Want to learn lock picking?
So you want to learn to pick locks, but not sure where to start? You are not alone. There are a lot of lock picking tools, practice locks, kits, and accessories out there, and it is easy to spend money on stuff you either do not need yet or will outgrow fast. This page is here to make that first step simple. We have narrowed it down to the best beginner-friendly products we offer, the tools that actually help you build real skill without wasting money on filler. Everything here is high quality, useful, and chosen with a clear purpose, so you can start learning lock picking with confidence and buy once instead of guessing your way through it. Ready to see them side by side? Browse our full range of lock pick sets, from beginner kits to advanced systems.
FNG
The FNG is the easiest place to start if you want to learn lock picking without overthinking it. Instead of buying a cheap beginner lock pick set packed with tools you do not understand yet, this gives you the basics that actually matter: a hook, a rake, a turning tool, and a clear acrylic lock so you can see what is happening inside. It is simple, affordable, and built with real Covert Instruments quality, not throwaway “starter kit” junk. If you are brand new and just want to find out if lock picking is for you, the FNG is a smart first step that gets you picking without wasting money on fluff.
Genesis Lock Pick Set
The Genesis Lock Pick Set is our first recommendation for most people who are ready to learn lock picking because it gives you real tools without jumping straight into a bigger bundle. It keeps the price low, but it does not feel like a cheap beginner lock pick set. You get the core picks and turning tools you actually need to start building skill, packed in a proper case, without a bunch of filler tools thrown in just to make the kit look bigger. If you already have a practice lock, or you want to start with the best value before adding more training gear, Genesis is the smart first buy.
Learn Lockpicking Bundle
The Learn Lockpicking Bundle is the best choice if you are ready to move past “just trying it out” and actually start building skill. It gives you the core lock picking tools from the Genesis Pick Set, a proper case to keep everything organized, and a repinnable practice lock you can keep making harder as you improve. That means you are not stuck buying random pieces one at a time or guessing which practice lock goes with which pick set. This is a clean, practical lock picking starter kit with the stuff you actually need, nothing padded out to make the bundle look bigger than it is. If you want a solid first setup that can take you from beginner lock picking into more serious practice, this is the one.
Ready to upgrade your lock picking tools?
Already have the basics down? This section is for pickers who are ready to move past starter gear and add more capability to their kit. Better lock picking tools can give you more control, better feedback, and more options when a standard hook or rake is not the right answer. These are the products we recommend when you want to expand your skills, tackle a wider range of locks, and keep progressing without buying random tools you may never use. Everything here has a purpose, nothing is filler, and each piece is meant to help you become a more capable picker.
Echelon Pick Set
The Echelon Pick Set is the first place we recommend going once you have the basics down and want more range from your lock picking tools. Think of it as the natural upgrade from Genesis: slimmer 0.020" versions of core profiles for tighter keyways, a 0.025" Gentle Reach, plus specialty tools for tubular and dimple locks. You also get a stronger tension setup with ergo turners, top-of-keyway turning tools, and a dedicated tubular lock turning tool, all packed into the trifold Garrison case. If you are starting to run into locks where your beginner set feels a little too limited, Echelon gives you more reach, more control, and more ways to attack the problem without loading you down with junk you will never use.
Reaper Lock Pick Set
The Reaper Lock Pick Set is for pickers who already know their way around a lock and want a more focused, hook-heavy setup. Designed with McNally, this set gives you five custom hook profiles, including the McTickler, along with six adaptive turning tools built around serious top-of-keyway tension. This is not a broad beginner kit and it is not trying to be. It is a compact, purpose-built lock pick set for people who care about precision, feedback, and having the right hook when standard profiles are not getting it done. If your single-pin picking is improving and you want tools that reward better control, Reaper is a strong next move.
Apex EDC
Apex EDC is for the picker who wants a premium carry system without buying the whole Apex lineup at once. You choose the Evolution set that fits how you like to pick: EVO 1 for 0.025" core hooks and rakes, EVO 2 for slimmer 0.020" versions, EVO 3 for more specialized single-pin profiles, or EVO 4 for specialty rakes and more unusual profiles. The picks are made from 301 High Yield Steel, and the kit includes one five-pick Evolution tray, a turning tool tray, modified ergo turners, top-of-keyway flat turners, precision 2-in-1 turners, Fusion Straps, and the removable logo puck. If you want better feedback, cleaner organization, and the ability to build into the Apex system over time, EDC is the smartest entry point.
Apex Loaded
Apex Loaded is the full-send version of the Apex system. Instead of choosing one five-pick Evolution set like you do with Apex EDC, Loaded gives you all four Evolution trays, 20 picks total, covering 0.025" hooks and rakes, 0.020" slim profiles, specialized single-pin picks, dimple/rake options, McTickler profiles, and more. You also get the full turning tool setup with modified ergo turners, top-of-keyway flat turners, precision 2-in-1 turners, Fusion Straps, and removable logo pucks. This is the one for pickers who already know they want the whole ecosystem, not just a taste of it. If you want a serious lock picking tool setup with range, feedback, carry, storage, and room to grow, Apex Loaded is the most complete option in this section.
Ready to go beyond lock picking?
This section is for tools that expand your skill set past standard picks and tensioners. Lock bypass tools help you understand different ways locks, latches, and security hardware can be opened or defeated without traditional picking, while EDC tools give you compact, practical options you can keep organized and ready to use. These are not novelty gadgets or filler items, they are purpose-built tools for people who want more capability, more flexibility, and a better understanding of how physical security really works.
Covert Companion Pro
The Covert Companion Pro is the all-in-one EDC option for people who want a serious amount of capability in one compact tool platform. It comes fully assembled with an all-metal body, deep-carry pocket clip, 0.020" FU Pick, 0.020" F-ME Pick, multiple 3-in-1 turning tools, warded picks, quad combs, jigglers, a traveler hook, knife tool, notched decoder, utility flat, padlock bypass driver, and dimple rake. In other words, this is not just a lock pick set you toss in a pocket. It is a purpose-built everyday carry entry tool system for people who want picks, bypass tools, and specialty profiles organized in one ready-to-use package.
Arbiter Bypass Kit
The Arbiter Bypass Kit is a dedicated lock bypass tool set for people who want to understand and work with common bypass vectors instead of only focusing on picking. It includes the Traveler Hook, Adams Rite Wire, Commercial Door Hook, Padlock Bypass Driver, 0.006" Notched Decoder, 0.010" Notched Decoder, Knife Tool, Credit Card Latch Slipper, and an OD Green Tradecraft Case to keep everything organized. This is a strong standalone kit because it covers a wide range of real hardware problems, from commercial door hardware to padlocks, latches, and wheeled combination locks. If you want a compact bypass kit with tools that each serve a clear purpose, Arbiter is the one to look at.
Misfits Toys Set
The Misfits Toys Set is for the oddball locks and situations that do not always fit neatly into standard pin tumbler picking. You get a Quad Comb Set with four comb picks ranging from 0.025" down to 0.015", giving you options for more keyways and common 4-pin to 6-pin padlocks and puck locks. You also get jiggler picks for cam wafer locks, long-handled warded picks for warded locks, and a Garrison Pick Case with nine pockets, a foldable stand-up design, and magnetic closure. This is not trying to replace your pick set, it is the kit you grab when the lock in front of you calls for something different.
Complete Bump Key Bundle
The Complete Bump Key Bundle is the simple way to add bumping to your lock entry toolkit without buying keys one at a time. It includes every bump key we offer, AR1, KW1, M1, SC1, SC4, WR5, and Y1, along with 10 rebound rings. That gives you a practical spread of common keyways in one small, affordable bundle. For a more complete setup, we also recommend adding a Bump Hammer (not included), since a purpose-built hammer gives you better control, a tuned impact, and a cleaner feel than trying to improvise with the wrong tool.