Was into picking for the magic and props that I built. Was into rekeying, and repair for 30 years as a facility manger. Mostly small format interchangeable core type. Here is a pin kit for the SFIC locks.
Picking in general is for hobbyists, and really low dollar(cheap door locks). Mostly it is to time consuming for a working locksmith. When a universal key is so much easier Drill motor and a 3/8"bit. Drilling the core out is a lot faster and cheaper. Since when a lock gets old anmd worn they can get real hard to pick open.
For padlocks these little suckers work well.
Here are some of my picking tools, which are illegal to be carried in the US with out a locksmithing ID/card or bond card.
Key gauges or readers are a quick way to get the info to make another key.
With the advent of the electronic/chip id keys. The machines can cost upwards of $7,000 US, then the cloning boxes and an assortment of chips/tabs and key blanks It is tending to leave the small time operator out of it.
I have a masterkeying certification and a master locksmith bond card. The tools sold as locksmithing tools in this country, are generally way over the top in price. I just got an email offering Swiss made 6" warding, pippen and round files for $36.00 each. A lot more then the same files sold at the jewelry supply.
So picking can be fun and challenging, you might win some bar bets. It does take practice,practice,practice,and more practice. Just like bumping does, it takes a lot more practice then the u tube vid's would lead you to believe, again with some older locks it is easier. The little kid in the one vid and the one from Germany with the group of people. What they didn't say is that they get together once a week for 4 to 6 hours and practice.
