Warded locks and picks

[betterthangod]

I was looking on Devonlocks.com and I saw a set for around £10. I wasn't too sure what warded locks were but after looking them up I wondered how common are these locks? What do they look like? Do you think I should get a set, bare in mind I'm just a hobby lockie.

[vector40]

Warded padlocks are one of the most common varieties of very cheap security -- like, really bottom-of-the-barrel. Appropriately, they're usually a snap to open with warded picks.

"Real" warded locks, the old style, with complex wards, are another story. You can sort of consider lever locks to be high-security warded locks, in a way.

I wouldn't bother getting the warded padlock picks if you're just a hobbyist picker. There's no real picking involved. You just insert 'em and twist.

[SFGOON]

What IS fun, however, is using warded locks as an intro to impressioning. If you insert a piece of thin plastic with some play-doh smeared on it, you'll get an impression of the wards. It should be easy to replicate a key at that point. Give it a try, It's a satisfying 20 minutes.

[betterthangod]

Is there anything else I should get when I order slim line picks from devon locks? Do you think a 9 peice (two tention, 7 pick) slim line set is good to get or should I concider a larger set?

[betterthangod]

Sorry I forgot about the what to buy thread. It says to get the 15 set but thats almost double the price of the 9 set and only have 4 more picks. £2 for each item more than the 9 set gives although two of them are tention wrenchs so if we're only counting picks that £3 each.

Would the 15 be recommended because their more expencive in a hope that the sponsers get more money and in return the sponsers may give lp101 some cash?

Lastly is there anything else that could be useful? for example I saw 'padlock shim set' I don't know what they are along with afew other items that look useful.

[digital_blue]

Odds are if you don't know what it does, you don't need it just yet. As for the pickset, I would always advise that you buy the largest set that you can comfortably afford. Variety is the spice of life.

db

[vector40]

I'd stick with the picks, betterthan.

Buy what you can afford. Don't buy more than that.