Set Composition

[Bearpaw51]

I've read so many posts and pages from seasoned lock pickers about what to buy and where to buy it. But what I really wanna know is what do you prefer? What does your go to set contain?

[Squelchtone]

As a seasoned picker, I prefer my Peterson set that cost $150 dollars, contains all the common pick shapes for different situations and has a nice leather case, but I would never recommend that to a beginner who is just starting out, becuase without skill or experience a beginner would bend and break that nice Peterson set. All of those threads that offer advice to beginners are very valid and the basic Southord pick sets we typically mention is what we seasoned pickers suggest beginners buy and learn with as thats what a lot of us started on.

Are you just starting out or already know the basics and looking to upgrade to a nicer set?

Squelchtone

[s0u1h4ck3r]

I bought the southord c2010 "slimline" for european locks and i find most of the picks useless as they are way to big for the locks I have. Padlocks that is.
I would recommend the sparrows tuxedo kit, it is a great starter sett.

Edit : As for what I am carrying in my go to sett look here

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=63399

[billdeserthills]

My standard pin tumbler/ cam lock set contains a hook, a diamond, my pick gun and a few assorted tensioners

[Ace_entry]

I've got a large selection of sparrows and Peterson picks. I mostly use the sparrows short hook and a peterson slender gem.
Various TOK & BOK tension wrenches.

[Big Jesse]

My go to set is Peterson, same as Squelchtone uses. I also collect lock picks in general so I do enjoy trying out new picks but for me, nothing will ever beat a Peterson set.

I use a hook, and only a hook for picking. But I like to try out all the different types of hooks across the board from time to time, but nowadays, i just use a 'short hook' and try different steel or thickness. Right now i have been favoring the Nickle Plated hook pick by Peterson, as well as the Gov Steel Hook Pick by Peterson.

For raking, ill have 2-4 different "W" or "L" rakes I'll play with, but they are Peterson as well. But I dont practicing raking every, I just do it for fun when im burned out on SPP.

[tpark]

I think that sets are made with the idea that they can provide you with tools that can be useful, but there's a strong possibility that you're going to have stuff that you won't use. It is instructive to have the tools though, because how are you going to know if you like or can use a particular pick if you don't have it?
Here's an image of the picks that were out on my desk, so they were used in the last couple of days.


Here is what is in some kits. The top two are Peterson, bottom is Southord. Unless you really want the rubber handled Government Steel picks, the plastic ones work great and are a better value for hobbyists.

[Silverado]

Everyone has finally convinced me.
I decided to order some Peterson picks for research purposes. Not because I'm addicted to this hobby or anything like that...no sir...

Gem - Gov Steel - Plastic handle - .025"
Gem - Euro - Plastic handle - .018"
Bogie 2 - Gov Steel - Plastic handle - .025"
Hooked Diamond - Euro - Plastic handle - 018"

I trust those who have said the price is worth it, so I don't anticipate any disappointment.