Tools for the job (UK locks)

by **kriptiq** » 12 Sep 2004 11:36

Hey there. I've been reading many MANY articles for the last few months now, and after passing some exams finally I thought I should give this new interest of mine a go. This is my first post on this site, and its good to see such a group of skillful people helping the new to develop their skills.

Security has always been an interest of mine, where Internet and computer security has been the dominant interest in my life, but now am very very intruiged by physical security too, of all kinds.

Ideally I want to be able to pick using the most basic of tools, though I will experiment with pick guns and electric picks too just for the fun of it.

I understand that the majority of locks are pin tumbler locks (5 pin cylindrical pin), and so my primary goal is to learn how to pick these. I have also read many articles saying that UK locks are very much different o US locks, and hence many pieces of hardware might not be applicable on UK locks.

Where do you guys recommend I recommend I get my hardware from (that delivers to London, UK), for a good affordable price (I dont really want to spend anything over 45 UK pounds at the moment to get started). Though I want it to be a relatively versatile set for the common locks atleast.

I appreciate the advice you give, and hope to be around for a long time. Usually when I start an interest I dont stop until I am a master

Take it ez people. Good to be a part of the community

Wonder how many other UK'ers/London'ers are around here!

Safe

by **toomush2drink** » 12 Sep 2004 11:46

Welcome to the forum

Most pick sets will be ok for uk locks and you can always "adjust" them with a dremmel if you have problems with a tight keyway. Try devon locks as a reliable uk source or lockpicks.com in the us, the sites sponser who will also give a discount if you mention the site. Check out the faq on here for a full list of recommended suppliers.

by **kriptiq** » 12 Sep 2004 12:33

Thanks for your reply. Nice to see another Londoner around

I am very bad with making tools, and hence the reason I am wanting to buy one first just to get the grips with things. Once I am more confident in my ability to pick locks then I will consider making / modifying my own.

Are there any particular lock pick sets you recommend for UK locks? (that are able to pick 5 pin cylinder pin tumbler locks). I am aware that there are many sites to order from, though what kit to buy with what picks is the main question, not the source of where to get it.

I would appreciate any information you have on what lock pick sets to get for a beginner in order to pick 5 pin cylinder pin tumbler locks for a decent price, without having to modify the kit too much for it to work.

Thanks

by **toomush2drink** » 12 Sep 2004 12:42

Well if you checked out the tip on devonlocks you would see that they have a section on lockpicks for the uk market. Any of those picksets will do what you ask but it depends on how much you want to spend etc. Some of the bigger sets do have doubles of some of the picks so may be a false economy for a beginner but the sets with up to 22 pieces are more than enough.
Make your own selection of tension wrenches from wiper blade inserts (free from a halfords bin !) and away you go.
By the way Quin the owner of devonlocks is a contributer here as is red from lockpicks.com.

Modifying a pick is not hard at all just run a small grind wheel along its edge to make it slimmer if required of file it by hand but the euro picks will be more than adequate as they come.

by **kriptiq** » 12 Sep 2004 12:58

Hey...after looking on the site I'm probably on prepared to spend up to 20 UK pounds on the set

So I am pretty much happy with NINE PIECE SLIM LINE LOCK PICK SET which costs 17 uk pounds (http://www.devonlocks.com/LOCK-PICKING/ ... S-C801.HTM)

Do you think this is okay for my purposes and will be able to pick most locks? I know it says it can do pin tumbler, but I would rather get the approval of an expert before I get it. Does it have all the neccessary types of picks and tension wrenches?

Thanks in advance.

by **toomush2drink** » 12 Sep 2004 14:20

That set will be more than enough to get you started. Make your own tension wrenches with the wiper blade inserts and a pair of pliers. How do i make them ? you ask, well look at the ones in the pick set and copy them but maybe twist a little this way or that way till it suit your style or the locks keyway that you are picking. This will make more sense when you start to practice your picking so store the information away till then. :lol:

You will most likely end up using only 1 or 2 of the picks most of the time but will find the others useful in certain situations or for just a change. Keep reading through the forum and your be picking locks in no time. A good starting point is to get a wren bird cylinder as they are very easy and then try union,era and then maybe a yale with its anti pick pins. If you can source some older or used locks as they have a bit of give due to wear and tear. (try skips etc with old doors or maybe try a locksmiths)
If you get stuck on the locks pm me and i will see what i can do as your not so far away

by **kriptiq** » 12 Sep 2004 17:31

yea, i would even be willing to pay you like 50 quid for a crash course if im totally stuck

but i think i should be okay. I cannot explain my determination in order to get good at this. It is a cool skill to have

i appreciate your help you seem like you know what you are talking about.

I'm gonna keep up this hobby for many many years to come, and dont want to stop at just pin tumblers. I eventually want to be able to pick safes, combination safes etc etc. Then maybe I will try moving onto alarm system exploitation. It all pretty much intruiges me. One step at a time though eh

Peace. Ill let you know how i get along.

Safe (as Londoners would say haha)

by **toomush2drink** » 13 Sep 2004 5:38

If you really want to learn take a look in the buy sell section at what is being offered for bids by pinky, he trained me so get bidding on the course.

by **Zammo** » 27 Jun 2005 2:35

I have bought some lockpicks from devon locks but stupidly didn't get the slimline ones. As I am based in the UK am I wasting my time trying to pick locks with them?

by **oaksy** » 27 Jun 2005 5:08

Yes get the slim line picks.....

Like everyone as said try devonlocks
http://www.devonlocks.com/

Or try these
http://www.locksmith-tools.co.uk/

Regards
Oaksy :wink:

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by **Shrub** » 27 Jun 2005 5:15

Zammo, post us a link for your set or a pic and we can better advise.

by **Zammo** » 27 Jun 2005 5:35

I bought the standard ones from devon locks (top ones):

http://www.devonlocks.com/cgi-bin/cart/section/1/

The ones at the top, so far I have only used them on a few padlocks (one of which I couldn't open, tri-circle make) and a back door style lock , but the picks were too big to have two in at the same time.

However I've now have managed to get a pin tumbler off ebay for Â£3.50 so will soon be practicing on this, but I think these picks will be to big.

by **toomush2drink** » 27 Jun 2005 9:06

Zammo get a dremmel and thin the picks down and you should be ok

by **Zammo** » 27 Jun 2005 10:11

Ok i'll give it a go (when I can get my hands on a dremmel).

I have another question. Where can I purchase a plug follower? I have used the search facility but couldn't find an answer. I'd prefer to pay a few quid for one rather than having to goto the hassle of trying to make it.

Thanks.

by **toomush2drink** » 27 Jun 2005 10:35

I'd prefer to pay a few quid for one rather than having to goto the hassle of trying to make it.

Take a piece of dowel and file a slot in the end and thats your plug follower. about 12mm dowel should do it and its that easy.

Tools for the job (UK locks)

Tools for the job (UK locks)

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