5 Reasons the SouthOrd Lock Noob Set Belongs in Every Locksmith's Toolkit

If you're a working locksmith, a locksport hobbyist, or anyone who regularly handles pin tumbler locks, you've likely come across the buzz around the SouthOrd Lock Noob Set (LNB-20). Developed in collaboration with well-known lock picking educator Lock Noob, this set has quickly become a talking point in the lock picking community and for good reason.

Below, we break down five reasons this set stands out, and below, we break down five reasons this set stands out and why it belongs on your workbench and in your toolkit. 

1. It Uses SouthOrd's Ultra-Thin MAX High Yield Picks (.020")

One of the standout features locksmiths immediately notice is the pick thickness. The Lock Noob Set includes SouthOrd's MAX High Yield picks at .020", noticeably thinner than standard picks.

For locksmiths, pick thickness isn't a cosmetic detail. It directly affects:

• Keyway compatibility — ultra-thin picks navigate tight, restrictive, or security-pinned keyways that thicker picks can't enter cleanly.

• Tactile feedback — thinner steel transmits pin movement more precisely, which matters when diagnosing security pins, spool pins, or worn tumblers on a service call.

• Control during single pin picking (SPP) — thinner profiles reduce binding against keyway walls, giving a cleaner read on individual pin stacks.

This makes the set particularly useful for locksmiths who work across a mix of residential, commercial, and high-security cylinders where keyway tolerances vary widely.

2. The Tension Tool Selection Covers Both TOK and BOK Techniques

A pick is only half the job; tension technique is what actually determines whether a lock opens cleanly or gets scratched up. This is where the Lock Noob Set separates itself from many entry-level kits.

The set includes a wide range of tension tools, along with a dedicated Top-of-Keyway (TOK) tension set covering six different profiles, in addition to standard bottom-of-keyway (BOK) tools.

Why this matters for professionals:

• TOK tools work better on certain keyway geometries (like many European or restricted profile cylinders) where a bottom tension tool has no clean point of contact.

• BOK tools remain the standard choice for most common pin tumbler locks, including many U.S. residential and commercial cylinders.

• Having both styles on hand means fewer trips back to the van and more locks openable on the first attempt, regardless of keyway shape.

One detail worth noting: several of the included tension tools use a tapered profile thicker at the handle, narrowing toward the tip. This design gives more leverage and control at the handle while keeping the working tip thin enough for precise, low-torque tensioning, a helpful feature when working delicate or worn cylinders.

3. Rake Selection Built for Speed Without Sacrificing Control

Time matters on service calls, and rakes are often the fastest route into a standard pin tumbler lock. The Lock Noob Set includes a curated rake selection: Pagoda triple peak, Pagoda double peak, and a Classic Slimline rake plus a diamond profile for more targeted work.

This combination gives locksmiths flexibility depending on the lock in front of them:

• Pagoda-style rakes are effective for bouncing through standard pin stacks quickly, which is useful for straightforward lockouts.

• Slimline rakes offer more control in tighter or shallower keyways.

• Diamond profiles allow for more deliberate, single-pin-style manipulation when a lock resists raking, including locks with security pins that a fast rake pass won't defeat cleanly.

Having rake and single-pin-capable tools in the same set means a locksmith isn't forced to switch kits mid-job when a raking attempt fails and a more methodical approach is needed.

4. Organized, Durable Case Built for Field Use

For a working locksmith, tool organization isn't a convenience; it's a workflow issue. Fumbling through a disorganized pouch on a job site costs time and looks unprofessional in front of a client.

The Lock Noob Set is housed in a nappa leather zippered case designed to keep every pick and tension tool in a defined slot. This matters for a few practical reasons:

• Faster tool selection on-site, since picks and tensions are grouped logically rather than loose in a pouch.

• Reduced wear and pick damage during transport, which extends the usable life of thin, precision-ground steel.

• A more professional presentation when working in front of clients, which can matter for locksmiths who do in-home or in-office service calls.

A well-organized case also makes it easier to notice immediately if a tool is missing after a job, a small detail that prevents lost tools and repeat trips.

5. Curated by a Recognized Educator, Not Just a Manufacturer

Most lock pick sets are assembled by manufacturers based on general market demand. The Lock Noob Set was different: it was curated by Lock Noob, a YouTube educator known specifically for in-depth, technically accurate lock picking tutorials.

For locksmiths, this distinction matters. The set reflects tool choices made by someone who:

• Has tested picks and tensions across a wide range of real lock mechanisms, not just a standard training cylinder.

• Understands which tools are genuinely useful in practice versus which ones simply pad out a set's piece count.

• Designed the selection to work for both beginners building foundational skills and experienced professionals who want a streamlined, no-filler kit.

The result is a set that avoids the common problem of oversized kits with redundant or rarely-used tools, while still covering the range of techniques raking, single pin picking, and both TOK and BOK tensioning that a working locksmith actually relies on.

Is the Lock Noob Set Right for Your Toolkit?

Whether you're a licensed locksmith looking to add a refined, field-ready set to your service bag, or a locksport enthusiast building toward professional-level skills, the SouthOrd Lock Noob Set (LNB-20) offers a well-balanced combination of precision picks, versatile tension tools, and thoughtful organization all backed by the input of one of the lock picking community's most respected educators.

Final Verdict

For locksmiths evaluating whether the SouthOrd Lock Noob Set (LNB-20) is worth adding to their toolkit, the answer largely comes down to whether you value a streamlined, purpose-built set over a large, all-purpose one. This isn't a kit padded out with redundant tools to inflate a piece count every pick and tension tool included serves a distinct, practical role, from navigating tight security keyways with the .020" MAX picks to handling varied keyway geometries with the TOK and BOK tension selection.

That focus is what makes it stand out. It's thin enough for demanding single pin picking work, versatile enough to rake through straightforward pin tumbler locks quickly, and organized well enough to stay field-ready call after call. For a working locksmith, that combination of precision, versatility, and organization translates directly into fewer failed attempts, less time per job, and a more professional presentation in front of clients.

Add to that the fact that the selection was shaped by an educator with deep, hands-on experience across a wide range of real-world locks, and the Lock Noob Set earns its place as a genuinely practical option whether it's your primary set or a refined addition alongside your existing tools.

Bottom line: if you want a compact, no-filler set that covers ultra-thin precision picking, rapid raking, and flexible tensioning in one well-organized case, the SouthOrd Lock Noob Set is a solid, professional-grade choice.