Spend Money!

Lock Stuff and where to buy them!

Practice Locks to BUY

Looking for locks to practice on?

These are some great ways to build skill without accidentally locking ourselves out, or worse.  We never practice on a lock that is "In-Use" like my desk drawer, because over time our picking efforts can damage the lock, thereby making the correct key not work any longer.  

Training Locks

Special Training Locks are available in many configurations such as See-Through, Cut-A-Way, Easily Re-Pinnable, Many-In-One, as progressive sets, etc.  See-Through and Cut-A-Way locks can be useful as a first step, though we usually outgrow them quickly unless they are also Easily Re-Pinable.  Re-Pinable locks and progressive sets allow the owner to raise the difficulty as their skills improve, and the Many-In-One locks might keep us from getting bored too easily as skills mature. My only real advice is that if something is made of acrylic...don't drop it!!!

All of these companies make great training gear, so personal preference is the name of the game...

https://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/pages/practice-locks

https://covertinstruments.com/collections/training-gear

https://www.southord.com/collections/lock-picking-instructional-practice-equipment


Practice Locks

Practice Locks are regular locks that are NOT "In-Use", and every possible skill level is available.




Best Beginner Lock Pick Sets

Trying to decide which lock pick set to buy? 

Below is only a short selection of commonly recommended beginner lock pick sets.  ALL sets highlighted are high quality tools that could be expanded upon later to create the lock pick set of your dreams as skill, budget, or enthusiasm grow. 


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Covert Instruments FNG (Freakin New Guy)


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Sparrows Tuxedo Kit



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Southord C801 Pick Set



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Multipick Elite 9 Pick Set


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Dangerfield Serenity Beginners Lock Pick Set + Leather Wallet



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 Genesis Lock Pick Set



Pocket pick sets

Carrying around a bag full of lock picking supplies isn't always prudent for every adventure, so a less bulky option might be desired.  Pocket and micro type pick sets are almost always a less desirable compromise when compared to using a full size lock pick and full size tension wrench.

I have searched out and tried as many different types of pocket pick sets as I could find and have developed a few opinions about the tools available…



Credit Card Sets

There is a TON of variation here with all but the worst, being adequately functional in a pinch.



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Jackknives

These dense little tools use the "Pocket Knife" form factor, typically somewhere around 3" x 3/4" x 1/2” (76mm x 19mm x 13mm).

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Minimalist/Ultralight

The smallest, lightest, and most concealable lock picking tools, for those times when other people… don’t need to know.

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The above picture is NOT MY CREATION, but presents a fantastic example of what is possible with a little time!