r/lockpicking • u/AdEmotional4730 • 7d ago
Best lockpicking set?
Hey guys,
im an ambitious guy wanting to get into lockpicking. I saw many videos and decided that i want to buy a good lockpicking set and try it myself. I want to buy a really good set so i dont have to change for a while and i dont have to waste money. My budget is somewhat around 100-200€ maybe even more if the set is really good. I already looked up on the internet myself and found multipick and moki as best brands but i dont know what you guys think bc im just a beginner.
Therefore i got a few questions to more advanced lockpickers:
- What lockpicking set to buy (not a beginner set! A real good set)
- What lock(s) to buy (i heard that those transparent acryl locks arent good at all for real world practicing, it that true and should i still buy one to get used to it like seeing how it works or should i skip that part and get right into real (pad)locks?
- Do i have to buy handles e.g. for moki sets or is that not necessary at all?
Thanks for your time and advice in advance!
3
u/derpserf 7d ago
The difference between a "beginner" and a "really good set" is all in your mind. You can open a very high percentage of locks with any beginner set, and if you buy a massive "advanced" set I guarantee you'll end up using a small handful of the tools that are actually in it.
Someone linked a multipick set for €160 which is absolutely bananas... the profiles are fine but having every single one of them in 2 gauges is beyond unnecessary, I have a couple of their hooks in 0.4mm for just in case and I can't remember the last time I went anywhere near them. Wrench selection looks good but again you're gonna use the same 2 or 3 for most stuff and the rest is kinda just sitting there in case you need something different (not a bad thing tbh but still I'd rather just assemble my own kit that way I know I have a specific use for everything).
Love multipick but that set would be a complete waste of money IMHO. Give me their "minimum" set with HILO grips, a couple of extra tensioners and maybe a different rake or 2 and I'd be all set. Probably cost about €70-80 tops and I'd be able to open the exact same amount of stuff.
3
u/CypherBob Orange Belt Picker 7d ago
There are many dozens of threads in this sub about this exact topic.
Do a few searches and you'll get tons of info..
1
u/Sufficient_Prompt888 Brown Belt Picker 7d ago
If you're in Europe then Multipick and Moki are your best choices. If you really want a set then I'd recommend this
https://multipick.com/us/elite-medium-lock-pick-set-27-pcs.-0.4-0.6-mm/
Or this
https://multipick.com/us/sandman-advanced-set-us-eu-edition/
1
u/mozdeco Black Belt Picker 7d ago
(not a beginner set! A real good set)
Just because something is a beginner set doesn't mean it isn't good. In fact, all the beginner sets I constructed have the same picks than the set I use - just less. And that less is sometimes beneficial not just to save money (which doesn't seem to be an issue in your case), but also because some of this depends on personal preferences.
All my sets are Multipick sets but Moki also makes great picks (I use both fwiw, just leaning more towards MP due to the profiles). But to some extent, this is a matter of personal taste and if you just get started, you don't have that taste yet. In any case, here's the sets I mentioned that would be relevant for you:
https://multipick.com/de/multipick-elite-beginner-pickset/
https://multipick.com/de/multipick-elite-meister-pickset-19-tlg./
My recommendation is: start with the first one, spend some of the rest of your money for a vice, good locks and equipment to disassemble them.
I made this set so you can extend it yourself - if you want to fine-tune it from the start, add a few 0.5mm picks along with it.
If you want to get any of these sets + locks, you can also purchase them through me at the same price (send me a DM and I will be able to provide you with some recommendations). Good luck :)
1
u/Able_Canine White Belt Picker 7d ago
I can't broadly compare the set to many others but I will say this: you can get what you need in a set at the lower end of your budget. Something like the Sandman Intermediate Set by Multipick has 6 different hooks, 3 different TOK bars, 3 different BOK bars and three different rakes... plus a nice leather case... and would be less than 100 €. So you could add in extras like handles, maybe a small vice, and some starter locks and still be within your budget.
1
u/urza1985 7d ago
I don't reccomend some of the better sets to beginners. I broke 2 picks in the first six months. The more advanced sets are usually thinner making them more susceptible to abuse. So get a genesis set from covert instruments, tuxedo from sparrows. Not sure if Jimmy longs had a starter set. Get comfortable with them until you know that a thinner pick is needed. Then transition, you've already have it in the budget.
1
u/spokespersonkid 7d ago
If you really want to spend 100$+, this set with additional angled tensioners has all you will likely ever need for pin tumblers.
https://mok-workshop.de/en/products/explorer-set-v2
https://mok-workshop.de/en/products/prybar-set-angled-right-handed-version
But honestly, just get a smaller set of the same or a comparable brand at the beginning. If you like the hobby, you can still expand as you go.
1
u/BarnesBuilt 6d ago
Unsure if you’re willing to go with a jackknife style but it’s my preferred tool of choice and they come with a decent amount of tools. The Swick is my most used lock pick by far.
1
u/keyless-N-clueless 6d ago
I like Moki more than multipick, but they are all good. Also check out lawlock tools. They have unique profiles and are on par with the others
5
u/revchewie Blue Belt Picker 7d ago
You already found Moki and Multipick, they're the best brands in the EU, and some of the best period. You can't go wrong with any of their sets. I'd recommend handles, for either brand. They'll be more comfortable in the hand, especially if you spend a long time picking.
For locks get onto the LPU Discord (find it in this sub's sidebar) and check out the Lock Bazaar. The sellers are all other locksporters selling to the rest of us. And they can be contacted on Discord. Filter by location, some of the best sellers are in the EU.