Lockpick Gun vs Lockpick Set | What Is The Best Choice?

You own a lockpick gun (also known as a snapgun) and are now wondering if you should buy a traditional lockpick set. Both have their place in a locksmith’s toolbox, but which one is right for you? That mainly depends on your goal.

What are they?

A lockpick set is fine manipulation tool designed to subtly move the small components inside a lock. A basic set includes various hook picks, rakes, and tension wrenches.

Lockpick guns are mechanical devices that apply a quick jolt to all pins at once. This hopefully causes them to temporarily rise above the shear line while tension is applied.

Speed vs Skill

The most notable difference is speed versus skill development. Pickguns can open some locks incredibly quickly with minimal training. For professionals where time is of the essence, this method is very important.

However, manual picking teaches you how locks actually work. You learn to have a good feel for each pin in the lock, understand the binding order of the pins in a lock, and develop skills that are transferable to different types of locks.

Manual picking requires constant practice, but the skills developed are more profound.

The Noise Factor

Pickguns are noticeably louder than manual picks. In residential environments or situations that require discretion, this can be problematic. The noise often makes customers nervous about potential damage to their locks.

Effectiveness with Different Lock Types

Manual lockpicking with a lockpick set works on a wider range of locks than lockpick guns. Any lock that can be opened with a pickgun can also be opened with a lockpick set. Not all locks that can be opened with picks can be opened with a gun.

More expensive locks, locks with security pins, or worn locks often resist snap guns, but yield to skilled manual lockpicking.

The Damage Issue

Lockpick guns can potentially damage your locks with prolonged use. Therefore, it is important to check your lock for broken springs after use.

Manual picking generally causes minimal wear when done correctly, similar to normal key usage. Note: never practice on a lock that is in use.

Professional vs Hobbyist Perspective

For locksmiths, both methods have earned their place. Many professionals keep pickguns in their kit but primarily rely on manual lockpick sets.

For hobbyists interested in the art and sport of lockpicking, manual picking is often more enjoyable. It’s about solving a puzzle.

The Learning Curve

Both using a lockpick gun and using a lockpick set require practice. Although pickguns may seem easier at first, it is important to learn how to use a lockpick gun: the correct tension, insertion depth of the needle, and the angle at which you place the needle in the lock.

Manual picking has a steeper learning curve but builds more transferable skills.

Making Your Choice

If you are a locksmith who needs to make multiple openings per day, then a pickgun can be a valuable investment. However, manual picks are incredibly valuable because you can open more locks with them.

If you are interested in lockpicking as a hobby or want to develop a deeper understanding of how locks work, start with manual picks.

Remember: manual picking is for learning, pickguns are for speed. Both have their place, depending on what is most important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do lockpick guns really work?

The strike of a lockpick gun aligns the key pins at the shear line. With enough training, you can indeed open a lock with this.

Is lockpicking hard to learn?

No, lockpicking is easy to learn if you enjoy brain teasers. Start with the right lockpick set and a practice lock and read our instructions here. This way, you can learn it today!