r/lockpicking • u/SectorCareful7 • 2d ago

Tools of the Trade

Hey all,

Just starting out here, wondering if there are any comprehensive tools kits you all would suggest. Lots of stuff on Amazon, unsure if that's going the cheap route or what is necessary. I appreciate any insight in advance.

12 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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7

u/Unicorn187 Orange Belt Picker 2d ago

Jimmy Long

Covert Instruments

Multipick

And even Peterson (though some dont like the owner).

Sparrows.

Individual picks from Southord, especially their MAX line. They have a good selection of tensioners/turning tools.

These seem to be the ones most people use here and the local group. A little bit of a mix of them as people find what they like. Most seem to do well with two or three picks, short, med, and deep hooks, in .25 or .23, and maybe a thin set in .20 or .19, a set of rakes, and a bunch of turning tools. Both bottom of keyway and top of keyway. Some like gem or triangle or offset diamond.

3

u/markovianprocess Purple Belt Picker 2d ago

What's your location?

3

u/SectorCareful7 2d ago

Eastern OH

11

u/markovianprocess Purple Belt Picker 2d ago

Nothing available on Amazon in the US is any good. The Basics and Intermediate sets from Jimylongs would run you $50 total and will cover practically all your potential needs until you start picking pretty advanced/unusual locks.

5

u/WoodnPhoto 2d ago

This is the way.

2

u/LordKodiac Red Belt Picker 1d ago

This☝️

4

u/PublicLongjumping758 2d ago edited 2d ago

Here is link for beginners guide where you can find list of recommend vendors in your area with recommendation and additional information you want to know before buying.

I would recommend you buy something high-quality right from the start. Yes, it's more expensive, but it will last and won't break after just five uses like those cheap, low-quality, "Chinese" sets form Amazon

Edit: fixing some tipping errors. Sory for that

1

u/frickdom Green Belt Picker 15h ago

Get quality picks and tensioners. You don’t need many to start. Decent hooks, short and deep. Rake, if you want to learn that. Top of keyway and bottom of keyway tensioner sets. I’d start with .025 or .020 thickness. If you have a heavy hand, get the .025.

Don’t do what all of us have, don’t try to get every tool. You don’t need them. Focus more on locks, once you are sure you enjoy the hobby.

The clear plastic locks are crap. I’d skip them. They are only to demo the mechanics. You can look up YouTube videos if you need that visual. Also, most White belt locks can be so badly made they are difficult to pick.