One of the questions we encounter most is when to use slim picks over standard lock picks. It’s a good question! Choosing lock picks can feel overwhelming, so our little guide below will help you answer this question and understand the difference between a standard lock pick and the thinner euro-style picks.
When to use slim picks or standard picks
Most reputable lock pick manufacturers make picks in two varieties: slim-line (“Euro-style”) lock picks and standard-style lock picks.
There are only two possible variations. The length of the pick is rarely changed, as its usefulness is reduced if it is shortened, and there is little benefit in increasing the length noticeably.
Only the width and height are ever changed when referring to slim-line picks.
Slimline “Euro Style” Lock Picks
Most commonly, slim-line or Euro-style picks refer to the height of the pick along the length of it being reduced, as shown in the below diagram:
As the pick height has been significantly reduced, the same pick profile can now be used in more restricted keyways that may otherwise be difficult to access.
A tighter, snug fit between the lockpick and the lock increases the chance that the height of the neck of the pick will interfere with other pins that have already been set or have not yet been picked while the tool is in use. This can cause great frustration. A slim-line pick, therefore, eliminates this problem. T
As mentioned above, the width is also variable. This has the added benefit of greater flexibility and the ability to move in locks that would otherwise be restricted by extremely thin keyways.
As shown in the pictures of Peterson picks below, the thickness can vary greatly between picks (0.37mm vs 0.64mm). Below are the Peterson Slenders at 0.015 of an inch vs the standard 0.025 of an inch.
Why not use slimline lock picks all the time?
The downside of reducing the thickness of the lock pick, however, is that the pick is more prone to being broken or damaged during picking. This is an especially common problem for people who are new to lock picking and have not yet mastered a ‘lighter touch’. It also prevents the pick from attacking particularly stuck pins, such as deep spools or pins stuck due to corrosion/wear and tear.
Lean and (still) Mean
To combat the loss of strength when reducing the thickness of lock picks, Peterson Lock Picks recently produced a set of lower profile, euro-style lock picks with a slightly thicker profile than most euro-profile picks. These picks were developed alongside lock picking group TOOOL to produce a euro pick that could take a beating in competition, so they are great for lock sports enthusiasts.
These picks are set to a 0.018 profile, which, while still on the narrow side, provides superior strength, a real hit among the PickPals team.
Peterson Euro Slenders – Check them out here.
So, which lock picks should you get?
My recommendation is that if you’re a beginner, you’re probably going to want to get a ‘Standard’ pick set. It will still work in most locks you find and will last longer while you hone your picking skills and learn to use a lighter touch. We have many customers who purchase our nine-piece slim set when starting out and have absolutely no issues. These picks are very strong, but if you are heavy-handed, do consider a standard pick set.
If you encounter many locks with very narrow keyways or you’ve been picking for a while and want to take the next step up, then slim-line picks are the way to go. Whilst slimline lock picks are still solid and don’t break easily, it is possible that they do suffer more when learning to pick locks.
In summary, when does each property matter?
| PROFILE | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced Width | Can move in more complex locks more easily |
Can be bent out of shape or break more easily |
| Increase Width | More strength to attack harder pins, more durable, longer expected life |
Harder to move in complex locks |
| Reduced Height | Fits in more locks | Weak points are more prone to failure |
| Increased Height | More strength to attack harder pins, more durable, longer expected life |
Will not fit in all key-ways, especially paracentric ones |
| Reduced Length | N/A | Will not be able to reach pins towards the backs of locks |
| Increased Length | Can be useful in some extremely recessed keyways |
Is more likely to bend/break |
PickPals has a range of slimline picks and Euro practice locks.
