BEST Starter Lock Pick Sets

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 12. 05. 2024
  • These are my choices for the BEST starter lock pick sets. Do you agree? Did I miss your favourite? Let me know in the comments 😃
    Law Lock Tools Valyrian set:
    www.lawlocktools.co.uk/index....
    Sparrows Lock Picks Tuxedo set:
    www.sparrowslockpicks.com/pro...
    Southord c1500 Set:
    www.withoutakey.co.uk/southor...
    Multipick Elite 11 set:
    shop.multipick.com/en/lock-pi...
    Dangerfield Serenity set:
    www.ukbumpkeys.com/products/d...
    Remember: only pick locks that are yours and that are not in use! Keep locksport legal!
    Contact me at: Locknoobcontact@gmail.com
    T-shirts and merch:
    shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/LockNoob

Komentáƙe • 520

  • @LockNoob
    @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +101

    These are my choices for the BEST starter lock pick sets. Do you agree? Did I miss your favourite? Let me know in the comments 😃 Links to all the kits are in the description, but shop around and look for a bargain 👍

    • @AliAli-li4ys
      @AliAli-li4ys Pƙed 4 lety +14

      Lock Noob Thanks for this video. I have been looking for this kind of video for quite sometime now.
      Great Job đŸ‘đŸ»

    • @violentclimax5722
      @violentclimax5722 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      excellent selection of kits i was debating the tuxedo but spent an extra few pounds and got the dual gauge praxis set 5ÂŁ over your criteria but well worth it after some finishing.......... also i thought madbob was not selling commercially any more??? i been trying to get my hands on some of his work to accompany my TOK set i was lucky enough to get

    • @lowellforbes3208
      @lowellforbes3208 Pƙed 4 lety

      ViolentClimax I love my praxis set. Well worth going over that limit

    • @TotenAuge
      @TotenAuge Pƙed 4 lety +29

      As an experienced picker, I would highly recommend at $32 the _Sparrows_ _Tuxedo,_ as it has the best range of tools one actually uses in the field. Most of the other kits have a lot of 'filler' picks that most will never use. Plus, for just under $12 more, a _Worm_ _Rake,_ _Steep_ _Hook_ and _Euro_ _Hook_ (great feedback) can be added. This gives the beginner a complete set of usable tools. With its quality case, the _Tuxedo_ makes a great EDC kit.
      With that being said, if one should wish to invest $65 in a first kit (with handles), the _Sparrows_ _Wizwazzle_ is as complete a kit as can be found...no 'filler', just usable tools. With 11 picks, 18 wrenches and a _Sherman_ _Case,_ this is perhaps the best 'bang for the buck' kit out there, and it is _Sparrows_ quality...developed by pick designer _Wizwazzle._
      Just some friendly advice from a longtime lock enthusiast.
      Cheers and God bless... :)

    • @youtubegaveawaymychannelname
      @youtubegaveawaymychannelname Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Have to add one. This is one of my favorite starter kits. lockpicktools.com/12-piece-2500-series-lock-pick-set/

  • @turfjakkels
    @turfjakkels Pƙed 4 lety +110

    Personally, I consider a variety of tensioning tools more important than picking tools. My first was the Sparrows Creeper set, loved it!

  • @RuneInternational
    @RuneInternational Pƙed 4 lety +125

    Good thing most of those cases have a little spare room, to add a special extra pick of choice.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +13

      Absolutely :-)

    • @pdxlockpicker7796
      @pdxlockpicker7796 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      I'm still looking for the perfect case. Multipick has a really cool trifold leather case I think. But it only has 1 pouch for stuff larger than a pick. I want a case for picks and tools too. I've seen people use colored pencil cases, wrench pouches Like plug followers, clip removers, tweezers, etc..I'm almost tempted to have a seamstress sew me one out of leather.

    • @TotenAuge
      @TotenAuge Pƙed 4 lety +2

      @@pdxlockpicker7796
      _Sherman_ _Case_ from _Sparrows._

    • @pdxlockpicker7796
      @pdxlockpicker7796 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      @@TotenAuge eh, I have the night school kit. It's aight but not exactly what I'm looking for.

    • @TotenAuge
      @TotenAuge Pƙed 4 lety

      @@pdxlockpicker7796
      The _Night_ _School_ case is modified to accommodate locks and is not a _Sherman_ _Case,_ which has 18 pockets. I have many tools in mine.

  • @pdxlockpicker7796
    @pdxlockpicker7796 Pƙed 4 lety +121

    I agree.
    A lot of newbies gravitate towards these huge kits. Little do they know, you can get a lot done with just a short and deep hook.
    Edit: I really like the tuxedo kit because it adds a pick in .015" I wish more kits added variety of thicknesses instead of pick profiles.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +12

      Thanks for watching 😃

    • @SaxJockey
      @SaxJockey Pƙed 2 lety +4

      Exactly. I was looking at the cheap and cheerful large kit, but could see that they looked rough. The Southord PXS-14 looked good, but some reviews regarding the robustness of the rakes put me off. The Sparrows Tuxedo looks a good small kit, with the benefit of the 0.015 short hook pick.

    • @cvoidboy
      @cvoidboy Pƙed měsĂ­cem

      @pdxlockpicker7796, recommendations (from which company)? is there a place where I can get 'em without buyin' a whole set? (EU) or should I just go for one of those:
      Sparrows Tuxedo / Multipick ELITE 11?; and try as much as I can? (seems like tuxedo also has tension wrenches, that could be useful?)
      EDIT: should I also get a .015" if I should go for the short and deep hook as a third tool?
      EDIT: also, recommendations for which locks I should get? and what do I note down/look out for when buyin' them?

  • @FFVison
    @FFVison Pƙed 3 lety +9

    My first kit was a Southord 14 piece kit which I think I paid like $40 back in 2007. It served me well and I did not break any of the tools with the exception of the case. The stitching for the case was really cheap and ended up coming undone. I eventually "fixed" it by essentially wrapping the bottom of it in duct tape. I still love the short hook out of that kit.

  • @dazevers
    @dazevers Pƙed 4 lety +16

    Really nice to see them all side by side, definitely a very helpful video for all the fantastic new pickers joining this awesome community & sport. My favourite from this selection is the Valyrian set from Law Lock Tools.
    Great video & Have a great weekend. 😎👍

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +2

      Thanks Daz, you have a great week too mate:-)

  • @chriscapune7873
    @chriscapune7873 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    What a great review!!
    All really nice kits!!!
    Sad about Mad Bobs😱
    Am lucky to have some of there wonderful tools!!
    Thank you for sharing these great kits for beginners with us!!!
    🐈👍🐈👏👏

  • @StuartB_
    @StuartB_ Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Just started into all this and it was the Southord PXS-14 for me. Rubber handles which were essential for the 'frustration power' I sometimes use, only ÂŁ20 and more variety of picks then you'll need for a long time. Haven't bent or snapped a single one of them yet. I'm learning now though just how much (more?) important a great selection of tension tools are so I've ordered a Sparrows Vorax.

  • @thomasboys7216
    @thomasboys7216 Pƙed 4 lety +99

    Having settled on a starter set of picks, maybe a selection of starter locks to work on?

    • @FriedPi-mc5yt
      @FriedPi-mc5yt Pƙed 4 lety +9

      Thomas Boys Underrated comment! I think beginning lock pickers need a good list of practice locks that are affordable and easy to get. Along with where to get pins for repinning and the tools to do it with. Sparrows makes some great practice locks and their reload kit for them is fantastic as well. learnlockpicking.com has some really good practice locks also. But they are a bit on the expensive side, in my opinion.

    • @Cavely
      @Cavely Pƙed 4 lety +13

      If you check out the reddit lockpicking community at reddit.com/r/lockpicking they have a link in their sidebar to their lockpicking belt ranking that has lists of common locks groups like karate belts with easy white belt locks and such. When I started getting serious about getting better I found that the community there and that list of locks really helped me know what locks to buy to match or challange my skill level.

    • @andyalder7910
      @andyalder7910 Pƙed 4 lety

      locksaway on eBay makes good re-pinnable cutaways for about ÂŁ22 if you're in UK.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +30

      I genuinely say people should goo for master lock padlocks first :-)

    • @thomasboys7216
      @thomasboys7216 Pƙed 4 lety +6

      @@LockNoob In my collection so far, I have:
      4 x Master 141s (Can usually pick 3 out of 4 on a good day)
      2 x Yale YE1/40s (haven't successfully picked either yet)
      4 x Yale YE1/20s (Fairly straightforward to pick)
      1 x Unknown - looks like a Master Lock 3, unbranded and a pain in the neck to pick (it either opens with the slightest touch on pin 4, or refuses point blank to open, clicks be damned).
      Aside from the unknown one, I think most of these were a good choice. Those YE1/40s are a definite roadblock for me at the moment.

  • @jb711956
    @jb711956 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    i just recently started picking only a week ago and i am hooked. i wish i had known this review was out there because i certainly would have followed this information. i have already purchased my first pick set, it is an eleven pick set with 2 tension bars and a nice leather case. it is a Badus set and it was 24.00 dollars plus tax. so far in the first 3 days i have worn out the clear practice lock, and broken 2 picks. i broke one, the snake in my master lock, the other one i didn't notice when it broke. you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. i am a machinist, woodworker, maintenance technician, or i was, i just retired so this is right up my alley. after your review i went over to the Sparrow site and checked out the kit you introduced which will be my next set. i will continue to use the Badus set to practice and save my Sparrow set for when i improve my skills and technique. i intend to follow you and learn as much as i can. thank you so much for the video, i am now subscribed to your channel and intend to use your information as often as i can. take care and see you down the line. sincerely, jesse bennett.

  • @Madlintelf
    @Madlintelf Pƙed 2 lety +19

    Great advice, I know a lot more starter kits have come out over the years since this video but I just wanted to share one thing. When I first got into picking I got a Southord PSX 14, it came with a key extractor and my wife said it's a waste of money. Then she broke her key in our front door (Schlage keyway). She called a locksmith and got a quote for 300 USD to show up and replace the lock. When she called to tell me I said wait I'll be right home, had that broken key out in 2 minutes flat (no experience before using the tool). As soon as she saw how easy it was she said wow, I pulled out my phone and showed her the Praxis Dangerfield kit, and said that's what I want in payment, we're still saving 250 USD and I bought it :). I've extracted about 10 keys over the last 1.5 years, they were mainly friends and family but yeah they definitely come in handy.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 2 lety +2

      Cool!

    • @jojoblue2011
      @jojoblue2011 Pƙed 2 lety +2

      Wait you charge your wife?

    • @CodyDadman
      @CodyDadman Pƙed 2 lety

      I just purchased the SouthOrd PSX-17 as my first kit. Still waiting for it to arrive im excited

    • @LockPickingLegend
      @LockPickingLegend Pƙed rokem +1

      The Praxis is a superb set, agreed.

  • @flyingmobias
    @flyingmobias Pƙed 2 lety +35

    Would highly suggest sparrows's (double sided) Flat tension bar set for 12 cad. Amazing value and the 5 are widely usable. TOK tension lets you pick with insane accuracy. Tension tools can be as important as picks!

  • @freakygardener8033
    @freakygardener8033 Pƙed rokem +1

    Excellent video! Now I'm extra curious to see a similar video about entry level tools, by a different person, and maybe even a different country, just to be able to compare points of view. I expect to rewatch this multiple times, and make notes. Thank you VERY much!!!

  • @Yezrin
    @Yezrin Pƙed rokem +1

    I would just like to say that your extremely good at making videos and explaining things. Its super understandable and exceptionally well made.

  • @drevil2783
    @drevil2783 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Lock Noob, i'm a newby but have watched many, many reviews from other lock pickers and yourself.
    You however provide the best "user" information.👍👏👍👏👍👏👍

  • @LockpickingsGal
    @LockpickingsGal Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Awesome review!! Thank you for sharing this with us!! Lots of great information for all pickers!! Happy pickings!!

  • @DestroyedAngel
    @DestroyedAngel Pƙed 3 lety +11

    Thank you so much! Been wanting to get into picking, but it was kind of overwhelming at first. Amazing video!

  • @Chirael
    @Chirael Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Very thorough review, thank you for doing all of this and posting it 😊

  • @vladk9152
    @vladk9152 Pƙed 2 lety

    I got myself an eu version of the tuxedo and cut some of the tension tools to use them as top of the keyway. Works great, i love the set

  • @rileyjones2189
    @rileyjones2189 Pƙed rokem +5

    I actually bought the Sparrows EOD Full to start with. It's got a great variety with addition tools like the jim tool, a shank, wafer picks, the pouch looks way better than the tuxedo set imo

  • @Thedoug369
    @Thedoug369 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    With the Sparrows kit in particular, I like to use a small file and make very small notches on the sides of the short ends of the Z wrenches. They work great for top of keyway. Cheers!

  • @tremorchrist84
    @tremorchrist84 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Thanks for this video. It really helped to finding all the info I was looking for in one place.

  • @HanoverFiste1965
    @HanoverFiste1965 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    I enjoy your videos in general as they are concise with clear video and commentary. This one in particular stood out because you've included a good variety of choices for a beginner with an eye to expanding the kit if the interest in the hobby remains.
    My first pick sets were purchased around the same time and I mainly chose them because they were cheap at under $30 Canadian each and came with some of the clear locks to learn with. So now I'm thinking of moving up in quality and you've provided a good perspective to complement my meager experience.
    *As a note on quality, I've found that "You get what you pay for" is a fairly accurate guide when purchasing anything. So while many commenters have said Sparrows products are a bit too expensive, would you say the quality justifies the higher price for a beginner?
    Good job on the video, thanks for making it. And complements to the thoughtful comments from fellow viewers.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Thanks for the great comment 👍😃

  • @ImGumbyDangit
    @ImGumbyDangit Pƙed 4 lety +4

    I have been considering the Valerian set, I need to look at shipping costs again.

  • @PXCharon
    @PXCharon Pƙed 4 lety +1

    I grabbed a Tuxedo a couple years ago and really love it.
    Throw in a couple TOK tensioners to supplement and there aren't many pin tumbler locks it can't get you in to. A little practice and you can manage some shuttered wafer locks too.

  • @alexonstott4954
    @alexonstott4954 Pƙed 2 lety +21

    As a beginning picker, if I could go back and design a first set, it would have a short hook, a medium or long hook, Bogota, city rake, non-twist BOK tension wrench and a TOK wrench. I think the closest to providing that are Southord, multipick and law lock, depending on if you like the straight BOK or access to a TOK wrench. For me, the twisted wrench isn't THAT big of a deal, and you can easily find a wiper insert to make a flat wrench, so I like the law lock set overall. All of the shapes are useful, and it has multiple BOK and TOK wrenches, so it is the most well rounded. As to the other two, Southord leaves out the key extractor for more useful shapes, and is great value so it gets the nod over multipick, and I would get that set if TOK wrenches were not important. Mad Bob/Dangerfield technically provides all of the things I think a new picker should have, BUT I think the wild shapes are a bit advanced and may be confusing to start with, since they are non-traditional and it is hard enough to learn how to maneuver a pick inside a keyway without it being a big "S" or scimitar shape. But if you're adventurous, or if I'm overestimating the added difficulty of using those shapes, then that is probably the best kit. Sparrows only has a short hook and no TOK wrench, so as much as I love sparrows, I wouldn't recommend that set as a first set because you will almost immediately need to add pieces. Overall, I think the Law Lock and Southord kits are the ones to pick from, depending on if you want TOK wrenches, or straight BOK wrenches. Southord is also the best overall value. Mad Bob/Dangerfield has everything, so long as you like the crazy shapes, or at least don't mind that they might be a bit confusing to work with at first, and you may have to learn again if you ever get a more traditional set (which you probably will). However, I will also note that the Sparrows Spirit set, which was not mentioned in the video, does have multiple useful hooks, a Bogota and a city rake, along with twisted and straight BOK wrenches for $32, and you can add a couple of TOK wrenches to your cart from them for $4. Due to the ease of adding a matching TOK wrench, if you want it, and the lower price point, I would actually recommend the Sparrows Spirit set over Southord's 1500.

  • @DarkArtsLockPicking
    @DarkArtsLockPicking Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Great video ash my friend. Very good information and explaining about beginners kits. For a brand new beginner I also recommend the pxs-14 but the down side is the thick shaft on the picks. But I to agree with the sets you said mate. Awesome job mate đŸ‘đŸ€˜đŸ––đŸ»

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Yeah the PXS are just a little thick for me :-)

  • @JonnyMidnight870
    @JonnyMidnight870 Pƙed 4 lety +5

    Thanks, I am buying my first ever and would like to start with these recommendations.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      All of these are good choices IMO 👍😃

  • @BullzOfSteel
    @BullzOfSteel Pƙed 2 lety +1

    just pick myself up a par!!... been super board, even with video games, and been wanting to do this as a hobby (again), had a set of southord from about 15 years ago I lost at my parents place, and been craving to do this again, excited for it to come.. though I am thinking the Canadian convoy might delay it, I don't mind it being delayed.. i support the convoy movement!

  • @lobopiro4732
    @lobopiro4732 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    My first kit was southord pxs14 and I have been very pleased.. it has opened (eventually) every lock I have come across and I have slowly added sparrows and others as I go...

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      The PXS-14 is great for wider keyways for sure :-)

  • @TheShadowCamo
    @TheShadowCamo Pƙed 3 lety

    For the handles - self sealing heat shrink tube 3/8". I use Grote brand - from a Heavy Duty truck parts department or Industrial supply. My fave picks - Sparrows, the tuxedo is a good starter set. Pry bar tensioner set.

  • @johnschwabauer372
    @johnschwabauer372 Pƙed rokem

    Just purchased the Sparrow...thank you for the info

  • @bikkies
    @bikkies Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Nicely done. I have a whole raft of great picks, some bought as sets and some as individuals. I love my tuxedo, praxis and particularly the Mad Bob's picks, sharing your sadness at their decision to cease production. I have to say though, as my go-to pick of choice, which I try first before breaking out the more exotic ones, are my Southords. Their hooks are excellent and are cheap enough to stock up on a few spares. When I break or bend one, it's no great loss. Just pull out another. Excellent value. I do wish all kits would include TOK wrenches though.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Southord have great pick profiles 👍

  • @Justfeedthecat
    @Justfeedthecat Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Thank you, very helpful, just bought the Sparrows.

  • @Cavely
    @Cavely Pƙed 4 lety +8

    Perfect call on the Petersons, they're my favorite mostly because I find the handles super comfy as it but they're way more pricey than anything else in my kit.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +3

      I love them but way too pricey 👍

    • @robertbates3737
      @robertbates3737 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      I haven't bought a full set of Peterson picks, but if you buy individual picks they're worth every penny. As far as hooks go, the no.4 and no.7 are exceptional, it's rare that I deviate from them. They have an identical profile, and only differ in thickness/flexibility

    • @Ghorda9
      @Ghorda9 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      @@robertbates3737 not with there shipping rates, making there picks cost something like four times that of something like sparrows.

  • @TequilaDave
    @TequilaDave Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Good round up mate. Someone has already mentioned it but I also found the Praxis kit very good due to the selection of picks, the fact you get them all in both thicknesses and a TOK tensioner too.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Good shout :-)

    • @TequilaDave
      @TequilaDave Pƙed 4 lety +1

      @@LockNoob It was ÂŁ41.65 when I bought it..... looks like the price has gone up a little, otherwise it fulfills all of the other requirements

  • @johnegginton
    @johnegginton Pƙed 4 lety +5

    I would say the Valyrian kit is probably the best set going bar none. At the price it is an absolute steal and the picks are some of the strongest I’ve ever used. Andy’s customer service is stellar too! đŸ˜đŸ„š

    • @Kappietan
      @Kappietan Pƙed 4 lety

      I have no experience with the Law Lock picks but if they are as strong as my Multipicks, I would definitely recommend the Valyrian kit as the best starter kit. So many useful picks. No crap included. Love it.

    • @johnegginton
      @johnegginton Pƙed 4 lety

      P L I haven’t used any Multipick picks but I know the steel used in the Valyrian pick set is some of the strongest High Yield stainless money can buy. I have a few of the Valyrian singles and they are hands down the best picks I’ve used. They’re also great to add custom handles too, which I intend on doing soon! đŸ˜đŸ„š

    • @Kappietan
      @Kappietan Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Hi John, ill keep that in mind for the next time i need to resupply. Their picks look really nice.
      And good customer service is also very important to me!

    • @1968tttt
      @1968tttt Pƙed 4 lety +1

      @@Kappietan I can only second John Egginton. Andys customer service is flawless. The only "downside" of Valyrian for me is... Hmmmm Which hook use. So many to choose from. And I think the city rake is a bit to sharp in the peaks... But then again I prefere SPP so I really dont care about the rakes

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      It’s a good choice for sure :-)

  • @DasMaggie
    @DasMaggie Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

    got myself a starter set of clear locks and the multipick elite 11 set bc it looked well done. Am very happy with them, just getting into it but glad i bought a good set without seeing the video haha.

  • @casperswift
    @casperswift Pƙed 4 lety +2

    I started with a southord pxs 14 it served me well.. stood up real well to me learning..I've ordered some single picks in between and I just ordered the Dangerfield Praxis kit...

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Nice kit for more open keyways for sure!

  • @gbresaleking
    @gbresaleking Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci +1

    My first kit was an amazon kit but I just found a southord 32pc at a yard sale for $1, and I really like it

  • @worab1
    @worab1 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Another fantastic video, very informative. I do like Sparrows stuff personally but I think all of the sets you mentioned have some great qualities. Maybe a video on professional high end pick sets? Great videos. Thank you.
    -The Blind Picker 😎🔒

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      If I could afford the high end ones I might :-)

  • @skylar3481
    @skylar3481 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    The Valyrian is on my Xmas list. Having talked to Andy Law himself in a locksport group on Facebook. Great guy making great picks.đŸ‘đŸ»đŸ‘đŸ»đŸ‘đŸ»đŸ”’đŸ”“

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      He’s a great guy :-)

  • @AThreeDogNight
    @AThreeDogNight Pƙed 4 lety +2

    I got the Dangerfield Serenity set now about a year ago, only to open locks & not Locksport back then, which they work very well for that. I got 0.015th. That way it works on many locks since I'm so light handed. 20 Plus years raking will teach you that light hand. I'm very pleased with them. If it wasn't for the shipping expense I'd of got the Mad Bobs. I can only think of the Praxis set for a dual gauge in the Mad Bob design. Great review Ash, have a great one.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Thanks friend 😃

  • @43audio89
    @43audio89 Pƙed rokem

    I went for the Sparrow Spirit. More hooks. I would love if they had thrown in a heavy bar or two but few extra dollars isnt bad. This will be my first store bought kit.. My first is my DIY. Been trusty, learned a lot. Now I want stregnth

  • @randallgervell7663
    @randallgervell7663 Pƙed rokem

    I have the Southord PXS-17! I bought it many years ago and only used it twice! The first time I used it to open our Pastor’s office while he was on vacation (we didn’t have a spare key at that time) and we needed some important financial documents for whatever reason! It took me a while to pick it because I didn’t practice much with it! And the second time was just the other day watching your beginner’s lock picking video on a cheap knock off master lock!

  • @garyg3617
    @garyg3617 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Great video. I am a total beginner and, after a cheap Chinese set, I bought a Southord PXS-14 set. Apart from not having a top of the key tensioner, which I haven’t tried yet!, I am enjoying this set.

  • @diegoat8832
    @diegoat8832 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci

    I went with the Sparrow Tuxedo, I had a budget of $100, and got that, and the CI adjustable trainer lock. Very excited for my first set!

  • @mikezemba1437
    @mikezemba1437 Pƙed 4 lety +22

    I just bought the SouthOrd pxs-14 set. I bought it on Cyber monday, 20 percent off. I can't wait til it gets here!

    • @systemmax2000
      @systemmax2000 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      That was my first set. You'll enjoy it.

    • @mikezemba1437
      @mikezemba1437 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      I'm upgrading from the daniu banggood I believe I bought on eBay. Cheap set. Only been picking almost 2 months.

    • @lobopiro4732
      @lobopiro4732 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      You will not be disappointed..This was my first set and it had opened just about everything except a few exotics I tried just for the hell of it, have not broken a pick yet and I have been hard on them... just pick up some fine grit sandpaper and clean up your edges!

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Happy picking 👍

    • @AlbertLebel
      @AlbertLebel Pƙed 4 lety +3

      Mike Zemba I have many Sothord picks in my arsenal. I like them because they have a low profile shaft, great for keyways like Yale where you have to work around warding. You did good, you should like them. Peace ✌

  • @UncleDeadly
    @UncleDeadly Pƙed 4 lety +1

    My first was the Sparrows Darkshift. Good range of picks, rakes and tension tools and they are quite comfortable to use.

    • @FriedPi-mc5yt
      @FriedPi-mc5yt Pƙed 4 lety +1

      UncleDeadly75 I recently got the Dark Shift set as well. I also got the expansion set to go with it. I added heavy bars, warded picks, some BOK tensioners and a decoder I made from a .006 feeler gauge. It’s my daily carry set and love the thing. In my job I travel around my state and often need to get into areas or things where property managers have lost keys or aren’t present at the time. I’ve yet to be kept out of anything or anywhere.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      A good choice 👍

  • @Petertronic
    @Petertronic Pƙed 4 lety +33

    Great video! I can't encourage people enough to have a crack at making their own picks as early as you can into the hobby. Much money can be wasted on disappointing junk from ebay.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +3

      It’s great fun to do too :-)

    • @ThomasSteed
      @ThomasSteed Pƙed 3 lety

      I just made my first few picks for fun/expand the set from work. Used banding steel, and traced the profile of the ones I Like out of my mix of picks, and the few I didn't have from the cheap china set at work. Fun little project.

    • @rickjames4005
      @rickjames4005 Pƙed 3 lety

      I like a stiffer pick and made some out of old jigsaw blades its a little more work grinding them down but work well and worth the extra work in making them

  • @macnutz4206
    @macnutz4206 Pƙed 4 lety +36

    This is a great review and will be very useful for beginners.
    When I first bought picks, I decided to buy singles from Sparrows. Watching this I see that I got the same seven picks and rakes in the Sparrows Tuxedo, the same tensioners plus their flat five TOK tensions and the two heavy pry bars for the TOK. I didn't need the case and with the handles Sparrow puts on them, I think they would be a tight fit in the Tuxedo case. I got the Sherman case later.
    I like getting single picks and add one or two a month. That's a good way to build a good set if you are not burdened with an over abundance of coin. :):) As if...
    It seems to me that seven or eight picks, a mixed of hooks and rakes is all I actually need or will need for the time being. Those and tensioners, top and bottom of key way seem to be enough to go pretty far with your learning curve.
    Of course, that natural desire to own shiny tools will not allow you to stop with just what you need.:)
    It is also a very good idea to budget for buying locks, the actually expensive part of this hobby.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Great comment, thanks :-)

    • @lilgrifty
      @lilgrifty Pƙed 3 lety

      PM

    • @alexandrezani
      @alexandrezani Pƙed 3 lety +2

      I love single picks, but the shipping charges add up really fast. My approach is to pick a manufacturer and buy a bunch of their pick at a time, then wait for a bit and do the dame with a different manufacturer.

  • @soerenwizard
    @soerenwizard Pƙed 4 lety +7

    My favorite recommendation would the the Sparrows Tuxedo og Multipick.

  • @GardenBoat
    @GardenBoat Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Can you do an updated video on this? Or alternatively and even better, a video on upgrading beyond this level of pick set :)

  • @JPA66
    @JPA66 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    My personal favorite is the Valyrian kit, no to little finishing needed out of the box. Great customer service. The handles are great. The case is sturdy.

  • @richardlong5751
    @richardlong5751 Pƙed 3 lety

    Thank you for making this. It was just what I was looking for as I want to upgrade from my ÂŁ12 set (including see-through lock) from Amazon. I went for the Law Locks Valyrian - ÂŁ48 including tax and shipping to a UK address.

  • @TonyVirelli
    @TonyVirelli Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Great video! I would have always said go with Sparrows But Andrew Law is really knocking it out of the park with Law Lock Tools!

  • @Dave062YT
    @Dave062YT Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Great stuff .I bought a generic 0.025 kit from amazon to start so I just ordered the Sparow Tuxedo Royale as my first addition for 30 quid . for narrower keyways and I think I might go for the Sparrow night school kit next after watching your review .I'm addicted to it now and planning on picking my own front door in the dead of night later lol .

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 3 lety +2

      Seriously though, don’t pick a lock that’s in use or that you rely on. You risk damaging the lock

    • @Dave062YT
      @Dave062YT Pƙed 3 lety

      @@LockNoob Fair enough.I'll just pick the unused lock on my medicine cabinet for now then lol .Got some master lock 3s coming to practice on soon plus a couple of 140s

    • @Dave062YT
      @Dave062YT Pƙed 3 lety

      ps just ordered the night school set so along with the tuxedo royale cost me 101 GBP .Pretty good value and should be a great investment ,Cheers for some excellent reviews.

  • @eak125
    @eak125 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    You can right now get a Dangerfield Praxis kit for less than 50 pounds. I feel it's the most complete kit for the money - dual gauge (.015 and .023) with all the useful profiles and good tensioner selection and you can get individual pick replacements now. When I upgraded from a Chinesium set, it was everything I needed and more. I've added a tool or two since buying it and upgraded to a Multipick leather case but it's still my go-to kit that I carry everywhere with me. God... I sound like a shill but it's just a really nice set.

    • @nicholaslittle8154
      @nicholaslittle8154 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Chinesium 😂 yeah it's a fantastic set

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      I’ve not seen it for under £50 personally, I might feature it another time though :-)

  • @TheLawind
    @TheLawind Pƙed 3 lety

    I have got the southord one and I can 100% recommend that. 👍 Great video 🙌

  • @roysammons2445
    @roysammons2445 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    I must say that this review is very well balanced with good appraisals of a very decent range of picks.
    This review is one of those where you store it somewhere for future reference.
    Thank you Lock Noob đŸ‘đŸ»
    PS I have been making my own picks as of late so can adapt my picks to the profiles I lean towards. I totally agree with the comments on the Pickology kit. I just adapt the profiles the make the hooks a little less intense.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Thanks Roy. Making picks can be pretty addictive :-)

    • @roysammons2445
      @roysammons2445 Pƙed 4 lety

      @@LockNoob đŸ˜± I have made 2 and really want to make more.... you are so right đŸ˜±

  • @jobustify
    @jobustify Pƙed 4 lety +17

    I've had my Chinese starter set for a while. This vid really makes me want to upgrade. I might go with Sparrows because they have the lowest shipping prices. The other companies are really high shipping for Canada!

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      I use a lot of Sparrows stuff :-)

    • @BalloonFish822
      @BalloonFish822 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      @@LockNoob that's what i'm purchasing soon here

    • @loganweeks5679
      @loganweeks5679 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      My tux arrived on Monday. It is a slim everyday carry. I recommend using some colored shrink wrap on eBay as a slim grip on it. It is rather good and I find my Peterson’s being used less.

    • @declan9876
      @declan9876 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      After watching these videos... I decided to spend $65 on Sparrows products. I got two hooks, the reload kit, the heavy pry bars, and the progressive locks.

  • @KoolBreeze420
    @KoolBreeze420 Pƙed 3 lety

    I have the Southern PXS-05 It was my very first set of picks, a 15 piece Badus set of cheap picks, a 17 piece Honst set and the Sparrows expansion set. I really like the Honst set for some reason I get more feedback from them than any of the others. I don't know why I like the cheap set over the Sparrows but I do at least right now. The cheap sets are from Amazon and are some sort of stainless steel. The only differences I can find between the 2 Amazon kits are the handles and the colour. The Badus picks are painted black and have some sort of metal handle the Honst sets have blue plastic handles. Why I get better feedback I don't know but I'd be curious to see what others think of that set. They are only 20.00 Canadian free prime delivery if you ave a membership. Interesting video, I don't have enough money to buy all the high quality picks but I think I now have a really nice diversity of picks and tension wrenches. I even bought 2 top of the keyway wrenches from Sparrows. They have cross-hatched bodies and I think I like them, at first I didn't like them but after a few hours with them, I feel that they really give you more feedback then the bottom of the keyway wrenches.

  • @WilliamStrealy
    @WilliamStrealy Pƙed 3 lety

    Thanks, I just bought the Law Lock Tools Valyrian because I'm interested in single pin picking!

  • @francoisbelangerboisclair
    @francoisbelangerboisclair Pƙed 3 lety +1

    I was thinking the same about key extractor... But it's a nice thing to have. I got a broken key in a frozen lock three weeks ago on my mailbox. Having the right tools kind of saved my ass.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 3 lety

      Yes, it can be good to have

  • @s0men00bb
    @s0men00bb Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Finally a very good video showing all different sets I've considered. :) I ended up with C 2010 and , I feel bad for not having Mad Bob's , but , such is life.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      The c2010 is fantastic:-)

    • @s0men00bb
      @s0men00bb Pƙed 4 lety

      Extraordinary , and I found use of key extractor - broken pick tip that ends jammed inside keyway , that's how I used chinese one. :)

  • @rafaelbezerra8048
    @rafaelbezerra8048 Pƙed 3 lety

    I've just bought my first kit thanks to you I chose the Sparrows Tuxedo with the revolver lock to practice :)

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Nice choices!

    • @rafaelbezerra8048
      @rafaelbezerra8048 Pƙed 3 lety

      @@LockNoob since then I've updated it with the Ssdev picks and now trying to make an TOK to see if it helps me with the Revolver lock :)

  • @todddouglass870
    @todddouglass870 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    I am curious about the various handle types. Sparrows for example appears to have more of the rounded thermoplastic handles on some of their more expensive/complete pick sets. It would seem to me that one piece metal would be more robust and impart better feel, but perhaps the rounded shape is better and less fatiguing? Also the thin metal handles would take up less room in a case and be more portable. There are also the riveted type handles; are these mostly low-end not likely to hold up long term? How do they all function in terms of feel etc? I personally am just starting in Lock Sporting and haven't bought any tools yet, but am looking at the Sparrows Tuxedo set one-piece metal design as my first set. What are your thoughts on best handle materials and styles? How about for beginner versus more advanced? Thank you, I like your videos!

  • @andy123law
    @andy123law Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Nice review Ash thanks đŸ‘đŸ»

  • @johannesvonfreudenthal8738
    @johannesvonfreudenthal8738 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Love your enthusiam subbed!!! :)

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 3 lety

      Thanks for the sub! 👍

  • @Fireman-cz5lf
    @Fireman-cz5lf Pƙed 2 lety

    I am happy to say I am moving on from my trash starred or lock pick set to the sparrows tuxedo set

  • @Redgoatlv4602
    @Redgoatlv4602 Pƙed 10 dny

    I just picked up one of those cheap Chinese 27 piece set and just broke 2 of them trying to pick a master #5. Thanks for this video. I think it's time to upgrade

  • @seanb3516
    @seanb3516 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    The only pro kit I have purchased and really enjoy is the Sparrows Ranger with additional Heavy Bars and Ultimate Decoder.
    If you're going to use shrink tubing I strongly recommend using Marine Grade shrink tubing. While the shrink stuff is still hot
    press the pick between two very flat steel surfaces with a lot of pressure. This prevents the shrink tubing from feeling 'rounded'
    or bulbous and slightly lumpy. Instead you will get perfectly flat handles and the excess heat set glue squeezes out the ends and can be cut off.

  • @Leonslockpad
    @Leonslockpad Pƙed 4 lety +1

    some great sets Ash my friend lots to Choose from😎🇬🇧👊😊👍

  • @RAkers-tu1ey
    @RAkers-tu1ey Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Great Review and comp. I own a lot of these, but I need to hurry up and buy some Mad Bob spares before they are gone!

  • @mikepiazza2000
    @mikepiazza2000 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Really appreciate the thought that went into your criteria here.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 2 lety

      Thanks 🙏 😀

  • @nottjohn9418
    @nottjohn9418 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Hello, LN. I have a Southord PXS-14 kit and it's what I bought myself to start. I don't have experience with any other picks but I have got into a few locks with it.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 3 lety +1

      I need to review that!

  • @uncle_thulhu
    @uncle_thulhu Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci

    Love, love, love the Mad Bob's set. Shame their not around any more...đŸ˜„ Any idea if anyone else makes those particular profiles?
    .
    I would love to put together a Sparrows "Art" kit. All the named Sparrows picks with the pretty pictures on the handles, like Monkey Paw, Warlock, Medusa, etc. Not sensible, maybe, but you would still get a pretty good range of picks and rakes. And it would look awesome.

  • @NE-locksmith
    @NE-locksmith Pƙed 17 dny

    Used to love those pickology sets

  • @ulvimammadzada208
    @ulvimammadzada208 Pƙed 3 lety

    Very nice kits! A practice padlock would be nice for a starter kit

    • @flyingmobias
      @flyingmobias Pƙed 2 lety

      Sparrows has great progressive locks (2-5 pins), cutaways, and of course see- through plastic. All are customizable except the plastic

  • @SaxJockey
    @SaxJockey Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Very helpful thanks. The Sparrow Tuxedo looks like a good kit. Bosnianbill also seems to like them. Prices have gone up quite a bit though, now £38 posted, some are charging £55 🙄.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 2 lety

      Well, yeah, sadly prices hardly ever fall :-(

  • @nicholaslittle8154
    @nicholaslittle8154 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    If you're accepting discount prices the Dangerfield Praxis kit should definitely get a mention, at ÂŁ54 it's just above your range but for that you get 8 profiles in .015 and .023 with 3 BOK and 2 TOK tension tools

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Only accepting discount prices if full price is under ÂŁ50 :-)

    • @nicholaslittle8154
      @nicholaslittle8154 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      That's understandable, @@LockNoob. To be honest it's a bit big for a starter kit but, IMO, a better choice than the Mad Bob's/Dangerfield Serenity kit, the lack of a standard hook and the inclusion of the swerve rake, king & queen and the reach profile in those two make me think they're more of an addition

  • @drevil2783
    @drevil2783 Pƙed 2 lety

    If you are used to bobby pins the sparrow profile would be a luxurious feel in my hand. Wish i had a set

  • @jacobg7966
    @jacobg7966 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci

    I started with the covert instruments FNG and that was a great set. However, I would currently recommend starting with the covert instruments complete tension set or just the 2 in 1 with top of key way set. (For tension tools)
    For picks I would then get 4-5 Sparrows single picks with handles. I would get a short hook, offset hybrid, steep hook, monkey paw and maybe an extra shorthook (just because they are kind of thin and I have bent a couple)
    I think the sparrow’s tension tools aren’t that great but their picks are good. I only bent the short hook because I’m pretty heavy handed with my picking but their short hook is fairly precise so id still recommend it

  • @markotb
    @markotb Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Great Video Man. Sad,SAD to hear MadBobs has closed, I was fully up for a set of curved TOK tensioners... I can heat and bend my own I suppose.
    My first kit was The Vorax, too big for EDC, I like the Creeper case. The Creeper set is worth a look here too.
    Thanks for your on-going good work, look out for some of my amature efforts coming in the mid to distant future, lol.

    • @markotb
      @markotb Pƙed 4 lety

      thats a lie, first kit was a cheap $8 wish.com kit, broke them all in a week, but opened a lot of licks, then the above :)

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Thanks for watching friend 😃

  • @gantry289
    @gantry289 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    A nice review, well covered. Do I see some really great "give a ways" coming up?

  • @dannymckenzie8329
    @dannymckenzie8329 Pƙed 3 lety

    My kit is growing slowly but surely. I want to buy a set from multipick because the handles look amazing in quality and the leather cases that roll open with all the TOOLs neatly packed in are nice af.... but, last i tried they wanted euro and paypal wouldnt let me run it so my online cart went in the bin

  • @wesdresen9994
    @wesdresen9994 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    I really like that review.

  • @lftm1
    @lftm1 Pƙed rokem

    I have the sparrows love it

  • @Kholaslittlespot1
    @Kholaslittlespot1 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    Wish I'd seen this before buying a kit on Amazon. At least I now know my upgrade path.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 3 lety

      Cheap sets can be good too

  • @bretth5070
    @bretth5070 Pƙed 4 lety +180

    If Peterson was more reasonably priced they would be one of the most desirable picks out there, however everything they sell is overpriced.

    • @jobustify
      @jobustify Pƙed 4 lety +18

      I don't mind their prices as much as their shipping fees.

    • @youtubegaveawaymychannelname
      @youtubegaveawaymychannelname Pƙed 4 lety +3

      Sorry. It should be their price that makes them desirable. Try them. They're worth it.

    • @lobopiro4732
      @lobopiro4732 Pƙed 4 lety +7

      Yes , the quality is there , but I agree

    • @AlbertLebel
      @AlbertLebel Pƙed 4 lety +9

      ill guit I agree completely. I love their tools but not the prices which is why I go with Sparrows. If Sparrows made their Monstrum XXL set in .018 it would be epic !!

    • @bretth5070
      @bretth5070 Pƙed 4 lety

      @@AlbertLebel Exactly. I like Sparrows as well and a full line of .018 would be awesome.

  • @seanb3516
    @seanb3516 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    As for starter locks I suggest looking along old chain link fences. For some reason there often seems to be abandoned locks
    left behind. I found 5 Abus padlocks that were fairly corroded and messed up. I managed to pick them open and have been
    cleaning and polishing the brass padlocks. They are now in really good condition and shine like a gold mirror. Truly beautiful.
    Polish using oiled sandpaper in order; 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, and then switch to a Mag Wheel polish and cloth.

    • @tracyrreed
      @tracyrreed Pƙed 4 lety

      This is true. I don't see it a lot but a few weeks ago I did rescue an old warded Master lock from the fence at my local park.

    • @seanb3516
      @seanb3516 Pƙed 4 lety

      @@tracyrreed I'm hoping that someday I can spot a MulTlock with a Medeco core. Hey, a person can dream can't they? LOL.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      They sound nice :-)

  • @hubercats
    @hubercats Pƙed rokem

    Thank you!

  • @StephenDickerman
    @StephenDickerman Pƙed 3 lety +5

    I have a SouthOrd MPXS-14 that I got several years ago and I love it. It came with 9 picks, 4 tension wrenches, and a broken key extractor. And the beautiful leather case. I got it because it was highly recommended when I chose to get into picking, and I can't help but think that SouthOrd will always be my preferred company.

    • @SaxJockey
      @SaxJockey Pƙed 2 lety

      Looks a good starter set, sleeves on the pick. The case has a zip closure, think I prefer that to velcro on some others (velcro wears out long term).

  • @bearsback5099
    @bearsback5099 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Great review my friend.

  • @maxthepiguy3658
    @maxthepiguy3658 Pƙed 2 lety

    Excellent video. These all look good. But do you have any recommendations for US Brands?

  • @Svupper
    @Svupper Pƙed 4 lety +1

    The Sparrows Pro Night Vision Creeper is 55, but I bought that as my starting kit and it is amazing!

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      That is a great kit for sure :-)

  • @bird718
    @bird718 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    i just might grab one of those sets, it could be fun

  • @AlbertLebel
    @AlbertLebel Pƙed 4 lety +1

    I think you did well here. Considering price range and kit size. Personally I don’t care much for pick sets with so many rapid entry tools and so few hooks but most sets are like these here.

  • @CharlieMikeNS
    @CharlieMikeNS Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Great video. You should make one that has different price brackets and use cases.

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Not a bad idea at all :-)

  • @DubstepStepper
    @DubstepStepper Pƙed 4 lety

    Hiya, thanks for this vid loads of ideas, what tension levers on these kits can be used on a curtain mortice lock? Thanks

    • @LockNoob
      @LockNoob  Pƙed 4 lety

      Check this out for some background czcams.com/play/PLXm18pW-yyX7qhybbWL85Y80JeN2K9vhY.html