(65) COVERT INSTRUMENTS FNG

[@zcqm]

for 10 dollars, this is the best starter for everyone. the tools it comes with can open most beginner and even advanced locks with enough skill.

[@sandman_locksport]

I couldnt agree more!

[@Christian-lh7ux]

Yeah, and it's a nice gift. I have some FNG kits on hand and give it to interested ppl to bring em into the hobby 😅 It's indeed the best starter/demo kit out there!

[@Thesnakerox]

See: McNally picking a Medeco with the tools from this set LOL

[@bushforme]

Bought my grandson one of those on black friday..14 yrs old and has never picked a lot..showed him once..opened the practice lock in about 2 min..handed him a old master..opened that in about a min..now he is hooked..thanks as always for the channel sandman

[@sandman_locksport]

That’s really awesome! What a great way to start the hobby! Thanks for watching!

[@UpperDarbyDetailing]

Awesome! I would caution against calling the acrylic a practice lock. It’s really for demonstration only. Though you can get a little more mileage by taping it up so the FNG can’t see what is happening anymore.

[@kyleatudub]

Sandman is my worst enemy for my bank account!!! other than my 2A addiction! But you give solid advice man! Since watching your vids, I have bought sets from Multipick, Law Locks, Bare Bones, Covert Instruments, Southern Specialties, ITS, Mad Bob's and Sparrows. The CI sets your reviewed, and other stocking stuffers, were my Christmas gifts for the younguns in my clan. The thick CI zip locks were nice. My lessons learned and take a ways: I never though about using a micrometer to measure keys/key ways. @17:45 I love your United Nations of locks. Jokes aside, it is a brilliant system for the newer community. I always thought those SOB feeder pins are wafers!

[@sandman_locksport]

The secret to any 2A addiction is to have a small safe, so when it's full you have not choice... but to start filling your closets! Thanks for watching!

[@usernamemykel]

I earned a NYC Locksmith & Keymaker license in 1985, having taken the course at the National School of Locksmithing and Alarms out of "mechanical curiosity", not a career path. Here it is, 2024, and I've found that a "sport" has grown out of lockpicking - way cool! I still have picks from my "Ilco Unican" set and my "Majestic" set. Of course I have a zillion pins in my LAB pin kit, and many (now useless/outdated) key blanks. I recently ordered a micrometer to measure pins because dial calipers don't "play well" with bullet-shaped pins. I totally enjoy your videos, couldn't help but subscribe. Funny thing about having to be licensed back then to make keys, when now a machine at WalMart is available to anyone for a house key duplicate. BTW - My instructor at the school was Don O'Shall, who has authored many locksmithing reference books. Both the school and Don are currently defunct.

[@sandman_locksport]

Welcome to the hobby! It’s a shame that locksmith schools are dying out. But they kind of did it to themselves. They tried to make their secret society so secret that nobody wanted to join them. I’ve been talking to a few locksmiths today, and the younger ones see the benefit of this hobby, because it is slowly bolstering and building up their profession once again. It’s the older ones that are resisting this hobby.

[@usernamemykel]

There were about 15 guys in my class, and I was the fastest lock-picker, and yes lock picking was fun, and I used my lockpicking skill at work, which was unrelated to that of a locksmith. What I detested was "safe opening" , tedious and boring. About a month ago my lady neighbor locked herself out of her house, and not knowing about my locksmithing background, requested my assistance. I had no trouble picking open her lower Kwikset lock, but it turned out that her upper lock, the one with buttons, was the culprit, and I wasn't able to help her with that without being destructive. I left her to call the local, well-established locksmith.

[@zachc4799]

Glad I bought this set to start. Even happier to find this video after buying it. Great video, great explanations. Ended up picking my first lock. Will be watching more.

[@toolmanm4166]

Ordered that set and the Genesis a few days ago to start my journey in lockpicking. Love your channel.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@icesycle2262]

I just bought this for my dad, he is 75. I hope he likes it and we can share a hobby. If it were ten dollars or a hundred it would not have made a difference.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thats awesome!

[@czar5938]

Very informative and detailed video, thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with us.

[@Mofo78786]

Wow!!! Somehow this video got pass me!!😮 But it's okay!!! Watching it now!! Thank you buddy for all of your reviews,and the time you take out of your life to make these videos for us!!! VERY APPRECIATED!!!!!😊

[@BushFlying41]

I’m BRAND new to lock picking. Never picked once but tried on a master no3 with paper clips. I’ve been wanting this kit and you just make me want it more! Now I just have to convince my parents that lock picking isn’t just for criminals. Definitely gonna keep watching your vids dude!

[@sandman_locksport]

Show them my Locksport meetup club videos. They explain a lot. A lot of security professionals improve their knowledge and skill sets with this hobby. Criminals will just kick down your door.

[@BushFlying41]

@@sandman_locksport that’s what I’m saying! Appreciate the help and will definitely get my hands on this kit one way or another.

[@sandman_locksport]

@@BushFlying41 there’s nothing wrong with waiting for your parents consent. Don’t break the law, understand your states laws before purchasing. Listen to your parents.

[@BushFlying41]

@@sandman_locksport oh I know, I mean by waiting until I get of legal age

[@smashtc]

One of your videos is the reason why I bought the FNG, and was finally able to get into lock picking. You helped this cheapskate get started. Thank you

[@stevegagnon1449]

I bought first the cheap stuff with a clear padlock for over 20 $ and I bent or broke half of the set. Then I bought the Genesis set and this is my primary tools. I tried other after but I always come back to the Genesis. You cannot pick some padlocks without the long hook and the rake with long teeth works with tricky pins. The best add after are the combs 😁

[@sandman_locksport]

I love the genesis set, you would love the echelon! Thanks for watching!

[@stevegagnon1449]

​@@sandman_locksportI bought the Echelon a few week ago. I like the long curved pick.

[@JEEROFUKU]

Just received my FNG lock day before yesterday. Being complete noob in this art I’ve bought this “see trough” one to understand how everything works. Thank you very much for this video, it really helps a lot! Cheers🍀

[@UpperDarbyDetailing]

Great write up!

[@SnakePicks]

I’m a fan of the long format reviews. Great work as always. To answer your ending question, if this set was available a few years ago when I started picking, I wouldn’t have purchased it. This is a great product, but I obsessed over instructional videos before I decided to purchase my first tools and felt that I didn’t need the visual aid. So my learn lockpicking set was a pick from Southern Specialties which had a short hook on one end and a snake rake on the other end, as well as their longhorn tension set and their tok tension set. Then add a Masterlock 140D from Target and I was hooked. But if the Genesis set was available back then, I would have absolutely purchased that as my first set, along with the inexpensive Masterlock. Cheers 🍻

[@sandman_locksport]

Nice! All good points! HPC was my first set, I think southern specialties was my second, and Peterson may have been my third.

[@SnakePicks]

@@sandman_locksport Nice. Peterson was my second and my original plan was to go all in on Peterson but then two things happened: I began hearing horror stories about Peterson’s customer service, and also I discovered Multipick. Great customer service goes a long way.

[@alexhayes4137]

Awesome little stocking stuffer it would be, especially if you have kids and are wanting to help introduce them to picking. Plus, like you said they can be kind of rough, as children sometimes are, due to the 301 high yield.

[@sandman_locksport]

There is not a single lock pick on the market that is made of a better quality steel! These would be the Best stocking stuffers! Thanks for watching!

[@kyleatudub]

For Christmas, I bought numerous sets and gifted them to family and friends. It's amazing how $10 will change the dynamics of family oriented party.

[@slazman999]

Thank you for the gritty nitty. I hate trying to watch 5 minute videos on a new hobby. I just ordered this and the practice lock they offer to dip my toes in. Thanks for the in depth review before I get my FNG. This will be the first pick set, lock, or anything I have ever held in my hands. Hope I can pick up a new hobby that isn't LEGO because that S*** it expensive.

[@sandman_locksport]

get a brinks brass padlock from walmart next.

[@slazman999]

@@sandman_locksport This sounds like a RPG side quest. I'm not sure I'm allowed to just "get" a lock from walmart. There is probably a reason there is a lock there.

[@sandman_locksport]

@@slazman999 buy one

[@toycoma98]

I got this because of the price, i just couldn't say no. Now i'm hooked. I've always been interested in lock picking, this kit unlocks my potential. Ordering the comb set and bump keys next. The first lock i picked with this kit was my small 131 masterlock. Great tip at the end, subscribed.

[@rsmiley5]

My first Locksport was back Feb /2022. I started cause getting a bit of arthritics in hands and thought it might help. Got the $30 amazon kit. Luckily these cheap a$$ tools worked enough to push me further into the sport. But now looking back if I would have spent $10 on a FNG and got me same results and owned quality tools I think it would have saved me from buying some crap through out more locksport hobby. Sandman you got some high end picks? I would like to see a review. My best is the Sparrows Thunderbird which there is one that I use all the time. Not on your skill level. But with bad hands , comfort is becoming more important.

[@sandman_locksport]

I have a review of my Ratyoke picks, I have 20 of them. The sparrows thunderbird picks are clones of those. Look for that video.

[@ArsonalTech]

So glad to be getting into this hobby, though I am definitely getting lucky and really have no idea what I’m doing. Much more affordable than firearms

[@lmars5933]

Excellent review, my friend 🌴😎

[@davisblackwelder4681]

Another good review. Informative, practical, and seems unbiased. Thanks.

[@jnevison4876]

Ordered! Thanks for the video!

[@slowdownwereonfire]

Thanks for this video! While I will eventually go bigger, I needed a set to pick cheap locks left on lockers at the gym I work at. This set is incredible and is overkill for my needs but now that I have the confidence, I’ll definitely be ordering the genesis set.

[@slowdownwereonfire]

*the echelon set haha

[@DavidWonderly]

I bought the FNG and was able to pick it up pretty quickly. Ran stamraight to my Masterlock 141 that was laying around. My Genesis set arrives today and finding out that the echelon doesnt duplicate any tools is really attractive. Going to give my kid my FNG set for his birthday.

[@r.mattlemaster4524]

First starter was a Majestic in around 1995. Would’ve loved this back then. Think I’ll pick one up for newly interested folks. Great video!

[@sandman_locksport]

I bought 10 of these last month. 7 to use at Locksport meetings, and 3 to just giveaway. Super inexpensive.

[@BOMBPHONICS]

Hey man love your channel, new to lock picking trying to learn as much as I can. Also a Texas native, I own a house in Schertz. Started with this kit and just ordered the vorax from sparrows. Been looking back and forth from sparrows and a couple covert instruments kits. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@fatjawns3671]

As soon as you mentioned little Timmy I had to sub bro 😂

[@skyshockgames8325]

Wow I’m here fast

[@jeffk462]

Great video thanks im ordering one now

[@sandman_locksport]

Glad I could help

[@jeanpaulworrall8521]

Always the way when on video but again a great vid keep on making these my family and friends are now saying they are getting some lock pick in the new year

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching!

[@SeeStuDo]

Just ordered this for backup tools. Bent my hook and I'm gonna snap a Rake soon, lol. Nice review.

[@robertl.grayjr.nremt-p994]

Another awesome review!!!

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching!

[@slazman999]

I know this is old but I just got ordered the FNG and the CI practice lock along with the sparrow reload kit. This will be my first time actually handling a lock pick and hopefully this will start me on a journey of a new hoppy that (LEGO) doesn't cost a few hundred dollars for a few days of concentration.

[@slazman999]

FYI the sparrow reload kit works fine with converts lock. Key even fits in the keyway. I'm glad I got this lock because, after a day, I can open the FNG in less than 30 seconds even single pin picking.

[@Millsgold822]

My first set was the Toool 12 piece set which I think they have condensed down to 9 pieces now. I wish CI was a thing when I got into picking because they just put out some awesome products. Great review and video as always.

[@Nicks-Picks]

Always love your reviews 👍

[@waberoid]

When I first learned to pick, some 13 years ago, I used the sandman method. I thought that was just common sense honestly. Been wanting to get back into lockpicking though and thinking of getting this pack and this video has convinced me.

[@LpD.locksport]

My first wss was a Chinese set from Amazon! But I got it from my children for my birthday and that's wy I still love it!

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching!

[@mumbles1justin]

I picked up a couple of these during black Friday for my two daughters as stocking stuffers. My oldest daughter has been picking three or four years now and has her own sparrows kits. So I don’t know what shes going to think about a see through lock. But my youngest daughter just started picking in November. I think she’ll benefit having the visual aid when Im trying to explain and being able to see how the pick interact with pins and learn pin spacing easier, maybe, at least in theory. Ive never tried an acrylic lock yet.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thats awesome! Your daughters are going to be fearless and highly capable! Good on you! Thanks for watching!

[@TheShahofBaltimore]

This was such a good video! My FNG and Genesis come Monday 🤞

[@stewsmith3536]

Great video! Are there any groups or meet ups in the Washigton, DC and Maryland area? Keep up the great work

[@sandman_locksport]

none that I'm aware of.

[@Lostace007]

Got the FNG today in the mail, working on single pin picking now, got it once, raking is easy.

[@sandman_locksport]

That’s great! 😃

[@Lostace007]

got single pin down at least on the easy ones now@@sandman_locksport need to save up for the next kit up

[@greg77hot]

First and happy ... great video

[@sandman_locksport]

🎉

[@EZLProductions]

Hello Sandman, do you happen to have a recommendation for key pinning sets? Would definitely love a rec in that dept; I have so many locks that I have picked to oblivion that need new pins. :x

[@jovannicorona9804]

actually started with the FNG. Bought the genesis and Ive been enjoying that as well. However I also bought a set of sparrow lock pics and I must say ive only used it a few times but the immediate feel isn't the same and definitely giving me hard time picking. that is to say im also a Covert instruments fan and will for sure checkout your other videos on their products!

[@sandman_locksport]

I know! the covert instruments just feel so much better than sparrows!

[@jimestvold2479]

i purchased a set from amazon 3 days ago for 26bucks, short story shorter, picked 5 easy locks in first day and waiting on the fng to be here in a couple more days. I am already hooked! already thinking about the next set of tools to get. What would anyone do if you were me? I'me exited to start experimenting with all sorts of locks! Thank you for the vidio and i'll be watching as many as i can find.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching! Get the echelon set next!

[@jimestvold2479]

i'm jumping in with both feet! lol! ordered it just now. should be in portland in a few days. i'm looking foward to alot of fun! @@sandman_locksport

[@Brotherbrowning]

Are those locks with the different belt level cores paclocks if so what model are they

[@sandman_locksport]

They are just Pac Lock bodies. Each one has a unique cylinder that I put in myself. The cylinders in total cost about $500. The padlock bodies from Pac Lock cost $200.

[@Elkyri]

More than a review. It is actually also a "locksport intro."

[@sandman_locksport]

Good point! I’ll save it to my channel intro!

[@JerryPicksLocks]

I am having trouble using the turner up top to use single pick. it falls out of place or twists. ive watched this video over and over and dont understand what i am doing wrong. it feels like the smaller end is not wide enough to prevent this from happening when applying tension. any advice?

[@sandman_locksport]

That’s because it’s not always a universal fit for every single lock. Sometimes it rolls out because it’s too long on the short end. That’s why a collection of turning tools is ideal. One turning tool cannot open all the locks unfortunately. But this particular one can get pretty close.

[@atmconnect]

How do you know whether to put the turning tool on the top or bottom?

[@LasermanSteam]

So funny he liked the comment but didn't answer lol

[@Satyr1965]

I wish this was available when I bought my first CCMPOS (cheap Chinese made piece of sh*t) kit that came with a practice lock. I just got my Genesis set and I can't believe the difference in the quality of the tools.

[@sandman_locksport]

Genesis is amazing!

[@30gaming83]

I got this and the covert companion as my first things after wanting to get into lock picking for many years now. Complete and total noob. The covert companion was a mistake purchase (as a noob). The fng was not. Absolutely a great deal and it's all I've used along with some cheapo padlocks for 3 days now. The companion has some interesting things that might be cool to me one day, but us noobs have to remember, once we crack the first clear/practice lock, we will want to do a "real" lock and either break our door, or go to the store and buy some cheap padlocks. Noobs remember to budget for locks too. For 10 bucks, you can learn a lot and make a more informed next purchase. Even if it is just a few days or week later. Hindsight... You might feel you arent getting enough just grtting the fng, but you are. The single pick and the rake have taught me a lot about tension w these horrible locks. I do still have some trouble w this clear lock for some reason. Probably bc noob, but i handle the 3 padlocks i bought w ease now 🤷‍♂️

[@qie2iqee]

9 fifty is a great deal. I ended up paying like 15 due to taxes and shipping... i am still waiting for this thing to come. But i think it will be great

[@chrp90]

Geat video

[@Echo5-Tango]

Some one should put together a kit like this 17:41 for sale so a picker can have a reference for where they stand. The lock body colors matching belts and core difficulties to match. Maybe even an expansion of cores for a change up. This would be AWESOME!!!!!!! Just saying Covert Instruments or Sandman or whoever lol!

[@sandman_locksport]

ive tried to inform manufacturers of this idea, they dont want it. it weighs too much, which i dont agree with because locks are shipped every day from hundreds of dealers and distributors and manufacturers, even amazon. but nobody wants the idea.

[@Echo5-Tango]

@@sandman_locksport I tried to recommend an idea to CI not that long ago. I’m a knife guy and a company called “knaf” made a poster explaining all the parts of a knife and what they are for. I thought it would be awesome if someone did that for lock picks since there are a lot of large sets and some of them come with a lot of cannon fodder.

[@sandman_locksport]

@@Echo5-Tango take a look at hazzertous mfg website, they sell lock diagram stuff like that.

[@stewsmith3536]

Question, how do you know the number of pins inside of a lock for picking purposes?

[@sandman_locksport]

I count them as I use my pick. but after 15 years, theres usually 5 or 6. all cheap padlocks tend to have 4, all commercial interchangeable locks tend to have 6 or 7. most residential locks have just 5. its not hard to find the extra pin when picking what was once thought a 5 pin lock and discover it has 6. its not a big deal.

[@stewsmith3536]

@@sandman_locksport I enjoy your videos and I am learning a lot from you. Thanks

[@stewsmith3536]

So just me and the virtual world for this new hobby attempt it would seeem. I will make it work.

[@Battlebuddie]

Okay, where can I buy that belt rank lock set? I looked for a link but didn’t find one.

[@sandman_locksport]

I explain it in a video. Look for it

[@AereForst]

Where do I get the multi-colored locks?

[@sandman_locksport]

@@AereForst you don’t. I assembled them myself for $750. But you can email paclock and they will send you the colored padlock bodies for $250 or so.

[@AereForst]

@ Thanks. I watched your other video where you explained the whole issue. Pity they cost so much. I still think you can put together a small colored progressive training set if you work directly with vendors in China. No one wants to do business with them but all our shit comes from China, all of it. You deserve a business success so go for it.

[@TheKeyMan12]

I bought one of these each for my kids to practice with… thought it would be a good little starter set for them to learn plus couldn’t beat it for $9.50. I actually bought my dad one for Christmas too 😂

[@sandman_locksport]

That's awesome! Let me know if he picks it! Thanks for watching!

[@lgreen1091]

Where could a guy pick those colored locks up?

[@sandman_locksport]

I’ll make a video on them soon

[@Elicm13]

when would you pick at the top of the keyway compared to the bottom of the keyway

[@sandman_locksport]

Single picking at the bottom, tensioner goes to the top, raking at the top, tensioner goes to the bottom.

[@Elicm13]

@@sandman_locksport i have that covert instruments fng and when ever I try to put the tensioner in the top of the keyway its never stays and always falls out

[@Bubba-23nineteen]

Generally speaking I'm probably a Tim, but depending on how I'm feeling I could be Timothy or Big Tim. Just dropped the ball on the Covert instruments Genesis, Echelon, Arbiter, and Quad comb sets, plus Sparrows revolver and rekeying kits... today I got Big Tim energy

[@Was.LockPickingTeen]

How can i get these ? They dont ship where I live

[@sandman_locksport]

Then you can’t get them. You’ll have to buy something ekse

[@Elicm13]

when i last commented i opened it in like two seconds but now i cant open it at all, do you have any tips to get it again

[@sandman_locksport]

practice.

[@canadafree2087]

I put my second order in with CI and the exchange rate made me cry. Why did I do it? I am a locksport addict. lol Buy twice, cry twice. Is that turning tool the same design as the Longhorn set?

[@sandman_locksport]

Buy 10 times, cry 10 times!

[@lililililililili8667]

Why doesn't Peterson and sparrows just upgrade to 301hy they have the resources

[@sandman_locksport]

The world will never know! The tool steel that Peterson uses is great, he just has bad quality control. He uses 420SS, which is the same as multipick. It’s a good steel if you’re not heavy handed. But 301HY is great for heavy hands. Sparrows is using buzz words to sell their tools but they are soft as hell!

[@ig88ds]

I wish this set existed when I first started. Instead, I bought crap from China

[@sandman_locksport]

Its ok! We all started somewhere!

[@TheZolon]

*scrubs the timeline to build the list of locks presented so he can order them for himself to get the belts with.

[@sandman_locksport]

ha!

[@Mr1nferno]

I don't like stainless, as a blacksmith I have my biases, I prefer shock resistant steel or high speed steel, much more durable and bend resistant. My personal preference is due to grip strength, I can't use stainless picks without having to treat them like paper, I've broken many without even trying

[@sandman_locksport]

Then what are you using as an alternative? Also, if you are breaking picks, your technique is way off. You should never break a lock pick. I’ve never broken one in 15 years. Semper Fi

[@Mr1nferno]

@@sandman_locksport I have to be careful with everything I put my hands on, there's a reason everyone I work with calls me "wreck it Ralph", I've accidentally broken 2 anvils in my shop and I destroy pliers regularly, stainless picks are but toothpicks to me, I made a few picks from 5160 spring steel and they work quite well just too much flex for my taste. My next set will be h13 high speed steel, and if that goes well I'll make a set from s7. Semper Fi bro

[@Mr1nferno]

@@sandman_locksport I can't feel when stainless touches something, I need something more sturdy

[@sandman_locksport]

@@Mr1nferno if you can make any lockpicks in .018” or .015” that is stronger than 420SS or 301 HY let me know, I would be happy to buy them off of you.