You might think that lock picking is an unusual hobby, and I guess you’d be right, but whether you consider it a hobby or profession, having it as a skill in your armory can come in handy more than you expect. Strap in while we review some of the best lock pick sets available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced lock pickers.
All adults at some point in their life have lost a set of keys; sometimes never to be seen ever again, but often turning up in the most unexpected place three weeks later. Having a decent lock pick set can save you the drama of changing an expensive set of locks only to regret it once the keys turn up.
The number of pick types today is seemingly endless, but with a little knowledge you can soon understand what is what, and make a start on your lock picking journey. Ideally your set will contain a wide variety of picks and wrenches, but as a beginner you should have at least some narrow picks to give that extra bit of wiggle room while you learn.
So what does a quality lock pick set look like then?
Finding the Best Lock Pick Set
It obviously has to have the right picks for the job in hand. More options can make your life much easier. Quality is more important than you might think; after repeated use the tools can wear down with cheaper types often breaking down beyond any further use. Price will be a concern for many people, but while you don’t need to break the bank you should bear in mind that paying a little more can be worth it.
Let’s get down to checking out options for the best lock pick set for beginners and experienced lock pickers alike.
Kwok 2017 Transparent Lock Unlocking Tools
This set comes with 12 different picks in a nice little carry case. Springy, durable, and easy to use, this is an ideal package to get started. Suitable for both novice locksmiths and experienced enthusiasts; everything you need is here, including a practice lock.
The lock features a transparent casing so you can see exactly what you are doing. If you are successful in opening the lock it is possible to see exactly just how you did it. Being able to see the pins move will teach you how to trigger the mechanism.
This is a great product to teach yourself with, and if you’re thinking that lock picking is too hard for you, you will soon discover just how simple it is with this fantastic starter set.
Bidlsbs 5pcs Credit Card Hardware Multitools
This product might look like too much of a gimmick, but the reviews speak for themselves, it is actually a decent and cheap way to try your hand for a beginner.
The five-piece tool kit fits neatly in a mock credit card, which slots straight into your wallet. For the incredibly low price, and the good choice of picks provided you can have some fun with the locks around your house.
The most important and common picks are all there, and machined to a high standard to make sure they slot into the lock without any resistance whatsoever.
Being only five-piece it is obviously not a complete set, but it is enough to start you off until you’re ready for a tougher challenge.
Premium 32 Piece Lock Tool Set with Transparent Pad Lock
This 32-piece lock pick set is a serious bit of kit, for only a mid-range price. All manner of picks and wrenches are supplied with the set, as well as a practice lock with transparent casing.
Such is the quality, this could last you a lifetime, and it will certainly contain everything a locksmith from beginner to intermediate would ever need. The picks are titanium coated to prevent scratches and any corrosion, and the 6 inch zip up square case keeps all 32 pieces safely together.
For those who are ready to tackle more complex locks this kit is a fine upgrade that doesn’t require breaking the bank for what you get.
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24 Piece Premium Titanium Lock Tool Set
Another great product which raises the bar even higher. This 24-piece titanium plated lock pick set is guaranteed to impress. Each pick has a specially crafted handle to prevent slipping and any discomfort, allowing you to remain focused on the job at hand. The titanium coating helps to reduce bending making the task a much smoother proposition.
Unlike some of the thinner lock pick sets, this set is much more durable, making it suitable for the more advanced locksmith. Everything is included; there is nothing else you need to buy to complete the set.
Included is a transparent cased lock to practice with; in no time at all you can learn to understand how locks really work.
H&H Locksmith Jack Knife Multi Tool Lock Pick Set
This pen knife style lock pick set comes with six retractable picks and a single wrench. Designed for convenience, it can be carried around without any discomfort in your pocket. At 9cm long it will even fit nicely on a key ring.
Made from stainless steel, this high-quality product has a tension screw built in to allow you to fix the required pick into position, so the rest of the unit can function as a handle.
No lock is supplied for practice purposes, but for the locksmith who never likes to be without his tools, this is an ideal purchase. The slick design and high quality finish will ensure customer satisfaction.
Best Lock Pick Set for Beginners: Longans Premium 25 Piece Tool Set
This is a high-quality set of tools which will last you a lifetime. A selection of 20 different picks, three wrenches, and a broken key extractor come in a leather zip-up case. With a practice lock and a “Pop your First Lock” guide for beginners.
The tools alone are worth the price of the set; the titanium picks will not disappoint. Why settle for cheap spring steel if you can find this kind of quality at this kind of price? For beginners looking to take their first steps into “LockSport,” you can be sure that you won’t be needing to upgrade your tools for the tougher locks. Everything you need is supplied in this set.
Bullkeys Multifuctional Locksmith Set
This middle of the road lock pick set is ideal for apprentice locksmiths not wanting to pay out too much for their first set. 12 picks with simple plastic handles, and five different wrenches make up the tool kit. Everything comes in a canvas case, which is easy to carry around with you.
A practice lock with transparent casing comes separately in its own case with two keys.
Made from stainless steel rather than the preferable titanium, the picks will not last as long, but the quality is plenty good enough to carry you through the novice stage. As you get a practice lock included in the price there really can’t be anything to complain about.
A great buy for a complete beginner.
Hudson Practice 60 Piece Set
This is the Rolls Royce of lock pick sets. 60 pieces in a quality leather case make this kit worthy of a professional. There is nothing more you will ever need in your lock picking career.
40 rakes, diamonds, balls, and hooks; the selection is endless. With 14 tension tools and six extractors there won’t be many locks you can’t open after a little training.
No practice lock is included as this kit isn’t aimed at the beginner market, but there’s no reason you can’t start off with this if your budget allows. The only gripe is that the picks are spring steel rather than titanium. The price for what you get still makes this a bargain though; don’t be put off.
Best overall lock pick set.
Best Lock Pick Sets: Wrapping it Up
Any of these lock pick sets would be a good buy, with the majority of customers looking for something middle of the road. After checking through reviews for all the products listed one product stands out as the choice which will satisfy just about anybody looking to buy a lock pick set. The “Premium 32 Piece Lock Tool Set with Transparent Pad Lock” has enough to keep beginners going for a long time, while still containing enough pieces to satisfy the more advanced locksmith. For such a great price it shouldn’t be out of range for most people looking to spend money on such a hobby.
Bonus: Visual Guide to Lock Picking
No list of lock pick sets would be complete without some material on learning the craft. This 208-page book is laden with photos detailing each step of the lock picking process.
Pin tumblers, warded locks, wafer locks, tubular locks, combination padlocks, and lever locks are all explained in a simple how-to format. Why waste your time with trial and error when you can learn exactly how the professionals go about their business. There are even exercises explained to keep your skills improving all the time.
This is the premier work on lock picking. Even if you have a reasonable skill level already, there will still be plenty to take away from this book.
Hopefully our guide on picking the best lock pick set has helped you out. A great lock picking set for a beginner doesn’t have to break the bank, and we presented options for experienced lock pickers alike. Put a comment below if you have experience with any other lock pick sets you’d like us to review!
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