pcs-Wave-Brus ... 47852.html

be forewarned when shopping these types of sellers/sites the delivered items sometimes do not exactly match the posted images

I pick this set up from them..its actually a good set and they work well
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby GWiens2001 » 22 May 2015 5:45

soverign wrote:Ok so I have a few questions. This is going to sound stupid to some so bear with me.

I have read some of the posts on here. Some people say but 1 pick. Some say to buy a 30 piece set. They sell that 60 piece set for like 100$ Cost isn't a huge deal to me. So what is the functional purpose of buying less kinds of picks. If I only need 5 different kinds then why make so many?

I see the term "raking" so what does that mean?

Finally I want to learn to pick many kinds of locks. What's a good way to practice?

Is there a way to make the deadbolt on my appt take a different key?


The reason for getting just a few picks is because you will find yourself using mostly three or four picks for 90% of the locks you work with. Have many picks. Many many picks. But for most of my picking, have a favorite hook and half diamond (both made by me) that I reach for, after my Bogotas.

Raking is moving the pick rapidly back and forth in the lock while adjusting the tension in an attempt to open the lock. When it works, it can work very rapidly.

There are quite a few posts here on good ways to practice picking. Use the 'search' button.

And for your last question, there is a way to make the deadbolt take a different key. That is called 'rekeying' a lock. The problem is that you mention your home being an apartment. Most apartments have a clause in the rental contract forbidding the tenant from changing the locks. That includes rekeying. Your best bet is to contact the office for your apartment and request the lock be rekeyed.

Good luck!

Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby soverign » 25 May 2015 23:56

Thanks for the tips. It took me a while to get back here as I didn't expect a fast reply. I am going to order some picks on Friday. Is there a specific set I should look at?or should I just pick up the basic 4. Money isn't an issue to me but I also don't want a pick I'll never use. I would like to set up my lock so the maintence mans key doesn't work on my door as I don't feel he needs to be in here when I'm not around. If the management doesn't like it that's too bad for them.
The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby GWiens2001 » 26 May 2015 13:22

soverign wrote:Thanks for the tips. It took me a while to get back here as I didn't expect a fast reply. I am going to order some picks on Friday. Is there a specific set I should look at?or should I just pick up the basic 4. Money isn't an issue to me but I also don't want a pick I'll never use. I would like to set up my lock so the maintence mans key doesn't work on my door as I don't feel he needs to be in here when I'm not around. If the management doesn't like it that's too bad for them.


You are likely setting up yourself for a court battle. I would check your rental contract closely. Not an expert on laws in your area, but if there is a clause in your contract that says you can not change the locks, they have numerous options, none of which bode well for you.

Perhaps a chat with management about your concerns may yield a resolution that you find acceptable. There is also likely a clause that is in your favor regarding advance notification of intent to enter your residence except in case of emergency.

There are options that get what you like without changing your locks.

Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
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Re: What To Buy. Picks Sets For Beginners.

Postby jimu57 » 2 Jul 2015 18:24

My first set was Southord. Cost $22 I think. I have bought from Peterson and Sparrows for picks that I found to be the ones I use mostly. I dont buy the goverment steel anymore from Peterson. Sure its a good metal. But I stick with the electroless nickel plated steel. They are much cheaper. I would rather break a cheap pick than a high dollar one. I buy hooks half a dozen at a time. I make my own tension wrenches from the stainless steel strips from used windshield wiper blades. If anyone wants to try making their own, Texas Jim on youtube has a nice video making picks from cheap letter openers. They already have the handle. Just grind it you what you want. Check out his video.
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