Slimline vs Standard & SouthOrd Outlet Qstn

[Pyle]

Well I had an earlier post (Basic Pick Set?, and I figurd I would get the C1510. However before I make the purchase I was wondering what the real advantages/disadvantages of standard vs slimline. What I have read is slimline is for smaller keyways but can be harder to work with for beginners. I just figured why buy standard if I eventually would have to buy slimline picks.

Also, does anyone who owns the PXS-17 find the interchangeable polished brass handle adequate in regards to going with an MXPS set instead?

And finally, has anyone had any experience in ordering products from SouthOrds Outlet? All the items claim to have either some scratches or blemishes, but are structually sound. Although it would be pleasing to have clean, flawless looking tools, the cosmetics aren't necessary.[/url]

[kodierer]

Ok. Slim line tools are almost exclusively only needed in europe. It would be a good idea to have a slim half diamond, and tension wrench for the occasional luggage lock, and etc.. in the US. So don't worry about slim line unless your european.
I have bought both from the regular southord site, and their outlet. I didn't notice any cosmetic, or other flaws on their outlet tools. my best guess is that it is just a sales scheme. I would even recommend buying from the outlet.
I would recommend buying the smallest set for the best price value if you can(except the jacknives). The large sets are no more useful than the small ones, they just offer a larger selection of rakes to use depending on preference, and the real big sets just have duplicates of the more commonly used picks.
I suggest getting a small carrying case, and a feeler, a twist tension wrench, a small half diamond, and maybe a rake of one kind or another.
Also get the reinforced handles

[Grudge]

I am a big slimline fan. The reason is that although I am in the US, the higher security locks usually have restricted keyways and the slimlines really come into their own. I really find them fine for your average big-dumb Kwikset. Also I don't find them too wimpy (you shouldn't be bending steel when you pick anyway). I also won't recommend the PXS-17, I often switch picks (maybe rake first, then pin pick) and I don't want to me messing with swapping the handle. Just my 2 cents.

[Grudge]

Err, can't type. I meant slimlines work fine for both Kwiksets (big keyway and big pins) and higher security locks. Sorry for the continued post.

[cracksman]

I have to agree with grudge, a Schlage keyway is very common in the U.S., your standard set of Southords won't fit them, at least not the ones I'm working on. You can pick any lock with the slimline that you can pick with the regulars, but not vice-versa, I know I posted this before
If you want some nice tough picks for Master padlocks and other no-names, I would suggest looking at Petersons (I find the blue handle the best), you can buy them individually at about $2.30 a piece, I personally love their "reach" pick, one of the most versatile I've found beside Falles.

It will come down to personal preference in the end, your Southords will do the job quite nicely, and they will make nice templates if you want to make your own, I would avoid buying the large sets, I have roughly 200+ picks and use 3-5 on 95% of the locks I'm working on. Well I'm rambling, good luck, the best thing to do is just get a set and start picking

[Pyle]

Well I ended up purchasing the MPXS-14 from SouthOrd Outlet. It seemed to have a little bit of everything without going overboard. Plus you can't beat the price of $24.95 plus S&H. I wanted to get slimlines but I guess I can wait; once I get some personal favs for tools I'll order a few of the slimline types.

BTW, I went to a hardware store and a locksmith place to look for practice locks (for free) but it was a no go. However, someone who was waiting at the counter said he has a bunch of locks at home I could have. He didn't say what kind but I figure some of them are what I want. I'll just have to do some more reading to figure out what kinds to start working with.

[Vincent-XXI]

Type of lock your looking for are 5 pin cylinders, They are better than padlocks as you can easily strip them down and rebuild/repin them so you can start with 1 pin and add mosr as you progress. I take it that OH= Ohio so The infamous Kwikset is a safe bet to start with not sure about other brands that may be good to start with though a reasonable guide is the pricing of the cylinders.
C**p cylinders around here sell for 2.50 GBP while the better ones I've seen for sale for 9.50. Just a rough guide nothing more, to illustrate that Today I saw a bird replacement cylinder priced at 15.99 in a hardware store.

(I wish That S****Y camera I got in dixons today actually worked, I wanted to show off the 14 cylinders of various makes I got for just 7 pounds )

[jamesphilhulk2]

i know i think it would be a good idea ifa pick set was made that one side of each pick would be slimline and the other would be standard so in that way you only have to buy one type set.

Any feedback would be lovely

[SFGOON]

That would be harder and more expensive to manufacture and the factory would pass the spendings on to us! There's no need to switch between standard and slimline picks for a single lock, so that wouldn't really apply.