Many locksmith beginners don’t know how to choose the right Lishi pick because the market offers many models that look similar but serve different lock families, depths, and vehicle years, and without experience it’s hard to match pick profiles to specific keyways or understand tool compatibility.
Newcomers often focus only on price or suppliers, overlooking important factors like the exact gauge and tooth profile, whether the tool is decoding-capable or single-function, and the quality of steel and machining that affect feel and durability. Equally important is matching a Lishi to the correct application—automotive versus residential/commercial locks, wafer versus pin-tumbler systems—and learning to read the tool’s marking and depth scale so you can decode rather than blindly rake.
To choose the right Lishi tool, identify the lock’s manufacturer and keyway type, such as “Schlage SC1” for a five-pin Schlage lock or “Kwikset KW1” for a five-pin Kwikset lock. Then, determine if the lock is a pin or wafer cylinder, as different tools are needed for each, and consider if a left-hand (L) or right-hand tool is more appropriate for lever locks.
This video explains the different types of Lishi lock picks:
Step 1: Identify the lock’s keyway and pin count
- Manufacturer and keyway: Determine the lock’s manufacturer (e.g., Schlage, Kwikset) and its keyway (e.g., SC1, KW1).
- Pin count: Find out if it is a 5-pin or 6-pin lock.
- Example: A “Schlage SC1” is for a 5-pin Schlage lock, while an “SC4” is for a 6-pin Schlage lock. A “Kwikset KW1” is for a 5-pin Kwikset lock, and a “KW5” is for a 6-pin Kwikset lock.
Step 2: Determine if the lock uses pins or wafers
- Pin tumbler locks: These are common in residential and some commercial locks and require specific Lishi tools for pin-tumbler mechanisms.
- Wafer locks: These are often found in cabinet locks, cam locks, and padlocks. They require a different type of pick and are not compatible with pin-specific Lishi tools.
- Note: Lishi 2-in-1 tools can both pick and decode pin tumbler locks, while Lishi readers can only read wafer depths without picking the lock.
Step 3: Consider the lock’s orientation
- Standard vs. left-hand: Some locks, particularly lever locks, have left-hand and right-hand keyways.
- Tool type: Purchase the correct version of the tool for the job (e.g., SC1 for right-handed, SC1-L for left-handed on Schlage locks).
Step 4: Use online resources
- Search by vehicle: For automotive locks, use the search function on a locksmith supplier’s website to find the correct tool by the vehicle’s make, model, and year.
- Cross-reference: It is advisable to cross-reference this information with other websites to ensure accuracy.
- Look up by service key: You can also find the correct tool by searching for the lock’s service key number (e.g., “Y159 Lishi” for a Chrysler Y159 service key).
Here’s how you can use online search functions on locksmith supplier websites to find the correct tool for a specific vehicle by its make, model, and year:
Choosing the most suitable Lishi locksmith tool primarily depends on the specific lock you intend to work on. Key factors include lock type, keyway compatibility, and the tool’s function (2-in-1, key readers, etc.).
Key Considerations
- Identify the Lock Type: Determine if the lock is automotive, residential, or commercial (e.g., padlock, cabinet lock). Lishi tools were originally designed for car locks, but now there are many versions for standard residential and commercial locks like Schlage and Kwikset.
- Match the Keyway Profile: Every Lishi tool is designed for a specific keyway (e.g., SC1, SC4, KW1, HU101).
Automotive: You’ll need to know the vehicle’s make, model, and year to find the corresponding keyway (e.g., Ford H75 uses FO38 Lishi, Chrysler y159 uses CY24 Lishi).
Residential/Commercial: Keyways often correspond to popular brands. For example, the SC1 works on most 5-pin Schlage locks, while the SC4 is for 6-pin Schlage locks.
Determine Required Functionality:
- 2-in-1 Tools: These are the most common and popular, allowing you to both pick the lock and decode the wafer/pin depths to cut a new key, all with a single tool.
- Decoder-only Tools/Key Readers: Some tools are purely for reading the lock’s configuration without picking it.
- Consider Your Skill Level: Lishi tools have a learning curve. Beginners should start with popular, easier-to-use models (like the HU101 for Ford) and practice extensively with training guides before using them on real jobs.
- Choose Original Lishi Tools: Invest in genuine Lishi tools, which feature Mr. Li’s face logo and a red verification label. These are made of high-quality stainless steel for durability and responsiveness, unlike lower-quality “Genuine Lishi” or other Chinese knock-offs.
- Budget and Job Requirements: Lishi tools are professional instruments and an investment. Prioritize the tools for the lock types you encounter most frequently in your work (e.g., SC1 and KW1 are bread-and-butter for many US locksmiths).
Choosing the right Lishi pick starts with matching the tool to your skill level and the vehicle: beginners should pick a 2-in-1 Lishi that combines decoder and pick functions with clear markings and a comfortable grip, while advanced users may prefer single-function picks for greater precision.
Check the keyway type, model number, and vehicle make/year to ensure the pick profile matches the lock’s wafer or pin layout; many manufacturers label Lishi tools by car model and keyway code. Prioritize build quality—hardened stainless steel, smooth edges, and a well-fitted tensioning handle—to avoid damaging wafers or pins, and choose the correct thickness and tip shape for narrow or deep keyways.
Finally, buy from reputable suppliers who provide model cross-reference charts and customer support, and practice on training locks to develop feel and avoid costly mistakes on real vehicles.
