Getting started is closer to a tenth of that— the starter kit linked is $10 pre shipping from a brand that is generally considered overpriced in locksport. Buying locks is the expensive part but you probably have a couple of padlocks to start with. And for those £20, you can get the knowledge and basic skills to open the vast majority of locks.
I’d personally recommend JimyLong’s starter kit if you can catch it in stock but hook and turner will work. Then don’t buy anything else until you know exactly what lock you want a thinner hook or different pick for; that set would open about any lock you can find in store. Spending £200+ to start out is more lockpick consumerism than an actual on ramp since you’d likely be bogged down by too many tools.
Thank you, that’s very helpful advice. I’m based in the UK so will need to find a different supplier, but it’s good to know I can start out with a couple of tools instead of a giant roll of things.
I wish there was a place for people to send random locks they break off or find to newbies like me. Buying a lock just to pick it feels insane, but I also want to feel that delicious click out of 1
Get a practice lock that you can re-pin. They’re cool so you can see what it’s like to have spools or serrated pins. I messed with one for a while and then was like “I wonder how much harder it would be to pick my front door lock instead of this cheap practice lock?” Turns out, the front door lock is ridiculously easy compared to a practice lock.
Turns out, the front door lock is ridiculously easy compared to a practice lock.
Yeeeaaaah… I’ve spent like literally 3 minutes learning to pick, and that’s all you need to just scrape SO MANY front door locks. So many locks are just so bad
I’ve tried this one but really prefer Sparrows more. After a day or two with picking with that clear lock, it becomes pretty loose. Also, doesn’t feel like a lock at all. Sparrows cutaway locks still allow you to see the pins but it also feels like a real metal lock.
Get into locksport!
https://covertinstruments.com/products/the-fng
Check your state/local laws before buying anything, not legal to own lockpicks everywhere.
I’m curious where you are not allowed to own bent metal scrape whatever the intent. Iran or NK?
Worse… Ohio /s
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/lock-pick-laws-by-state
Haha haha your country never ceases to amaze me. AR-15? Sure. Concealed gun. No worries. Squibbly piece of metal with a handle. HOLD IT RIGHT THERE
RIGHT!? I’d love to learn lockpicking but just being found to have them is liable to get me arrested in Ohio
We got constitutional carry in Ohio. Just practice shooting the locks off.
I really want to, and every time I look into it I feel like I’m in for a £200+ initial investment that I’m not really up to at the moment.
Getting started is closer to a tenth of that— the starter kit linked is $10 pre shipping from a brand that is generally considered overpriced in locksport. Buying locks is the expensive part but you probably have a couple of padlocks to start with. And for those £20, you can get the knowledge and basic skills to open the vast majority of locks.
I’d personally recommend JimyLong’s starter kit if you can catch it in stock but hook and turner will work. Then don’t buy anything else until you know exactly what lock you want a thinner hook or different pick for; that set would open about any lock you can find in store. Spending £200+ to start out is more lockpick consumerism than an actual on ramp since you’d likely be bogged down by too many tools.
Thank you, that’s very helpful advice. I’m based in the UK so will need to find a different supplier, but it’s good to know I can start out with a couple of tools instead of a giant roll of things.
Good luck! You’ll pop open your first lock in no time
I wish there was a place for people to send random locks they break off or find to newbies like me. Buying a lock just to pick it feels insane, but I also want to feel that delicious click out of 1
Get a practice lock that you can re-pin. They’re cool so you can see what it’s like to have spools or serrated pins. I messed with one for a while and then was like “I wonder how much harder it would be to pick my front door lock instead of this cheap practice lock?” Turns out, the front door lock is ridiculously easy compared to a practice lock.
Yeeeaaaah… I’ve spent like literally 3 minutes learning to pick, and that’s all you need to just scrape SO MANY front door locks. So many locks are just so bad
You can check local locksmiths. Some might be willing to sell cheap junk locks that are still good for picking. Or buy a core that can be repinned.
I was outside a tiny locksmith store the other day and considered it! Social anxiety won the battle that day though. I’ll try!
Maybe look for a habitat for humanity ReStore?
We don’t have those here, but charity shops are a good idea thanks
Go to those love-bridges where tourists buy and attach padlocks on it…
Sadly they cleared the only one near me, before I knew about it or I’d have dumpster dived it
It’s called “love picking” btw
Try picking your front door… could be very instructive ;-)
PM me if you’re in the US I’ll send some
Thank you for the kind offer, but I am a limey 🇬🇧
Ah darn. Well I’m sure you find some locally. Good luck!
I’ve tried this one but really prefer Sparrows more. After a day or two with picking with that clear lock, it becomes pretty loose. Also, doesn’t feel like a lock at all. Sparrows cutaway locks still allow you to see the pins but it also feels like a real metal lock.