TIPS AND ADVICE ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT PICKS AND TENSION TOOLS
Lock picks are an essential part of every lockpicker’s toolkit, as well as for professional locksmiths. The easiest way to purchase lock picks is through online stores, as they are rarely available in physical shops. In the Czech Republic, we recommend our partner, Locksmith CZ, for high-quality lockpicking equipment. However, we do not discourage anyone from buying cheaper Chinese picks from third-party sellers. While these may be more affordable, their quality is often subpar, especially when it comes to craftsmanship and handle ergonomics. If you take lockpicking seriously, investing in well-made tools will save you frustration and improve your experience. Generally, the price reflects the quality.
CATEGORIES OF LOCK PICKS BY QUALITY AND PRICE
Lock picks come in a variety of shapes, which determine their suitability for different lockpicking techniques. They also vary in material, thickness, and handle design. Some manufacturers offer the same pick design in multiple thicknesses, often distinguishing them by different handle colors. The quality of a pick affects its price, so understanding the differences between brands can help in making the best choice.
There are many lock pick manufacturers, and we highlight some of the most notable ones below. The prices mentioned are estimates based on ACL lockpickers’ experiences and reflect the cost of a single pick. Before purchasing any picks or sets, we recommend checking reviews to ensure quality.
We categorize lock picks into economy, standard, and luxury options. Below, we’ll examine their advantages and disadvantages.
ECONOMY CATEGORY
- Brands: Klom, Goso, HUK
- Price: Around $1 per pick
- Většinou nedokonalé zpracování
- Pros: Very affordable
- Cons: Poor craftsmanship, lower-quality materials, often require modification before use
ECONOMY CATEGORY PLUS
- Brands: HPC, Mad Bob, Rytan
- Price: $2 – $3 per pick
- Pros: Relatively inexpensive, usable with some limitations
- Cons: Typically made from lower-quality metal
STANDARD CATEGORY
- The best mid-range choice
- Brands: SouthOrd, Sparrows
- Price: $4 – $6 per pick
- Pros: Good balance of price and performance, decent materials, minimal need for modifications
Set of brand Klom
Set of brand HPC
Set of brand Sparrows
Set of brand Southord
As lockpickers and enthusiasts of this sport, we avoid the cheapest economy picks. Instead, we opt for quality tools that are durable, comfortable to hold, and well-crafted to prevent hand fatigue during training sessions.
STANDARD CATEGORY PLUS
- Brands: Multipick Elite (approx. $7 per pick)
- Brands: LOCKMASTER® (approx. $7 – $10 per pick)
- Pros: Higher price but excellent materials and craftsmanship
STANDARD CATEGORY EXTRA PLUS
- Brand: Peterson (Government Steel)
- Price: Around $8 per pick
- Pros: Extremely high-quality steel, long-lasting
- Cons: May require some edge smoothing or finishing; due to the hardness of the steel, modifications can be time-consuming
LUXURY CATEGORY
- Custom-made lock picks
- Price: $30 – $100 per pick, sometimes even more
- Pros: Highest possible quality, often handcrafted masterpieces
- Cons: Long production times, extended waiting periods, difficult to replace if lost or broken
Set of brand LOCKMASTER®
Set of brand Peterson (Goverment steel)
Pick by our member ACL Ondra
OUR RECOMMENDATION – WHAT TO BUY?
When it comes to lock picks, quality is more important than quantity. Especially for beginners, buying a huge set with many specialized tools can be counterproductive. Many of these picks are designed for automotive locks, which are not part of sport lockpicking.
MINIMALIST BEGINNER SET for those who want to try lockpicking without spending too much:
- 2-3 hook picks
- 2-3 rake picks
- 1 small diamond pick
- Several tension wrenches
WHAT TO BUY FOR SERIOUS LOCKPICKERS? If you’re serious about lockpicking, a well-chosen set will last for a long time. The following recommendations are tailored for different regions:
USA: A medium-sized set of around 12 picks in 0.025” thickness
- A medium-sized set of around 12 picks in 0.025” thickness
- Additional slim/Euro-style picks in 0.018” thickness
EUROPE:
- A medium-sized set of around 12 picks in 0.018” – 0.020” thickness
- A few extra-thin picks (0.015” thickness) for narrow European locks
Regardless of your choice, tension tools are essential. Tension wrenches are available as standalone items or as part of pick sets. Some of the most popular individual tension wrenches come from SouthOrd and Peterson. Skilled lockpickers often craft their own custom tension wrenches to suit their preferences.
By choosing high-quality picks and tension wrenches, you’ll enhance your skills and ensure a better, more comfortable lockpicking experience.
A set of picks and tensioners made by our member ACL Ondra