What is a good brand pick to buy?

[Timmy321]

What is a good pick brand? That is a trusted brand?

thanks!

[zeke79]

I just tried the southord slim line picks and will recommend them alond with the brockhage navigator sets. Southord is very dependable to order from. I had my picks 3 days after I ordered.

[Timmy321]

link please

[zeke79]

http://www.southord.com/lockpicks.htm

[CitySpider]

I'm not sure what you mean by a "trusted brand," but I haven't found a bad commercial lockpick manufacturer yet. Southord is acceptable, cheap, and easily atainable. I'd start with them.

[Timmy321]

what do you think I ment by trusted brand? that's obvisouly spoken for by itself! Trusted as in you have bought from yourself...and know there being a realiable service.

{edited by Varjeal: personal attacks not tolerated here.}

[Timmy321]

ok here is the one I'm looking at:

"Fourteen Piece Lock Pick Set
The PXS-14 was the first set manufactured by SouthOrd, and remains one of the most popular. It represents quality and value, and contains everything you need to compromise most pin tumbler locks. Opens deadbolts, doorknob locks, most auto locks, and padlocks. Includes nine picks, a broken key extractor, four tension tools, six slip on vinyl sleeves, and a top grain leather case."

it's 25$ Now then I was wondering if someone that bought this model do you have any idea of about how long each tool is (length wise in inchs) Would this be a good starter set? Also do they sell any that would fit in your bill-fold, because when I get locked out of the house I would always have that with me. Really don't wanna have to lug around another case...

thanks if you can help with my endeavor on a new hobbie

[marso]

Man you have posted some weird things. Did you ever make your own picks after your posts? City spider posts a fair bit on this site and I think his advice is valid and no need for a flame.

This post has been posted a heap and you can find it in the FAQ at:
viewtopic.php?t=899

I think you should look at more what material the pick is made from, can i purchase this pick, what shape of pick do i need, does it feel right. I am sure there is a post of what picks people recommend.

Typically when i look around i have seen mention of the following brands (as i am a newbie if someone has anything to add please post):

HPC
South Ords
Rytan
falle safe
peterson
A1
Majestic
LAB

Size, well you might want to look at some of the more posted links such as listed below and it shows picks as being just under or around 5 inchs. However this may vary, i do not see the Southords pick being much bigger or smaller.
http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/picks/

The KGB pickset (3-1/2" x 2-1/4")
http://www.hpcworld.com/lockhpc/p_kgb1.htm
Or their wallet version (3" x 4-1/4")
http://www.hpcworld.com/lockhpc/p_tfw5.htm

I personally own full sized HPC picks (as that is what i could get my hands on). They are great and I am looking at buying a european sized set shortly.

[CitySpider]

Actually, yes, I am as ugly as I am dumb. Very classy, insulting folks who answer your questions. Oh, and a favor: if you insult me again, please clean up your typing. It took me about fifteen minutes (I must be dumb) to figure out what you were trying to say. For future reference, it's:

1. CitySpider (one word)
2. "you're not" -- not "your not,"
3. meant, not ment
4. Obviously, not obvisouly (oh, and obviously it wasn't)
5. Bought from yourself? I assume "bought for yourself," since we're talking about brands? Or did you mean retailers and distributors?
6. There being a realiable service? How about "that they have reliable service?" Note the spelling of reliable.

On to your next post:

"it's 25$ Now then I was wondering if someone that bought this model do you have any idea of about how long each tool is (length wise in inchs) Would this be a good starter set? Also do they sell any that would fit in your bill-fold, because when I get locked out of the house I would always have that with me. Really don't wanna have to lug around another case..."

I just happen to have some in front of me, but I don't have a ruler handy. I'd put them between five and six inches.

I think it's far too much for a starter set. A lot of those picks, you would never, ever use, and you already said you don't want the case. Go to Southord.com and get a small hook, a small half diamond, and a basic rake (sp-9, sp-10, and whatever the half diamond is), and then get a tw-18. That'll be enough.

Picks like this probably aren't small enough to fit in your billfold, so what you want to do is get an extra of each, and then cut the handles in half. Or (I haven't done this, but I think it's a good idea) get some of the replacement picks for the jackknife set, and use those. Not sure what you'll do about a tension wrench, you can either improvise one (lots of things lying around in just about any location that make decent tension wrenches), find a pocket in your wallet and keep a regular wrench in that, or get a piece of sweet streeper bristle and just don't bend it so it'll lay flat.

Lots of different options.

Hope this helped. Have a nice day, and a happy new year.

[Red]

Hi Timmy,
We carry SouthOrd tools as well as the entire Pro-Lok line of locksmith gear. In over 3 years we've never had a problem with a SouthOrd set of picks. If you are just starting out as a hobbyist or a student there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
The SouthOrd brand pick is rivetless and rust-proof. The picks are laser-cut in one piece from very high quality spring steel. The SP series of picks are all Standard Picks. Essentially, they are thinner and more streamlined than the MP series of picks- Metal Handled Picks. The MP series are weightier and a bit thicker. Oftentimes I will advise a new student to buy the MP series of picks as they are a bit tougher.
A lot of guys try to use the picks without any knowledge, apply too much pressure and try to "force" the picks. This results in broken picks and the heads of the picks getting stuck in the keyway.
If you don't want to start with an entire set you can purchase a few picks individually. They are better off kept in a case for safety and not loose in your back pocket.
Shop around and get advice from the forum members but I would always recommend SouthOrd over a lot of the other brands for the reasons listed above.
Also, there is a free guide that you can take a look at for some basic training here:
http://www.lockpickshop.com/Lockpicking ... cking1.htm

All the best to you and Happy New Year!

[Timmy321]

FIVE PIECE LOCK PICK SET
This little instruction book/lock pick set combination was designed for police officers and is capable of opening virtually all pin tumbler locks. All four basic pick designs are included – hook, ball, diamond, and rake, plus a tension tool, neatly housed in a top quality snapover leather case.

Part Number - PXS-05L
Price - $14.95

comes with a book would that be handy?


Also the jackknife itself would be about 3 1/2" long. And my wallet is about 4 1/2" long so it should fit fine, I think it's just handier than a extra case...also there is a replacement part for a tension wrench what about that would you recommend just getting the replacement parts?

[marso]

Red,

Thanks for the info, a bit of info I have not read before. And I have basically been reading non stop for a week.

Thanks again.

-marso

[Red]

Marso, go out and get some air! You've done enough reading for both of us
I don't have the time I'd like to spend on this site and will make a valid attempt to visit more...much more fun than working!

Timmy,
The PXS-05L is a good beginners kit but it contains the SP series of picks so be gentle with them. The guide contains some valuable beginners training info and you will find it useful.

If you are just starting out I would not recommed the jackknife set. You need to have nimble fingers to work with it- it's small and compact and that is (generally) a plus. If you are just learning, it can impede your progress. You'll find that your fingers are always getting in the way in the beginning.
Separate replacement pieces are available for both the stainless jackknife as well as the featherweight (plastic set). I would only recommend the jackknife as a backup set.
Hope this helps!

[CitySpider]

The book isn't anything you couldn't learn for free, so ignore that. I've never found a reason to use a ball pick, so ignore that. So really, as far as useful equipment, the five piece lock pick set is the three picks I recommend for beginners, a decent wrench, and a case.

I buy individually, because I don't care about the case. (The dude above me is right, I wouldn't stick my picks in my back pocket, but I'd put them in a desk drawer or an eyeglass case or a paintbrush roll or...). If you do want the case, yeah, go ahead and buy the five piece.

I learned on the jackknife set. It's not the best of its kind out there, but it almost is. Also, as far as Southords, I've ONLY owned the handle-less ones, and I've never come close to bending or breaking them. That should give you a good indication of how gently you should be treating your tools. Little force, lots of skill.

The jackknife set is too thick to carry in a wallet, I'd say. I've always wanted to order just the rake and the hook and the half diamond from them, the replacement picks for the jackknife set, and pop 'em on a small splitring. If I was still looking for a good pocket set, that's what I'd do. Maybe the key extractor too, if you think you'll have a use for that.

I might do it anyway, now that I've gotten to thinking about it. It sounds like it'd work pretty good. Not sure how easy it'd be to hold the tools, but hey, this is your emergency/every day set, right? Not the good picks you keep in your dresser at home.

[Timmy321]

So you guys don't think it's wise to carry them in you pocket? (in your wallet?)