There are many different tools to help you pick locks, but not everyone needs every kind. Even advanced lock pickers use only a handful of tools for the most part. If you want to get started or improve your picking skills, a small lock pick set is an excellent choice. We’ve rounded up some of the best options that will fit into your pocket.

A basic 15-piece set gives you the bare necessities, including a practice lock and padlock keys to practice your skills. This is the simplest pick set for beginners and those with limited space.

Designed for small lock pick set keyways, the GOSO 12-piece lock pick set includes most of the popular styles such as hooks, rakes, and diamond rakes. The set also comes with a broken key extractor, four tension tools, and nine textured slide-on grips. It’s an excellent value for a starter lock picking kit that will open almost all pin tumbler locks and has enough versatility to get you well on your way.

Unlocking the World of Locks: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Lockpick Tool Kit”

Rakes are a great tool for popping up multiple pins inside the lock while applying pressure with a tension wrench. This particular rake, known as the Bogota or Snake rake based on its curves, has a wide offset that allows it to pivot and curve around pin stacks without touching them and is particularly effective for long pins in the front and back of the lock.

The City rake, on the other hand, has a more narrow offset and single curve. This makes it better suited for scrubbing pins in the middle of the lock. It’s also great for reaching short pins in the back of a lock or around those that have been set previously.