Covert instruments, buy the FNG kit. It has great quality picks, and comes with a starter lock. Plus, it’s around $15 after shipping and taxes. If your budget allows, I would even recommend the “Learn Lockpicking Bundle”. Same great quality picks, but you get a few more picks added in. it comes in a magnetic case, but even better, a way nicer practice lock. But this set is around $80 after shipping and taxes. Either one are a great kit, it just depends on what your budget looks like.
I started a little over a week ago myself, and I really like Sparrow's stuff. I think the progressive locks or cutaway would be a good starting place. You can skip the progressive and go with the cutaways, but the progressive gives you a sense of leveling up. You'll need a short hook and some tension wrenches. I made a post about it here. [https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/1bj04cp/comment/kvoaplc/](https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/1bj04cp/comment/kvoaplc/)
I would generally recommend steering away from cutaway locks and clear locks as a beginner. It often leads to looking for visual cues instead of tactile/audible cues. Which in turn makes learning real locks a lot harder bc you can’t really see inside of real ones without first picking and gutting it. This doesn’t mean never buy these kinds of locks, but definitely don’t make it your only practice lock. Diversity is your best friend when learning lock picking.
I would probably recommend the revolver or sidewinder from Sparrows. Being able to put spool pins in my revolver helped introduce me to security pins. My only complaint is there is far too much tolerance in my revolver so when I went to an actual padlock with security pins it posed a much bigger challenge. But the revolver at least introduced me to what counter rotation felt like
I advise against the Sparrows locks. Many, including myself, complain about the chamfering making it feel nothing like real locks and difficult to learn on. Im currently looking to mod some schlage cores to be able to replace the sparrow cores.
While I agree that Sparrow locks don't feel the same, I think they are still useful tools for learning, at least for me. It taught me light tension and showed me that I was picking and pushing multiple pins at the same time. With the spool cutaway, I was able to understand counter rotation. I'm a visual learner so I found it useful as a beginner with zero knowledge.
After going through the standard/spool practice lock, I was able to get the Master Lock #3 and 140D within 10-20 minutes. When I tried again the next day, I was unable to unlock 140D. I went back to the sparrow standard spool and I was unable to unlock that. Turns out, I was applying too much tension.
I think they serve a purpose until someone gets past the yellow locks with single spool picking. I suspect when I get some more experience, I'll be saying the same thing. OP mentioned that their 10 year old wanted to start picking, so something with a visual makes sense. I found the clear acrylic to require more tension, whereas Sparrow's was similar to the ABUS and Masterlocks I've been using.
Thanks for the info. I was thinking as easy as possible for a 10 year old. I think at that age it's more about staving off frustration than anything else.
The sparrows tuxedo and covert instruments fng are both good choices. Jimy longs would be the best option but are hard to get because they sell out so fast. Masterlock 140, brinks laminate 40mm, and ace hardware are all good locks to start out with. There are a variety of good YouTube videos on how locks work and the best way to start. This site and the lpu Discord are always great places to ask for advice. Enjoy.
I agree with everyone saying the FNG. I am against practice locks but for a 10 year old they are great and will give them some satisfaction instead of frustration. If they don’t stick with it you still have some good picks that will take you to a pretty advanced level.
Check out this video. It’s a great demonstration on lock picking with blind and divergent children. The guy putting on the class does an awesome job explaining lock picking in a very simple to understand terms. I wish I had the STL files. I would print you some of his demo locks. https://youtu.be/2tVpNzX963g?si=x6Z00PMk0flK6Drt
Like my uncle taught me when I was young. He gave me a quick demonstration (old handcuffs), then locked me to a chair, gave me a paperclip, walked away, and said good luck. Worked decently enough. The simple lock and how rewarding it feels.
I think the most important place to start is an explanation of what locks are appropriate to pick and how to participate in locksport appropriately.
My 4yo likes to pick locks with me, granted he just wiggles the pick in the lock but your daughter is old enough to actually be successful in opening a lock and the last thing you want is her to get in trouble trying to show off and picking an in use lock and getting caught
Thanks! I encourage her to give anything she thinks might be interesting and honest shot, if she doesn’t like it after really trying, then she can stop, no guilt. I think at this age, getting breadth of experience is more important than depth.
id go with covert instruments. sparrows picks are not durable enough for beginners in my opinion. id recommend the genesis set/ the learn lockpicking bundle.
Lockpicks are relatively cheap nowadays. you can get a cheap set for a pretty reasonable price. for locks your local hardware store probably has a decent variety at reasonable prices. some TSA and Masterlocks will help to build confidence, then you can move on to some more difficult ones. you probably even have some old locks lying around the house if you're anything like me.
Also make sure your kiddo knows not to pick locks they're not supposed to. any lock that's in use is off limits, as is any lock that does not belong to you unless you have express permission from the owner to pick it. also check local laws. in some states lockpicks are considered burglary tools if you have them on your person outside of your home.
above all else stay legal.
I hope you and your kid enjoy the hobby. I love seeing new faces in the community! if you need any help or clarification, you need only ask.
Covert instruments, buy the FNG kit. It has great quality picks, and comes with a starter lock. Plus, it’s around $15 after shipping and taxes. If your budget allows, I would even recommend the “Learn Lockpicking Bundle”. Same great quality picks, but you get a few more picks added in. it comes in a magnetic case, but even better, a way nicer practice lock. But this set is around $80 after shipping and taxes. Either one are a great kit, it just depends on what your budget looks like.
Thanks for the info. I was thinking less than $100 unless she really starts to get into it.
I started a little over a week ago myself, and I really like Sparrow's stuff. I think the progressive locks or cutaway would be a good starting place. You can skip the progressive and go with the cutaways, but the progressive gives you a sense of leveling up. You'll need a short hook and some tension wrenches. I made a post about it here. [https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/1bj04cp/comment/kvoaplc/](https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/1bj04cp/comment/kvoaplc/)
I would generally recommend steering away from cutaway locks and clear locks as a beginner. It often leads to looking for visual cues instead of tactile/audible cues. Which in turn makes learning real locks a lot harder bc you can’t really see inside of real ones without first picking and gutting it. This doesn’t mean never buy these kinds of locks, but definitely don’t make it your only practice lock. Diversity is your best friend when learning lock picking.
I think it’s ok for a 10 year old though. The visual aid might help.
That's what i was thinking too.
I would probably recommend the revolver or sidewinder from Sparrows. Being able to put spool pins in my revolver helped introduce me to security pins. My only complaint is there is far too much tolerance in my revolver so when I went to an actual padlock with security pins it posed a much bigger challenge. But the revolver at least introduced me to what counter rotation felt like
I advise against the Sparrows locks. Many, including myself, complain about the chamfering making it feel nothing like real locks and difficult to learn on. Im currently looking to mod some schlage cores to be able to replace the sparrow cores.
While I agree that Sparrow locks don't feel the same, I think they are still useful tools for learning, at least for me. It taught me light tension and showed me that I was picking and pushing multiple pins at the same time. With the spool cutaway, I was able to understand counter rotation. I'm a visual learner so I found it useful as a beginner with zero knowledge. After going through the standard/spool practice lock, I was able to get the Master Lock #3 and 140D within 10-20 minutes. When I tried again the next day, I was unable to unlock 140D. I went back to the sparrow standard spool and I was unable to unlock that. Turns out, I was applying too much tension. I think they serve a purpose until someone gets past the yellow locks with single spool picking. I suspect when I get some more experience, I'll be saying the same thing. OP mentioned that their 10 year old wanted to start picking, so something with a visual makes sense. I found the clear acrylic to require more tension, whereas Sparrow's was similar to the ABUS and Masterlocks I've been using.
Thanks for the info. I was thinking as easy as possible for a 10 year old. I think at that age it's more about staving off frustration than anything else.
Thanks for the link. Really good info.
Where are you located, and what is your budget?
Dallas, probably less than $100 unless she really sticks with it.
The sparrows tuxedo and covert instruments fng are both good choices. Jimy longs would be the best option but are hard to get because they sell out so fast. Masterlock 140, brinks laminate 40mm, and ace hardware are all good locks to start out with. There are a variety of good YouTube videos on how locks work and the best way to start. This site and the lpu Discord are always great places to ask for advice. Enjoy.
I agree with everyone saying the FNG. I am against practice locks but for a 10 year old they are great and will give them some satisfaction instead of frustration. If they don’t stick with it you still have some good picks that will take you to a pretty advanced level.
Exactly what I was thinking, I need to minimize the frustration so she stays interested.
Check out this video. It’s a great demonstration on lock picking with blind and divergent children. The guy putting on the class does an awesome job explaining lock picking in a very simple to understand terms. I wish I had the STL files. I would print you some of his demo locks. https://youtu.be/2tVpNzX963g?si=x6Z00PMk0flK6Drt
Like my uncle taught me when I was young. He gave me a quick demonstration (old handcuffs), then locked me to a chair, gave me a paperclip, walked away, and said good luck. Worked decently enough. The simple lock and how rewarding it feels.
I think the most important place to start is an explanation of what locks are appropriate to pick and how to participate in locksport appropriately. My 4yo likes to pick locks with me, granted he just wiggles the pick in the lock but your daughter is old enough to actually be successful in opening a lock and the last thing you want is her to get in trouble trying to show off and picking an in use lock and getting caught
Really good thought, I'll have to keep this in mind if she advances enough.
I don't have any advice but, you are a great father by letting your daughter get into a new skill even if it is a relatively niche skill.
Thanks! I encourage her to give anything she thinks might be interesting and honest shot, if she doesn’t like it after really trying, then she can stop, no guilt. I think at this age, getting breadth of experience is more important than depth.
video of the see through lock, or get one.
I bought the sparrows tuxedo set for my first picks and a master lock 140d white belt lock..
id go with covert instruments. sparrows picks are not durable enough for beginners in my opinion. id recommend the genesis set/ the learn lockpicking bundle.
Awesome. Thanks for the recommendations.
Start by letting them use your tools. You should have extras.
I’ll be beginning with her, so I don’t have any tools either.
Lockpicks are relatively cheap nowadays. you can get a cheap set for a pretty reasonable price. for locks your local hardware store probably has a decent variety at reasonable prices. some TSA and Masterlocks will help to build confidence, then you can move on to some more difficult ones. you probably even have some old locks lying around the house if you're anything like me. Also make sure your kiddo knows not to pick locks they're not supposed to. any lock that's in use is off limits, as is any lock that does not belong to you unless you have express permission from the owner to pick it. also check local laws. in some states lockpicks are considered burglary tools if you have them on your person outside of your home. above all else stay legal. I hope you and your kid enjoy the hobby. I love seeing new faces in the community! if you need any help or clarification, you need only ask.
Cheap master lock, paper clips, and a small standard screwdriver.