What is the best lock picking set for a professional locksmith to have for residential and commercial jobs?

If you’re a professional locksmith, I’d prioritize steel quality, keyway coverage, tension-tool selection, and slim profiles over a huge piece count.

My top pick: Multipick ELITE

The Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37 is the strongest choice if you want one premium, professional-grade set. Current 2026 comparisons put it at the top for professional use, with German-made precision picks, 10 rakes, a broad selection of tension tools, and a protective case.

Why I'd choose it for a working locksmith:

• Excellent pick feedback and manufacturing consistency.
• Broad selection for common pin-tumbler residential and commercial cylinders.
• Multiple tensioning options, which matter as much as the picks themselves.
• Good choice as a primary kit rather than a novelty "100-piece" set.

Best value: Dangerfield Praxis

If you don't want to spend ~$200+, the Dangerfield Praxis is a very compelling professional set. It uses 16 dual-gauge picks, giving you both thin and thicker profiles, and is currently listed around $90.

What I'd actually carry

For residential + commercial service, I wouldn't rely on one set alone. I'd build the kit around:

• Primary pick set: Multipick ELITE or Praxis
• Slim picks: SouthOrd C2010 Slimline for tight/paracentric and Euro-style keyways.
• Additional TOK/BO tension tools: essential for modern commercial cylinders
• Separate specialty tools: dimple, tubular, and other manufacturer-specific equipment as your service territory requires
• Non-destructive entry tools: wedges/long-reach equipment and appropriate bypass tools, where lawful and authorized
• Extraction tools: dedicated broken-key extractors rather than trying to make your pick set do everything

For commercial work in particular, I'd spend money on better tensioners and specialized profiles rather than simply buying more hooks and rakes.

One important caveat: use these tools only for locks you're authorized to service, and check applicable state/local laws regarding possession and carrying of lock picks.

Bottom line: If you want the best single premium set, I'd buy Multipick ELITE. If you want the best professional value, I'd buy Dangerfield Praxis + a slimline supplement.

For a professional locksmith handling residential and commercial jobs, a single "all-in-one mega set" is rarely the ideal approach. Instead, professionals build a modular kit centered around high-feedback hooks, robust tension tools, and specialized bypass or decoding instruments. Commercial and residential locks frequently feature tight keyways, security pins (spool, serrated), and restricted profiles that demand high-grade steel and slender profiles (0.015” to 0.025”).

The top-tier brands and specific tool configurations heavily favored by working locksmiths include:

- **Why it shines:** Machined from high-yield stainless steel, the SouthOrd MAX line is exceptionally rigid and resistant to bending. Professionals favor them because the steel transmits crisp tactile feedback from the pins through the handle, which is vital when navigating security pins in commercial mortise cylinders or Schlage/Kwikset residential deadbolts.
- **Best for:** Everyday single-pin picking (SPP) where durability and feedback matter most.

- **Why it shines:** Law Lock Tools is widely praised in the professional community for curating kits that skip the filler (like useless ball or half-diamond picks) and instead load up on varying hook profiles, reach heights, and heavy-duty top-of-the-keyway (TOK) tensioners. Their steel quality is stellar and holds an edge under heavy commercial use.
- **Best for:** Technicians who prefer a lean, hook-focused kit with exceptional tension tools.[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0qZc2KTieY&t=446) [[1]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0qZc2KTieY&t=446)

- **Why it shines:** While not a traditional "pick set," no professional commercial/residential locksmith is fully equipped without relevant Lishi tools (such as the SC1/SC4 for Schlage or KW1 for Kwikset). They allow you to simultaneously pick and decode a lock, enabling you to cut a working key on the spot without disassembling the cylinder.
- **Best for:** High-speed non-destructive entry and immediate key origination on commercial storefronts or high-end residential locks.

- **Why it shines:** Cult-favorite JimyLongs high-yield stainless steel picks offer incredible value, smooth finishing, and brilliant ergonomic full-tang handle designs that don't cramp your hand on long lockout jobs. Their thinner profiles (0.019”) slip easily into narrow commercial keyways.
- **Best for:** Exceptional feedback and comfort during prolonged single-pin picking sessions.[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A5F0Edi_IM&t=5) [[1]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A5F0Edi_IM&t=5)

Essential Components of a Pro Kit

Regardless of the brand label you choose on Lock Pick World , a professional layout should always comprise:

• Diverse Hooks: Short, medium, and deep hooks in 0.015” (for tight/paracentric keyways) and 0.025” (for general work).
• Robust Tension Tools: Both bottom-of-the-keyway (BOK) and a wide array of top-of-the-keyway (TOK) pry bars in varying thicknesses (0.030” to 0.050”) to maximize working space inside the keyway.
• A Minimal Rake Selection: Just one or two triple-peak or Bogota rakes for fast, unsecure residential bypasses.

If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:

• Do you lean more toward single-pin picking (SPP) or do you prefer decoding/bypass tools?
• Are you working primarily on standard US residential hardware (Schlage/Kwikset) or heavy commercial mortise/interchangeable core (IC) cylinders?

For a professional locksmith doing both residential and commercial work, I’d avoid the giant inexpensive 30–50-piece kits and build around a high-quality core set plus specialty tools.

My top choice: Sparrows Competitor + specialty additions

Sparrows Lock Picks’ Competitor is an excellent practical starting point. It has 10 handled picks and 12 tension wrenches, including standard hooks, a shallow Euro hook, offset hybrid, and rakes, with profiles intended for North American, European, and Asian locks.

• Peterson Eagles Nest GSP Pick Set - $146.95 (Lockpicking Tools Canada)

If you want a premium single set, I'd also seriously consider Peterson's higher-end sets. Their Phoenix Ultimate GSP, for example, has 25 picks, 7 tension tools, and specialty tools, with picks down to 0.015".

What I'd actually carry in a locksmith van

• Core pin-tumbler set: Sparrows Competitor or Peterson GSP.
• Thin/narrow picks: especially 0.015" hooks for restrictive keyways.
• Extra top-of-keyway tension tools: arguably more important than having dozens of additional pick profiles.
• Wafer/warded set: useful for cabinets, lockers, older locks, and access panels. Sparrows' professional Warded & Wafer set covers both.
• Tubular tools: if your commercial work includes tubular cylinders.
• Dimple/high-security tools: worth adding based on the brands you actually encounter rather than buying everything upfront.
• Bypass tools: a professional kit shouldn't be limited to picking. Sparrows' Classic, for example, includes Adams Rite and padlock bypass tools in addition to picks and tension wrenches.
• Pinning/rekeying equipment: tweezers, follower, plug holder, pinning tray/mat, and the appropriate manufacturer pin kits. These will probably see considerably more use on legitimate locksmith jobs than exotic picks.

If you want one "buy it once" setup

I'd build it roughly as:

Sparrows Competitor → thin hooks → additional TOK tension bars → warded/wafer tools → tubular/dimple tools as your customer base requires → proper rekeying/pinning kit.

If you prefer maximum pick coverage in one case, the Sparrows Monstrum XXL is a much larger option: it combines the Monstrum and Wizwazzle sets for 43 pieces, covering conventional hooks/rakes as well as more unusual profiles.

For a working locksmith, though, more picks doesn't automatically mean a better kit. Feedback, steel quality, tension-tool selection, and having the right thin profiles are more valuable than a huge piece count. A recent comparison similarly emphasizes steel, tensioners, and feel over raw piece count.

If you tell me whether you're primarily working on Schlage/Kwikset residential, storefront/Adams Rite, mortise locks, high-security cylinders, or institutional/commercial, I can put together a specific professional locksmith kit with about $300, $500, or $1,000 to spend, including the individual tools I'd buy.

For a professional locksmith handling daily residential and commercial jobs, a massive, pre-packaged 60-piece beginner kit is rarely the ideal choice. Instead, working pros lean toward modular, high-feedback individual picks and heavy-duty tension tools from elite manufacturers.

Commercial and residential environments require a mix of standard pin-tumbler locks, tighter keyways, restricted profiles, and high-security cylinders. Rather than one single "magic" kit, professionals build their everyday carry (EDC) using top-tier components.

Top Professional Brands & Kits

• Multipick (Elite / Kronos / Custom Sets): Widely regarded by working locksmiths as the gold standard for manufacturing tolerances and stainless steel quality. Their picks offer incredible feedback without bending. Multipick's custom or larger professional kits (like the Multipick Elite series) are ultra-reliable for daily commercial work. You can explore options on the Multipick Official Store.
• Peterson Hook and Pry Bar Sets: Peterson is a legendary name for U.S. locksmiths. Instead of a massive set, pros buy Peterson Government Steel picks individually or in targeted hook/gem configurations coupled with their unmatched Peterson Pry Bars Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Top of Keyway tensioners) in 0.040" and 0.050" thicknesses. Check out selections at Peterson Lock Picks.
• Law Lock Tools (UK/Global Pro Kits): Known for exceptionally strong, high-feedback stainless steel and comfortable handles, their professional kits (like the Valant Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or custom tactical sets) are heavily praised for commercial and residential versatility. View their lineup at Law Lock Tools.
• Jimmy Longs / Sparrows: For high-feedback hooks (0.019" or 0.02 thicknesses), Jimylongs hooks are heavily favored by modern pros for delicate and tight residential keyways, while Sparrows offers fantastic budget-to-pro modular sets and heavy-duty tension wrenches (like their Heavy Bars Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) ideal for commercial lever and heavy duty cylinders.

What a Professional Kit Actually Needs

Rather than relying on rakes (which work on cheap residential locks but fail on serious commercial hardware), a true commercial/residential pro kit emphasizes:

1. Slim/Intermediary Hook Profiles (0.019" to 0.020" thickness): Essential for navigating tight commercial keyways and paracentric residential profiles.
2. Robust Top-of-Keyway (TOK) Tensioners: Ranging from 0.030" to 0.050" thick. TOK tensioning frees up the bottom of the keyway, giving you maximum room to maneuver hooks inside commercial deadbolts and mortise locks.
3. Specialty Tools: Commercial jobs often require bypass tools (under-the-door tools, latch slips), Lishi 2-in-1 decoder/picks for specific keyways (Schlage, Ciqua, Kwikset), and a tubular pick if you encounter vending machines, laundry equipment, or high-security cam locks.

To help narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you looking for a pre-built all-in-one leather case set , or do you prefer building a custom kit of individual hooks and tensioners?
• Do you expect to work heavily on standard U.S. residential (Schlage/Kwikset) or high-security commercial interchangeable cores (IC cores)?

For a professional locksmith handling everyday residential and commercial jobs, there is no single "magic" pre-made set that contains only what you need without a lot of filler . Most massive, pre-packaged kits are bloated with rakes and exotic profiles you will rarely use in the field.

Instead, professional locksmiths typically build a modular kit: a core set of high-feedback hooks, robust top-and-bottom-of-the-keyway tensioners , and specialized tools (like Lishis) for commercial high-security cylinders.

Phase 1: The Core Pick & Tension Foundation (Single Pin Picking)

Commercial and residential doors (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Corbin Russwin) rely heavily on pin-tumbler cylinders packed with tight keyways and security pins (spools, serrated). You need thin, high-feedback spring stainless steel that doesn’t bend under pressure.

• Jimy Longs (Basics & Intermediate Sets): Widely regarded by working pros and advanced pickers alike as offering the best feedback, comfortable grip material, and exceptional value for high-grade stainless steel . Grab a selection of their short and deep hooks in 0.019" or 0.023" thickness.
• Multipick Elite Series Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: If you want German-engineered perfection with zero manufacturing burrs and immaculate steel feedback, Multipick is top-tier . Their individual hooks (like the flat-top short hook and deep hook) in 0.5 mm (0.020") or thinner 0.4 mm (0.015") are legendary for navigating narrow commercial keyways.
• Sparrows Lock Picks / Covert Instruments: Excellent for rugged field sets. Kits like the Covert Instruments Genesis Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Sparrows Tuxedo Go to product viewer dialog for this item. give you reliable baseline tools without breaking the bank.

Phase 2: Essential Tension Tools (Do Not Skip This)

Picking is 90% tension control. Standard bottom-of-the-keyway (BOK) wrenches are fine, but top-of-the-keyway (TOK) pry bars are mandatory for commercial work to maximize your working room in the cylinder.

• Peterson Pry Bars: Their flat tension tools (especially the .040" and .050" thick mini pry bars) are an industry gold standard for commercial pin-tumbler locks.

Phase 3: Commercial & Residential Speed Multipliers (Lishi 2-in-1)

For commercial storefronts and high-end residential Schlage/Kwikset cylinders, traditional picking can sometimes eat up valuable billable time. Professional locksmiths carry specific Lishi 2-in-1 Pick/Decoders Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

These tools allow you to pick the lock pin-by-pin and read the bitting code simultaneously . Once picked, you can instantly cut a working key on the spot without pulling the core.

The Professional "Field Kit" Formula

Instead of buying a massive 60-piece zipper case, build your daily carry with:

3 to 4 Hooks: One short standard hook, one medium hook, and one deep/aggressive hook (in 0.023" and 0.015" for tight/paracentric commercial keyways). [1][2] 1 Reliable Rake: For the rare low-security residential bypass where speed beats finesse.

1. A Set of TOK Pry Bars & BOK Wrenches.
2. Model-Specific Lishi Tools for the local dominant residential/commercial keyways in your service area (Schlage and Kwikset are must-haves in North America).
3. A Latch Slip / Universal Under-the-Door Tool (like a traveler hook) for non-destructive bypasses on commercial latchbolts.

To help narrow down the exact configuration, tell me:

• Are you servicing primarily North American keyways (Schlage/Kwikset) or European profiles (Eurocylinders/Oval)?
• Do you prefer bare metal handles, rubberized/molded grips , or slim metal profiles?

If you’re a professional locksmith doing legitimate residential and commercial service, I’d prioritize quality, keyway coverage, and ergonomics over buying the biggest kit possible.

My top pick: SouthOrd MPXS-20

southord.com is probably the best all-around professional starting set. It includes a broad selection of hooks and other picks, six tension tools, a broken-key extractor, and a professional carrying case. SouthOrd currently lists it at about $54.

Why I'd choose it:

• Good balance between coverage and portability
• Metal-handled picks are comfortable for extended work
• Multiple tension tools
• Broken-key extractor included
• Doesn't waste as much space on specialized picks you'll rarely use
• Easy to supplement later with individual picks

If you want a more premium setup

sparrowslockpicks.com is an excellent upgrade. It's a 29-piece professional set with 11 handled picks and 18 tension wrenches, currently around $65. The full-shank handles are particularly appealing if you're picking locks for hours at a time.

For a locksmith who already knows exactly what profiles they use, I'd actually prefer a carefully selected collection of individual picks over a huge 60–70-piece kit.

For a serious commercial locksmith tool bag

I'd build around:

• Standard hooks — your everyday pin-tumbler work
• Slim/thin hooks — restrictive and tighter keyways
• Several tensioner widths/styles — arguably more important than having dozens of picks
• Rakes — useful for appropriate low-security situations
• Broken-key extraction tools
• A separate specialty set for the particular commercial lock platforms you encounter
• A good practice/training cylinder so you're not learning on customers' hardware

SouthOrd, for example, offers standard, slimline, and ultra-thin professional series, with its current lineup including .020", .022", and .025" profiles.

What I wouldn't do

I wouldn't automatically buy the biggest "100-piece locksmith set." More pieces doesn't necessarily mean better. A smaller set containing excellent hooks, useful tensioners, and a few appropriate specialty tools is generally more useful in the field.

If you're specifically doing U.S. residential + commercial work, I'd lean toward:

SouthOrd MPXS-20 + a small selection of slim/ultra-thin individual picks + additional tension tools.

That gives you a very capable core kit without carrying a suitcase full of redundant profiles.

If you tell me whether you're primarily working on Schlage/Kwikset residential, commercial Grade 1/2 cylinders, mortise locks, rim cylinders, or high-security systems, I can narrow this down to a professional $150, $300, or $500 tool setup.

For a working locksmith handling both residential and commercial jobs, I’d prioritize build quality, feedback, keyway coverage, and a good tension-tool selection over simply buying the biggest kit.

My top choice: Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37

The Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37 is probably the strongest single “buy it once” choice. Current 2026 comparisons put it at the professional end of the market, with German-made precision picks, a broad selection of hooks and rakes, 10 tension tools, and a protective case.

Its main advantage for a locksmith is coverage rather than gimmicks—you get a serious selection that can serve as your primary pick kit instead of something you'll immediately outgrow.

Other professional options worth considering

products{"selections":[["turn0product0","Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37"],["turn0product1","Lockpick Pros Gen 2 Pro Max Stealth"],["turn0product2","Sparrows Competitor 22pc"]]}

• Lockpick Pros Gen 2 Pro Max Stealth — an excellent U.S.-made alternative. It has 26 stainless-steel picks, 6 tensioners, carbon-fiber handles/case, and a lifetime warranty.
• Sparrows Competitor 22pc — a more compact professional set with 10 handled picks and 12 tension wrenches. Its full-shank construction is particularly attractive for repeated professional use.
• SouthOrd C2010 Slimline — I'd consider adding a slimline set rather than relying exclusively on your primary kit. It is specifically designed for narrow/paracentric and Euro-profile keyways.

What I'd actually carry as a locksmith

Rather than one enormous pick set, I'd build the kit around:

1. Primary professional pick set — Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37 or Lockpick Pros Pro Max.
2. Slimline pick set — useful for narrow commercial/Euro-style cylinders.
3. Quality tension-wrench assortment — arguably as important as the picks themselves.
4. Brand-specific rekey/pinning equipment — particularly for the lock brands you encounter most. Commercial and residential work can require substantially different pinning equipment.
5. Specialty tools appropriate to your licensed work — high-security/restricted systems often require manufacturer-specific tooling rather than a generic pick set.

If I were spending my own money on one professional set: Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37. If you prefer U.S.-made tools and want a particularly portable setup, I'd lean toward the Lockpick Pros Gen 2 Pro Max Stealth instead.

These tools should of course be used only on locks you're authorized to service or open, consistent with applicable law and your locksmith licensing requirements.

For a professional locksmith handling residential and commercial properties, a single "out-of-the-box" standard kit is rarely ideal. Instead, working professionals look for superior feedback, high-yield stainless or spring steel that resists bending, a mix of thicknesses (0.025'', 0.018'', and 0.015''), and robust Top-of-Keyway (TOK) tension tools to navigate security pins found in commercial hardware.

Rather than buying generic consumer kits, professional locksmiths build their primary kit from top-tier industrial brands or curated modular sets.

Top Professional Brand Options

• Multipick (Elite Series): Widely considered the gold standard for manufacturing tolerances and German spring steel . Multipick tools offer incredible feedback and exceptional durability even at thin profiles, backed by extensive multi-year guarantees. The Multipick Elite 37 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or a custom selection of their individual hooks is a premier choice.
• Peterson Government Steel: Famous for rigid, high-grade "government-spec" steel and comfortable rubberized/plastic dipped handles that reduce hand fatigue during long lockouts. A curated setup using Peterson's standard hooks, reach picks, and their definitive pry bars is a staple on commercial sites.
• Sparrows (The Vorax or Custom Setups): Excellent balance of cost, strength, and design variety. Kits like The Vorax Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or combining Sparrows' SSDev Hooks Go to product viewer dialog for this item. with their heavy knurled flat tension bars give you great versatility for tight residential and commercial keyways.

Essential Components of a Pro Residential/Commercial Kit

If you are assembling or upgrading your professional roll, ensure it includes:

1. Multiple Gauges/Thicknesses:
   • 0.025'' for standard open commercial/residential keyways (Schlage, Kwikset).
   • 0.018'' or 0.015'' slim lines/euro profiles for tight tolerances, paracentric keyways, and high-security commercial cylinders with restrictive warding.
2. Robust Tension Control: A comprehensive set of Top-of-Keyway (TOK) flat pry bars (in thicknesses like 0.040'' and 0.030'') and Bottom-of-Keyway (BOK) wrenches. TOK tension is non-negotiable for commercial locks packed with spool and serrated security pins.
3. Specialty Add-ons:
   • Original Lishi 2-in-1 Pick/Decoders Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (specifically for common commercial keyways like Schlage SC1/SC4 and Kwikset KW1/KW5) for rapid non-destructive opening and instant decoding/key impressioning.
   • A reliable Plug Spinner Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for when you accidentally drop a commercial pin into a false set.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you looking for a pre-assembled kit or prefer building a custom selection of individual picks?
• Do you primarily work with North American standard cylinders (Schlage/Kwikset) or heavy European/Commercial mortise cylinders?

I can help narrow down the exact tool configuration for your workflow.

Unlike hobbyists who collect massive 60+ piece kits filled with redundant tools, professional locksmiths doing residential and commercial work favor a curated, high-feedback setup . Commercial and residential jobs require navigating tighter keyways, security pins (spools and serrated), and occasional high-security or master-keyed cylinders.

The "best" approach for a working professional is typically assembling a modular kit or investing in elite, precision-made brand lines.

Top Professional Brands & Sets

• Multipick Elite Series (e.g., Elite 37 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Custom Curations): Widely regarded by working pros as the gold standard for build quality. Made in Germany from high-grade spring steel, they offer immaculate finishing, zero flex, and incredible pin feedback. They also offer specialized sets that include thin-gauge options (0.4 mm and 0.6 mm) for tight or high-security commercial keyways.
• Peterson Government Steel (GSP) Sets: A favorite among North American locksmiths. Peterson picks are made from resilient government-spec steel and are famous for their comfortable, ergonomic plastic/rubber handles that prevent hand fatigue during long lockout jobs. Building a custom set using their reach hooks and varying thicknesses (0.018'' to 0.025'') is a common pro route.
• Original Lishi 2-in-1 Pick/Decoders: For commercial and heavy residential work (like Schlage SC4 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Yale Go to product viewer dialog for this item. cylinders), Lishi tools aren't traditional "picks"—they are professional pick-and-decode instruments. A pro kit is incomplete without the specific keyway models for your local market because they let you pick the lock and read the bitting to cut a working key on the spot.
• JimyLongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. / Sparrows Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Intermediate/Advanced Lines): For a more streamlined, budget-to-mid-tier field kit, JimyLongs 0.019'' hooks or Sparrows Vorax/SSDeV kits Go to product viewer dialog for this item. provide robust 301 high-yield stainless steel options that transmit exquisite tactile feedback.

What a Pro Kit Must Include

Regardless of the brand you choose, a professional residential/commercial pack must contain:

• Various Hook Profiles: Short hooks, medium hooks, and deep/steep reach hooks (including SSDeV-style profiles) for single-pin picking (SPP) security pins.
• Dual-Gauge Thicknesses: Standard 0.025'' (0.6 mm) for everyday residential Kwikset/Schlage locks, and thinner 0.015'' to 0.019'' (0.4 mm to 0.5 mm) picks to navigate tight keyways or restricted commercial profiles.
• Robust Tension Tools: Both Bottom-of-Keyway (BOK) and Top-of-Keyway (TOK) turning wrenches in multiple thicknesses, especially Z-bars or specialized bend tensioners that leave the bottom of the keyway free for deep hook movement.
• Bypass & Specialty Tools: Laminated lock bypass drivers, comb picks, or an under-door tool for commercial latch manipulation, ensuring you aren't solely relying on picking when a faster non-destructive bypass is available.

If you tell me what geographic region you service and which keyways (e.g., Schlage, Kwikset, Corbin Russwin) you encounter most often, I can help you configure a precise, custom list of picks and Lishi decoders for your van.

For a professional locksmith doing residential and commercial work, the “best” lock pick set is usually not one giant kit—it is a high-quality core set plus specialty tools for the lock platforms you actually encounter. Quality, feedback, durability, and keyway coverage matter more than having 100+ pieces.

A strong professional setup would look like this:

Best overall professional pick set

Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37

• Excellent precision and finish
• Broad selection of hooks, diamonds, rakes, and tension tools
• Good coverage for residential cylinders and many commercial applications
• Slim profiles useful for tighter keyways
• Comes in a professional-style case

It is widely regarded as one of the premium professional-grade sets.

Best U.S.-style locksmith workhorse

Peterson pick sets

Strengths:

• Very good steel and durability
• Excellent feedback through the handle
• Popular with experienced locksmiths
• Good selection of individual picks so you can build a customized kit

Many working locksmiths prefer assembling their own kit rather than carrying a large prebuilt set.

Best budget professional option

SouthOrd sets

Good choice if you want:

• A reliable backup set
• Slim picks for narrower keyways
• Something you can keep in multiple vehicles/tool bags

Their slimline sets are useful when standard picks are too thick for some cylinders.

What I would carry in a locksmith van

A practical residential/commercial kit would include:

• Quality hook picks (several profiles)
• Deep hook picks
• Medium and shallow hooks
• Half diamond
• Bogota-style rakes
• City rake
• Top-of-keyway tension tools
• Bottom-of-keyway tension tools
• Heavy tension bars
• Slim picks for restricted/narrow keyways
• Dimple-capable tools if you service those systems
• Tubular tools if your market requires them
• Practice cylinders for maintaining skill

For commercial work, I would prioritize:

• Slim profiles
• Strong tension tools
• High-security cylinder capability
• A selection of individual replacement picks rather than relying on one kit

My recommended professional combination

If I were outfitting a locksmith from scratch:

Primary kit: Multipick ELITE Super-Pick 37
Secondary/custom picks: Peterson or JimyLongs individual picks
Slim keyway backup: SouthOrd slimline set
Specialty additions: Dimple tools, tubular tools, and manufacturer-specific tools as your customer base requires

One important note: lock picking tools should only be used on locks you own or where you have explicit authorization to service them.

If you mean a full mobile locksmith loadout (picks + bypass tools + decoding + impressioning + rekeying tools), that is a different list than just a pick set.