Sparrows Dark Shift lock Pick Set Review
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- I don’t know why I didn’t review these earlier, I wish I had now! It’s a very cool and very dynamic small lock pick set and now I’ve experienced it, I can see why people were saying it’s their favourite starter set 👍😃
Dark shift link: www.sparrowslo...
Remember: only pick locks that are yours and that are not in use! Keep locksport legal!
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Disclaimer: This set was sent to me for review by Sparrows Lock Picks and so under the The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP U.K.) rules, this counts as sponsored content. This is not an advert. I do not accept money to do reviews and and there is no expectation for me to review an item positively or even at all. I do not profit from the sales of this item. The opinions expressed are my own. I do provide designs and consultation to multiple lock pick manufacturers, including Multipick, Sparrows Lock Picks and Wendt. As I only like to show and review items on my channel that I think have some merit, if I don’t like something, I generally don’t tend to do a review and I feed any issues back to the supplier.
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I don’t know why I didn’t review these earlier, I wish I had now! It’s a very cool and very dynamic small lock pick set and now I’ve experienced it, I can see why people were saying it’s their favourite starter set 👍😃
You mentioned adding a medium pick, but does Sparrows sell a medium pick in that style? Maybe I'm just sorta neurotic, but I like my stuff to match.
Scott Jacobs You and me both. Sparrows doesn’t sell these as single picks or in different pick styles with the same handle shapes. I use this set as my EDC. I added the expansion set, warded picks, a few BOK wrenches and a home made decoder. For my needs this set will handle 95% of the things I will need them for. It’s a great set.
@@FriedPi-mc5yt all fitting I'm the same case?
Scott Jacobs Yup, it all fits with no problem. There is plenty of room for the extension kit. It’s a bit tight with what I added but it’s not insanely tight. Snug would be a better term I suppose.
@@swj719 - It seems neurotically fussy to me, but I went with the Tuxedo because I knew I'd upgrade it with other picks and wanted them to match, even though the Dark Shift handles seem like a genuine improvement. I ended up with a very maxed out Tuxedo, a complimentary set in .015", a full set of BOK tension bars and some rudimentary bypass tools, in two Tuxedo cases in the inner pockets in the large right thigh pocket of my 5.11 tacticool pants. It's a very capable EDC kit, and it feels like there's nothing there.
That’s my daily driver set. Add the expansion set, it’s totally worth it. I’m glad you finally reviewed this often overlooked set o Sparrows.
Yes, sorry it took so long!
My first serious kit, still in daily use. I was one of those that promoted it in past videos , glad you finally got your hands on one. However, it looks like the case and the tension tools have been redesigned. The tension tools now have knurled surfaces to maximise grip. Good to see a company that evolves. Unfortunately I broke my Bogota and ordered a replacement from sparrows but never received it! Shame on you Sparrows!
Yes, the knurled handles are definitely a new addition from what I can tell
This is the first pick review I've seen that actuall shows someone using the picks! Thanks LockNoob!
No worries!
I’m coming to a realization that I am going to start a side hustle to afford to collect all the cool tools you demonstrate on your channel
The dark shift was one of my first proper kits and I love it still my main go to kit
The apsolute perfect glove box car kit that would really come in handy
Its a pretty cool kit for sure!
definitely my favourite kit of all the sparrows kits. well worth getting the expansion kit as well, you should absolutely check that out!
I have it and I will :-)
I am just starting out or restarting in picking again. I bought the Sparrows kick start and expansion set. I love them but I think I will have to break down and buy the Dark shift set and expansion. The Dark shift picks look like they will fit my hands better. Thank you for your videos. I have learned many things from you and many other talented people on UA-cam.
Thanks 😊
I think it's cool that they include a Sandman styled to match the rest of the kit. I wish they offered more of their specialized rakes with a normal-ish handle rather than the oversized handles with etching or printing. I'd much rather have the Octorake or Medusa with a normal handle, but a handle matching this set would be fine, too.
Yes, that would be a nice idea
Can always trim it down and sand off the graphics. I agree with you, though.
I recently got the Tuxedo, but this caught my attention too. The way the pick end is positioned at the top of the handle would definitely fit my way of gripping way better. I'll be buying this and the expansion come pay day this week.
Cool! Happy picking!
For the price I think they are one of the best sets. The fact that we get a selection of top of keyway tensioners is what pushes this set above other sets in this price range. Those 5 tension tools would cost £12-£15 on their own. Regular tensioners are easy to make. Top of keyway tension tools with those toothed grip and the stop so pin one is left unobstructed is not something a basic person can make.
Awesome bury view ash mate nice bit kit👍🇬🇧👊🤟😊😎
Thanks Leon!
Just grabbed these as my first upgrade kit. Love the asthetics. Can't wait for them to arrive!
Cool 😎
Definitely another excellent kit from Sparrows, gotta love those cases for an EDC option. Great review as well, thank you sir 👍🏻👍🏻
🙏
Everything acts like a key to masterlock! 😂 😂
As always, a good review. :) I got one a while back and while I do use it, I personally do not like the handles as much as the regular Sparrows picks. They are just not as comfortable in my hand.
There is also the Darkshift expansion set which is worth mentioning, as it gives theset further functionality. It is the same thickness as the main set (.025) and contains:
A mini-jim
2 doubled ended wafer picks
A pawl pick
A quick strike rake.
I have the expansion to review so I’ll do that soon!
One thing that I like about the Dark Shift set is that it doesn't have the typical Sparrows taper point in the hooks. In "all" 3 (which is granted only a few, but everyone I've talked to who has broken one as well has had a similar experience) of my Sparrows hooks that I've broken, it's been at that taper point in the neck. I think that the Dark Shift set would be inherently a bit stronger without that point.
That being said, if I bought it, I'd probably modify them by making handles for them.
Modding is always fun
Great review! The Dark Shift was my first Sparrows set when I started picking, and it's still my EDC. I had to add a couple of cut down Law Lock Tools Valyrian picks to finish it off as it really needs a medium and deep hook. 😁🥚
You can never have enough hooks!
The holes in the handles make rubber tool dip stick really well . The expansion set makes it a more complete .
I e got the expansion so I’ll take a look at it soon
I do like the case. Sparrows make great ceases. Oh yeah, the picks look decent too.
Excellent review as always.
Thanks Roy!
It's my EDC with the expansion set. After your input I think I'm going to swap out the quick strike(expansion) and sandman for a couple of my other hook profiles from other manufacturers. Likely a medium and deep hook. As far as the expansion set, it is ok but nothing you can't live without.
I like mixing manufacturers
My main kit, love the way it feels in the hand also.
Same!
Cool!
Thanks for reviewing, I’m new to all of this an appreciate your reviews.
Thanks 🙏
The worm is awesome. I use it more than anything else and it surprises me how many things it opens. Thanks for the the review. Can you look at or do you have the Peterson's 4 Cities. Have been looking at those and keep going back and forth on buying. Almost no reviews on them.
C Anderson the worm and snake work better than the double and triple wave. Granted I’m still pretty new and have a lot to learn.
I’ll have a look and seee what I ca do!
I absolutely love this kit. The only pick I don’t like is the sandman. Great review mate👍🇦🇺😊
Thanks 🙏
I love mine, the only change I wish they made was replacing the double peak with a medium hook or deforest half diamond
A medium hook I could get with
It's just an upgraded tuxedo set lol I still stand by my favorite beginner kit being the covert genesis set. I've handled most of my collection of locks with that set alone. Plus I'm a minimalist 😂
Big fan of the dark shift. That worm is my go to rake. If I only had three picks it would be Sparrows standard hook, medium hook, and worm. But I agree 100% with your comment about a medium hook needs to be added. I also add the decoding tool and goat wrench and bottom of they key way tools and the dark shift expansion kit. Though there is one tool in the expansion kit that I don’t understand and have yet to see a video on it. It is very rake looking but still odd.
I think thats one for zipping locks
Fantastic review of a great kit, often overlooked set
Thanks 🙏
I ended up with a very maxed out Tuxedo, a complimentary set in .015", a full set of BOK tension bars and some rudimentary bypass tools, in two Tuxedo cases in the inner pockets in the large right thigh pocket of my 5.11 tacticool pants where I carry my cell phone. It's a very capable EDC kit, and it feels like there's nothing there. Other pockets have a Gerber Multiplier multi-tool, flashlight, large knife, 9mm pistol, etc. I'm Batman. 😎
Lol
I bought the Spirit kit.. Never thought to look through military section.. *sigh* Very cool
i started off with a southord set and then when i saw the dark shift set i had to get them. i just love the design of them and they are the set i like to travel with til i make a custom edc set.
Both good companies to buy picks from in my experience
Looks like a fantastic EDC choice. The problem with their kits is that I want them all.
I like the idea of knife style jimping on the handles, though I’m not massively a fan of the rest of the design of these. I might go and see about filing some into some spare picks and see how I get on...
Go for it!
The case colour is called Stone Grey. I like the rake selection in this kit, it would be nice if it had the heavy 2mm crowbar as well.
Only Law Lock Tools make that one :-)
@@LockNoob thx
Nice review. I like the euro pick profile ,very nice. 👍
Thanks!
That's a pretty good set of pick profiles!
I think so
I just bought this as a secondary kit!
Very nice looking kit, but yes I would make some changes.
It needs a deeper hook for those short pins hiding behind long ones.
I would replace the sandman with my favorite snake, an offset snake Southord offers that is very similar to that sandman. I love my snake rake and prefer it over a bogata, but still keep a couple bogatas in my kit, I like them for 3 different techniques;
Scrubbing as you call it
Zipping
And I like to rock them like a city rake.
I also find you can flip Bogota rakes from side to side rocking with the pointy side and scrubbing with the rounder side, and I have sometimes used the tip to set a single pin, or to bypass some cheap padlocks by snagging the spring catch and prying it sideways.
I'm a big fan of sparrows. Most of my sparrows picks come with a hot dipped hard rubber coating on the handles, and the picks I have that came with plain steel handles I slip hard foam handles on that I get from southord.
Also, I forgot to say...that is the BEST selection of tension tools I have seen included in any pick set.
Yes, I use a lot of Sparrows picks too :-)
Cool vid. I plan on getting these soon. It's weird, when I started to pick I kind of became a collector and some stuff worked/ some didn't and then it was like over the last year or 2 I've been seriously ditching tools- as they either aren't useful, or I don't have any success w/ them/ or there is a better alternative. I've had the Sparrows Rakes forever but to be honest- I don't think they are very good, lol. I have opened a couple basic locks with the twin, and tri/ I don't think I've ever popped anything with the worm/ but of course= the city is indispensable, and I've opened just countless things with it. Bot- I bought the Polaris set and though they all work decently- there's 1 in there that just pops everything and a couple that work often. I think the problem w/ Sparrows' rakes is they simple aren't long enough. The new Palmer set they offer are the correct length it just seems like the pick style rakes that have are ineffectual. I had to re-up my entire collection and I didn't even bother buying them- just got the hooks. I also had pretty much NO LUCK with any of the SSDEV picks either. Variety is always cool, but it's been nice for me to just focus on the ones that seem to work and chucking the rest. When you are at a door and looking down the hallways and start pulling out your tools- when you have a sizable amount, it's like staring off into space, lol. I think keeping just 5 or 6 hooks and a couple rakes and maybe a specialty piece or 2 is all you really need. That, being said= I love the Dark entry set. I just wish they didn't always give you the standard 4 or 5 and maybe would've chucked some more hooks in there. I DO like that they use the Tron and that Is a Tron, it's my second fav pick after the Luni which is the best designed pick I've ever used.
I think it needs something for high pins, but do love the look and feel
A medium hook would be nice 👍
Watching your video’s and the lock picking Lawyer inspired me to study and become a locksmith ^..^
I was contemplating this kit, but wound up going with the EOD light kit, with a few extras tossed in. I think for about the same price, the EOD kit offers more versatility, especially for quick entry.
Me too
The EOD kit is very good!
Thx for the review on this. I've been thinking of getting one gor awhile now for an everyday kit.
Thanks 🙏
I just realized that I'm standing outside of a business, with a small lock pick set, and watching a review on lock picks... I'm reasonably sure that I look suspicious... good thing the businesses logo is on my hat, coat, and shirt... and I have a key
Lol 😆
I don't need anymore picks for a very long time but I've been looking at that also lol it's one of Bill's giveaways every week and I'll probably justify buying it somehow 😁
Lol
@@LockNoob when it comes to anything locksport I can talk myself right into it lol. Very easily actually
Be interesting to hear your views on the dark shift expansion set and how it fits in with the main set and what could be added to it.
I have it so in a few weeks I’ll do a follow up
@@LockNoob will look forward to it.
And finally i have been able to order both the darkshift and expansion set but still my original chep ebay kit has a place.
Looks like a grate EDC option!
🥃 cheers 🍻
Yeah, for sure!
I really think that you should take a second look at some of these tensioners. There are two of them that I have have a considerable amount of success with use as bottom of the keyway tensioners.
If they work, use them any way that does I say :-)
Lock Noob well the ends of a couple of those seemed designed for BOK.
I got the black tuxedo case and the Sherman. I would love both of them in the blue Greg color.
I love the Sherman case, it’s my main one
Lock Noob same here, lots of room, and pretty compact for what you can hold
I`m gonna get one of these mate,looks good to just throw in my car,Watched a few reviews from others on it but my mind is made up,,My main set has simply got way too bulky for an EDC so this would be perfect I think,just a hook or 2 added and a couple of bottom keyway tensioners,,,,,,,,,,Ohh here I go adding stuff to a kit I haven`t got yet and end up with yet another bulky kit with (stuff I may Need) lol
Let me know what you think of it if you get one
I just got into picking about a month ago. I love my tuxedo set and may pick this up as well. I dont have any TOKW tensioners and from what I've read you can't really have enough picks right?
You never can lol 😆
Lilac?
Good selection but I would miss a deep hook. Not sure why they never include one in their small kits.
Yes, more medium and deep hooks in small kits would be good
I always include a piece of nano-plastic card (also known as plastic-steel) in these kits.
It helps to keep the pouch shape and prevents picks from sticking you if you bend the wrong way.
Of course the main reason to have nano-plastic is to bypass all those improperly adjusted door jams.
If anyone knows where to get nano-plastic that is glow-in-the-dark please let me know. It would be the ultimate addition.
Nice idea!
Sparrow sells a case with a glow in the dark elements so you can see your pics silhouette in the dark
@@maxgarascia I did notice that however I did not think it would be good enough. Is it sold separately? Can't remember. I need to make a Sparrows order soon.
Would have been my first kit, if it wasn't for the thickness. I would buy in a sec. if it came in 0,20.
Really? I like 0.025, but the choice of 0.020 would be good too!
Bought this set plus the expansion shortly after getting into picking. Love em but I had to plasti dip the handles on the picks in 2 coats. They get a little uncomfortable in my hand after awhile without the dipped handles.
Nice set!
For sure!
What's the extra little nub near the handle on the Sandman for? Just aesthetics?
Maybe for telling it’s orientation in the dark?
I haven't tried the Dark Shift set however the Tuxedo Leather set is a very good EDC.
I would be tempted to get a Leather Tuxedo pouch and transfer the Dark Set into it.
When do we get access to the disc pick tool? I pre-paid the $1,000,000 and am now waiting...
Lol 😆
Was that $1,000,000USD or $1,000,000CAN - you can save quite a bit
@@keithroberts5946 CDN :(
i can't believe you said medium hook. i don't have any medium hooks and now i feel incomplete
And don’t forget a semi medium large hook
Tnx bud. Need to get this!
It's a fun kit!
I have this bad larry, idk how i feel about the handles though they seem pretty uncomfortable but other than that its great!
Southord sells hard rubber handle grips that'll fit em perfectly. Alternatively you could just grab some 3/8" heat shrink tubing, it makes super cheap and super secure handles that don't limit the feedback any noticable amount. I use the heat shrink tubing on all of my bare metal picks, works great! I think I paid $3 for a 25' roll at Home Depot.
@@picksnpinslockpicking849 thats great ill have to give it a try, thanks!
Yes, shrink tube is a classic fix for sure
The Plasti dip tool handle dip fills in the holes and makes a handle that sticks really well after a couple dips
Cool review. Did anyone figure out what the bump on the sandman is for?
I don’t think so - i guess its for letting you know what side you’re on ?
This kit in 0.020 + the expansion set would be the edc to end them All.. But in the original 0.025 it's still a killer on wide keyways.
My edc at the moment is a mix between profiles from both the Tuxedo Royale (0.015-0.020) and this kit. So many great patterns. I really like the knife in the expansion Kit too. It work wonders with the cheap unshielded padlocks.
I find 0.025 fine for most locks, though i do like some 0.020 and 0.015 too!
Are you sure this kit is .020 ? Only asking because Sparrows site doesn't specify.
@@brandtrey1 Don't know how it is Now, but when i bought the set a couple of years ago the only available option was 0.025. Still a good set though.. I would just have preferred if it was in 0.018 or 0.020.
Can you recommend an affordable and good medium hook by itself?
Nearly all the major manufacturers have a good medium hook - see what handle you prefer
👍 👍 👍 👍
👍😃
Could you maybe use some grid paper or something next time you lay everything out? Some of the picks were a tad crooked.
Seriously though, that's a great great set at a great price. I'll have to get one some day.
I will I’m so very sorry 😉😉
With the sandman pick their is a bit protruding from half way down the shaft, any idea what this is for?
No sorry. Possibly indexing?
Thickness please?
0.025" i think
I have this weird feeling that if you weren't a locksmith you would be a designer of some sort
I’m not a locksmith... I am a designer 😃👍
@@LockNoob ahhhhh ok that makes a lot of sense lol I always noticed you lived packing and stuff like that
@@LockNoob you could do an interesting video about that
This is the kit you really want to have. Consider it the Tuxedo Plus+
ua-cam.com/video/98-BM6CyyWc/v-deo.html
I will take a look!
@@LockNoob not shown in the video I recently added a steep hook and the goat stick. It's a plus up'd kit, but the added bypass and warded keys help raise the percentage of success in the field.
Fantastic review Ash. I love Sparrows gear it gets the job done. Take care and have a great weekend.
You. Too Gazz!