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Help me

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.

Help me

Postby kraftdinner12345 » 25 Jan 2005 17:11

I dont know what to get, It's giving me a headache. on this page http://www.lockpickshop.com/page/LPS/CTGY/LS I want something that is high quality, and that can open padlocks, dead bolts and dore nobs. And that is under 34.95$ can you help me out and tell me why you would chooes this one thx.
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Postby silent » 25 Jan 2005 17:34

looking at your price range get the one thats 34.95, but I wouldnt buy it. Invest in higher quality picks.

You could buy:

http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... ProdID=200

http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... ProdID=356
(you would "want" and need to make or buy tension wrenches with both of these so you have a wide variety)
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Postby hzatorsk » 25 Jan 2005 18:41

I am going out on a limb here and will disagree with silent. Something I seldom do.

For a basic set (beginner)... I can open darn near anything with three basic picks. Very seldom do I stray from the trusted picks for something unusual.

I'd skip the jackknife sets. Some people like them... I don't like the bulkyness and added weight. I want my tools light and airy and I find jackknifes cause me to fight with the weight of the tool.

If you can't open it with the MPXS-08... consider your technique at fault.

After your skill develops... you eventually want the variety (especially the tension wrenches) and you'll have a good idea of exactly what you need.

...I'd side with silent on his opinions for the long haul.

hzatorsk
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Postby zeke79 » 25 Jan 2005 19:05

I agree with silent totally with the peterson brand. I however prefer the plastic handles as to me they offer better feedback. I would go ahead and pick up a couple standard southord tension wrenches from their site also. The petersons to me are hands down a better feeling pick than the southords although my sets required some sanding to get a smooth finish on the edges.
For the best book out there on high security locks and their operation, take a look at amazon.com for High-Security Mechanical Locks An Encyclopedic Reference. Written by our very own site member Greyman! A true 5 Star read!!
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Postby Wesson357 » 25 Jan 2005 20:17

zeke79 wrote:I agree with silent totally with the peterson brand. I however prefer the plastic handles as to me they offer better feedback. I would go ahead and pick up a couple standard southord tension wrenches from their site also. The petersons to me are hands down a better feeling pick than the southords although my sets required some sanding to get a smooth finish on the edges.
And I have to agree with you. The petersons are just more comfortable to use, especially for long practicing sessions, but still offer good feedback.
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Postby kraftdinner12345 » 25 Jan 2005 20:57

Im thinking http://www.lockpickshop.com/page/LPS/CTGY/OS the first one but i dont know how long they will last me, or if they will break easaly, they have something for grip and confey ness. what do you think?
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Postby stick » 25 Jan 2005 21:16

Wow, it's been over month since you first said you were going to make, then buy lock picks. Hurry up already. :roll:

As for the set you're eyeing, I wouldn't suggest it if comfort is a factor. The picks don't have handles, they're just the same piece of metal as the pick head. The set comes with one brass sheath, which is that wooden looking thing in the picture. You can place a pick in there, and it acts as a handle, although it doesn't seem like it'd be a good one.

The MPXS-14 is a good set. The picks will last for quite a while as long as you don't abuse them. It's the same price as the PXS-17, and you get fewer picks/wrenches, but in my opinion, the MPXS-14 is far better. Wrenches are easily made at home, and the picks in the MPXS-14 are more than enough for almost every lock you'll run into.
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Postby zeke79 » 25 Jan 2005 21:23

I have heard many say that they quickly get rid of the brass handle. I like my picks to be lighter also so that would get thrown awaypretty quick if it were mine. If you insist on southord then get the metal handles on whatever set you get. they are much more comfortable than their cheaper non metal handled picks.
For the best book out there on high security locks and their operation, take a look at amazon.com for High-Security Mechanical Locks An Encyclopedic Reference. Written by our very own site member Greyman! A true 5 Star read!!
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Postby Eschatos » 25 Jan 2005 22:09

The MPSX-14 is the tool set that got me started, and only recently did I decide to buy a larger set. It's good to get a feel of different types of tension tools (I especially like the twist-flex tension tools included in this package, but if you want a stiffer feel and more rigid control over the tension, standard tension wrenches are included as well)

One thing I noticed about the SouthOrd picks, however, is that they can easily be bent if you're using them as a beginner. Many times, I have been rough with a dirty lock to push up stubborn pins and ended up bending my picks by about 10 degrees, or slightly less. Be gentle if you decide on the SouthOrd MPSX-14, or any similar models for that matter.

Good luck in your practices!
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Postby digital_blue » 26 Jan 2005 0:20

Well, if we've all got 2 cents, here's mine. The first actual picks I ever used (not counting safety pins, etc) were the Southord PXS-17. Since then, the only other picks I've used are homemade. I really like the SO set. I still go back to them time and time again. I'll use my homemade ones for a while cause, well, if I didn't I'd feel silly for spending the time making them (and I really enjoy making them), but invariably, I will return to the SO picks.

As for the brass handle, there are many times that I don't use it, but I really like having it when I'm involved in a marathon practice session. It definately reduces stress on the hands (mostly, I think, because of its larger size). I find the feedback with the brass handle almost the same as w/o the handle.

Hope this helps some.
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Postby kraftdinner12345 » 27 Jan 2005 1:01

I dont get it, why is one the same price and comes with more. Is it because one is less quality or the handel thing?
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Postby stick » 27 Jan 2005 1:08

It's because the picks in the PXS-17 are made out of plastic, so you get more for less money.
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Postby plot » 27 Jan 2005 4:43

for southord picks (what they sell at lockpickshop), there are two different kinds.. "PSX" and "MPSX". the difference is MPSX have reinforced handles, and are MUCH MUCH MUCH more comfortable... always go with them. they cost a little bit more, but are definatly worth it... and you don't need that stupid brass handle to use them.
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Postby kraftdinner12345 » 28 Jan 2005 17:27

so i wont get the PXS-17 because thire made out of plastic and they can break easaly i will get the other set the come with less picks but ther stronger and more comfort
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Postby stick » 28 Jan 2005 18:27

HAH.

Okay, sorry, found that slightly amusing at first. I was being sarcastic about the plastic part. All their picks are all steel, and I'm pretty sure it's stainless steel. It's just that the MPXS sets have handles, which triple the thickness of the handles, making them more comfortable, and in my opinion, a bit more balanced and easier to use.
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