6 Best Lockpick Sets for Beginners [2025 Update]

To buy the best lockpick set, it’s helpful to know more about lockpicking and experiences from other enthusiasts. Check out the lockpicking wiki on Reddit. Here you will find tips, stories, and guides from a global community. Moreover, you can find stories about the best lockpick sets recommended by experienced users.

Introduction

Do you want to start with lockpicking? Then a good lockpick set is essential. As a beginner, you benefit from tools that are reliable, comfortable to hold, and do not bend or break easily.

Cheap sets of low quality can be frustrating – think of bent picks or metal that breaks immediately. Additionally, quality picks provide you with better feedback, allowing you to feel what you are doing in the lock more quickly.

Which Lockpicks Should You Have?

In my opinion, beginners are often tempted to buy sets with an unnecessary number of lockpicks. Goso is one such brand that offers such sets. Therefore, you won’t find the Goso 24-piece set in our assortment. Aside from this set, Goso also has some decent other sets, but some are worthless.

Standard Hook

First, the standard hook pick. This is the first lockpick I reach for to open a lock. Other terms you often hear for this pick are the Short Hook or Shallow Hook. With this lockpick, you can reach the depths of many different pins, but certainly not all. For some locks, you need deeper hooks.

Euro Medium Hook

A Euro hook can reach slightly deeper than the Standard Hook. The idea is that with this hook, you can go a bit deeper behind a high pin. I find this very handy when dealing with a high-low bitting. So, a pin that is very low after a pin that is very high. There will always come a moment when you need a Euro Hook.

Long Hook

A Long hook pick is one of the last hook picks that is crucial for your lockpick set. With this pin, you can tackle the deepest MACS. As a result, there is no bitting that will be too high-low-high for you. Without the Long hook (or Deep Hook), you can still create an overset with some locks.

Offset Hybrid

The Offset Hybrid is a cross between the half diamond and the Standard Hook. In my opinion, it is slightly less precise than a hook pick, but I really appreciate the shape. Due to the curved bend in the lockpick, you can get past some pins in the keyhole a bit better. It has a diamond-like head, instead of a flat hook head. So you can work with it slightly differently than the hook pick.

Triple Peak Rake

The wavy design of a Triple Peak (or Worm Rake), also known as Bogota Rake, is something that has helped me with many locks. Often, a rake is dismissed as a lockpick for beginners or for less secure locks. However, they also work well on more challenging locks. By using the rake correctly, I always manage to place a pin properly. Sometimes the lock opens, and sometimes I still have to place the last few pins with a hook pick.

City Rake

The City Rake is also known as the L-Rake. I believe that this is actually not a rake, because a rake is English for rake. Normally, you make a raking motion in the lock with a rake, but with the City Rake, you do not do that. With the City Rake, you need to wiggle/sway a bit in the lock. You can also move this lockpick from bottom to top in the keyhole. The method for this lockpick is slightly different from raking, but with the right technique, it is also very handy.

The Best Lockpick Sets

Sparrows Kick Start Set

Sparrows Kick Start is a popular choice among beginners and professionals. This set includes 4 essential lockpicks that allow you to open virtually any lock – from Yale door locks to Abus padlocks.

You will receive various rakes (the Triple Peak and City rake), a standard hook, plus an Offset Hybrid. All picks are made from high-quality 301 stainless steel with a beautiful finish for good feedback. They are 0.063mm thick.

Additionally, there are 6 tension wrenches included in various widths, so you always have the right grip on the core.

The Kick Starter set comes in a compact nylon case that easily fits in your pocket. Sparrows designed this set as a everyday carry kit – minimalist in size, but versatile enough to crack most locks. The result is a durable beginner set with great ergonomics and exactly the tools you need to get started.

Multipick Elite Beginner

Multipick Elite Beginner is the set for the serious beginner who wants top quality right away. This lockpick manufacturer (from Germany) is known for its precision materials – all picks are made from hardened 401 stainless steel with a thickness of 0.6 mm.

This beginner set, assembled by lockpick expert Christina Palmer, includes 7 high-quality picks: 3 different hooks, 1 half-diamond, 1 curved “Deforest” pick, and 2 special rakes with computer-controlled cycloids.

Additionally, you receive an extensive set of 6 tension wrenches (3 for bottom-of-keyway and 3 for top-of-keyway in various thicknesses).

Everything comes in an elegant leather case. The beauty of this set is that it is slightly more extensive than most beginner sets – you have more pick profiles to experiment with, but all of top quality.

Beginners notice the difference: the picks glide smoothly into the lock and provide clear feedback, and because there are no cheap “filler pieces” included, you really use every part. This set is indeed pricey, but as the community says: you can’t go wrong with Multipick – it is a “comprehensive starter kit in elite quality” for the more ambitious beginner.

SouthOrd C801 Slimline Set

SouthOrd Slimline C801 is recommended because it has a great entry price with the right selection of lockpicks. The best price-quality ratio and excellent for beginners. This 9-piece set (7 picks and 2 tension wrenches) is all you need.

SouthOrd produces its picks in the USA from hardened stainless steel, and equips them with comfortable stainless steel “sandwich handles”. Since the lockpicks are made entirely of steel, you will be able to perceive all feedback very well.

The lockpicks are made for European locks. They are 0.55 mm thick.

In the set, you will find all essential pick shapes, namely: a standard hook, a deep hook, offset hybrid, a snake rake, city rake, a diamond, and more.

With the included tension wrenches, you can manage most standard locks while picking.

Everything is stored in a handy pouch that you can take anywhere. This Slimline set may not contain 24 different lockpicks, but you don’t need that either. No one benefits from a cheap Chinese set with 24 lockpicks. Instead, buy a good lockpick set that you can actually use to open locks. If you choose this set, you will bring home a proven starter set that countless lockpickers have used to open their first locks.

Law Lock Tools Valyrian Set

Law Lock Tools Valyrian is a comprehensive premium set from the United Kingdom that appeals to both beginners and advanced users. This set contains 13 lockpicks, designed in collaboration with master picker Tipene Muller. You get a nice range of hooks (small, medium, large), a reach diamond, an offset hybrid, and several unique “Tipene” profiles such as the Nessie and teardrop.

There is no shortage of rakes either: the Valyrian offers, among others, a snake rake, city rake, and Bogota rake.

All picks are made from high-quality 0.635 mm 301 stainless steel with a very high tensile strength.

The finish is exceptional: Law Lock Tools tumbles the picks for an extended period, so all edges are rounded and smooth. Additionally, you receive 6 tensioners – 3 top-of-keyway pry bars and 3 slim bottom-of-keyway wrenches with tapered ends.

Everything is housed in a luxurious leather storage case. The Valyrian set excels in value: for a slightly higher price, you have an incredibly complete set of top quality.

Beginners can continue to progress with this set without quickly running into limitations, while advanced users will appreciate the unique profiles and sturdy materials. One small note is that the picks come bare (without handle scales) – but they still feel comfortable in hand, and you can optionally add heat shrink or handles yourself.

All in all, the Valyrian is a phenomenal set for anyone looking to gain an immediate advantage with a complete, durable lockpick collection.

Moki Picks

Moki Picks is a relatively new brand from Germany that is making waves in the lockpick community. Moki’s lockpick sets are known for their almost custom-level finish and excellent material. The picks are made from high-quality 301 “high yield” steel (with comparable tensile strength to top brands).

What makes Moki special is that their sets are very thoughtfully assembled, without “fillers”. For example, the Moki Explorer set contains an extensive collection of primarily hooks (as many as 9 different hook profiles!), supplemented with two diamonds and a triple peak rake.

This clearly focuses Moki on Single Pin Picking – perfect for beginners to immediately learn the finesse of the craft. Moreover, they provide a generous amount of tension tools; the Explorer includes 8, including both TOK and BOK tension wrenches in various thicknesses.

All picks have comfortable, loose handles (you can order black or green handles from Moki for extra grip).

The result is a set that feels custom-made: smoothly gliding picks, sharp yet neat profile shapes, and excellent balance. Moki sets are somewhat more expensive and less known to the general public, but among seasoned lockpickers, the brand is praised as “top of the line”.

For the demanding beginner or hobbyist who only settles for the very best tools, Moki picks are absolutely worth considering.

LPXS-15 (Budget option)

LPXS-15 is the ideal choice for those who want to start on a small budget but still seek decent quality. This set – developed by the budget brand Mystic – contains 10 different lockpicks with black ergonomic handles.

You get a bit of everything: some basic hooks for precision work (SPP), three types of rakes (including snake rake, “W” long rake, and a triple peak) for quick openings, and even two half-round “ball” picks that allow you to easily open wafer and disc locks.

Also unique is a double pick in the set: a long pick has a different tip on each end (a half-ball on one side and a W-rake on the other).

Of course, tension wrenches are included – the LPXS-15 comes with 3 types of tension tools (a total of 4 pieces): standard L-wrenches in common sizes and a double-sided tension tool for different sized keyholes.

All of this comes in a sturdy leather case with snap closure. The quality of the picks is surprisingly good for the price; they have been checked by Lockpickings for hardness and finish.

Because the picks are relatively thin, this set works excellently on European locks with narrower profiles. The LPXS-15 is often recommended by experienced lockpickers as a first set due to its excellent price-quality ratio – you get a lot of value for little money.

Don’t expect lifelong top quality like with Multipick, but rather a very usable beginner set that can take you far without breaking the bank.

Comparison Table

Why Quality Matters

In lockpick sets, quality really makes a big difference. Good picks are usually made from spring steel, such as 301 stainless steel, which is both strong and flexible.

This means that the pick bends enough to flex with a lock, but does not remain permanently bent or break immediately. Cheap picks, on the other hand, often use inferior metal – they can be brittle (causing them to snap with too much force) or too soft (causing them to bend like a paperclip).

Additionally, the finish of quality sets is better: the edges of the picks are smoother and the profiles are accurate. This ensures smoother movement in the keyhole and a better feel of the pins during picking. In cheap sets, you sometimes see rough finishes or incorrect angles, making it harder for a beginner to learn.

Also, the tension wrenches in high-quality sets are generally made of hardened steel that retains its shape, while in low-end sets, the wrenches can sometimes twist.

And think about the handles: a quality set has thoughtful ergonomics, such as slip-on grips or rounded stainless steel handles that are comfortable. After all, you want to focus on your technique, not on wrestling with your tools.

But still, the rule of thumb is: a solid set lasts longer and performs better. Beginning lockpickers who practice with a reliable set make progress faster and keep the fun in it. So invest in quality; it prevents frustration and teaches you the right skills in the right way.

Recommendations

Every beginner lockpicker is different – that’s why the “best” set also partly depends on what you are looking for. Here are a few recommendations based on user type:

• For the budget-conscious curious: the LPXS-15 is a fantastic entry-level set. For a few dozen euros, you have a complete set to get started right away. The community praises it for its price/quality ratio. Perfect to discover if lockpicking is for you, without a large investment.
• For the cautious beginner who wants to ensure a good start: the SouthOrd PXS-14 is a safe choice. This set contains all the essential tools of decent quality and has been recommended for years as the number 1 starter set. You literally get everything you need to open most standard locks, and the quality does not disappoint. However, the set contains many lockpicks that I do not use. Therefore, we have much better and cheaper alternative sets.
• For the ambitious beginner with an eye on the future: look at premium sets like Multipick’s Elite Beginner or the Valyrian from Law Lock Tools. These sets cost a bit more, but deliver top material that you won’t outgrow quickly. Ideal if you already know that you want to get serious about lockpicking and want to have good tools right away. Multipick offers German precision and a beautiful leather case, while the Valyrian gives you a whole collection of unique picks and wrenches that will keep you busy for a long time.
• For those who are often on the go or want a discreet kit: the Sparrows Tuxedo is super compact and designed as a daily carry set. It fits in your pocket and still contains enough picks (including a thin one) to open various locks in the field. A top choice for hobbyists who want to take their set to meet-ups or professionals who want to have a small kit on standby.
• For the connoisseur and gadget lover: consider the Moki picks. If you are the type who only wants the very best tools and enjoys having something unique, then Moki is your brand. Sets like the Explorer or Reverend are pricey, but you get picks that feel custom made, with exceptional finishing. Ideal if you want to upgrade after a first set or simply want to work with the “Ferraris” of lockpicks from the start.

Lockpicking European Locks

Finally, a tip: if you are in Europe and mainly going to pick European cylinders? Pay attention to the thickness of the picks. European locks often have narrower keyholes.

Sets like the Sparrows Tuxedo (with a slimline pick) or the LPXS-15 (thin profiles) are prepared for this. A set like the standard PXS-14 also works well on many European locks, but may struggle with extremely narrow profiles. So tailor your choice to the type of locks you want to open.

Basic Techniques of Lockpicking

There are roughly two basic techniques in lockpicking:

Both techniques require you to maintain tension on the cylinder with a tension wrench while manipulating the pins. Often, you start with raking to see if the lock will open quickly, and switch to SPP for the stubborn pins that are still stuck.

Useful tools for lockpicking

In addition to complete lockpick sets, there are other tools that can enhance your lockpicking adventure:

• Lockpick gun: A “gun” that makes the pins in a lock jump up and down quickly to open the lock. Ideal for quickly opening a lock without subtle finger skills. See our category lockpick guns for different models.
• Bump keys: Specially cut keys that, when combined with a tap from a hammer, can open locks. With these, you can quickly open many common cylinder locks without using lockpicks. Check out our bump keys for different key sizes.
• Shims: Shims are actually very thin pieces of metal used to bypass the lock mechanism. You have padlock shims, shims for handcuffs, and also cylinder shims.
• Specialized picks: For certain types of locks, you need specialized tools. Think of tubular picks for round radial locks (like bicycles), disc-detainer picks for disc cylinder locks, or Lishi auto lockpicks for car locks. These tools target a specific type of lock and are indispensable if you want to open such locks.

With these extra tools, experienced lockpickers can tackle almost any type of lock.

Video: Lockpick Sets for Beginners

In addition to all this info, there is also much to learn through video. In the video below, YouTuber Lock Noob discusses some of the best lockpick sets for beginners and provides handy tips and demonstrations:

Conclusion

A good lockpick set can make the difference between frustration and fun in your first lockpicking experiences. In this article, we highlighted the best sets for beginners – from budget options to premium packages. Choose a set that fits your budget and ambition, but always go for quality.

Whether you slip the Sparrows Tuxedo into your pocket or enthusiastically get started with a Multipick Elite, the most important thing is that your tools are reliable and give you the confidence to practice.

Lockpicking is a skill that requires patience and practice, but with the right tools in hand, the learning process becomes much more enjoyable and educational. Also, read my blog about how lockpicking works.

Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself – a decent beginner set lasts a long time and forms the basis of a beautiful new hobby. Good luck and have fun with your first locks!

Frequently Asked Questions