The lock picking tools you actually need
Lock picking has a short list of essentials and a long list of nice-to-haves. Essentials: a hook, a rake, a tension wrench and a practice lock. That is the content of every beginner set. Everything else on this page is either a specialised version of one of those or a tool for a different lock mechanism.
Lock picking tools by job
Tension wrenches
Tension wrenches — bottom-of-keyway, top-of-keyway, twist-flex. The tool that matters most.
Hooks and rakes
Hooks for single pin picking, rakes for fast openings.
Dimple, disc detainer, wafer and tubular picks
Dimple picks, disc detainer picks, wafer picks and jigglers, tubular picks.
Pick guns, shims and bypass tools
Pick guns and shims and bypass tools — quick on simple locks, useless on good ones.
Repinning kits and security pins
Repinning kits with security pins, followers and tweezers.
Lock pick cases
Cases and pouches.
Lock pick materials and thicknesses
Picks: stainless steel, 0.5 or 0.6 mm, with grippy handles. Tension wrenches: spring steel in several widths. We do not list chrome-plated carbon steel picks (they rust and snap) or "40-piece" sets padded with duplicates.
Lock picking tools + practice locks
The other half is the lock you practise on. Pair any tools here with a practice lock matched to your level in the belt ranking, and follow the beginner tutorial. Owning lock picking tools for hobby use is legal in nearly all of Europe — see the legality page for the exact rule in your country.