In Oblivion, you can buy lockpicks from several sources:
- Shady Sam is the easiest and earliest option. He is a merchant located northwest of the Imperial City walls, near the Chestnut Handy Stables, between the Talos Plaza District and Elven Gardens District gates. He sells lockpicks for 6 gold each (some sources say 3 gold) and stocks up to 30 lockpicks daily, with his inventory refreshing every day
- Joining the Thieves Guild unlocks access to fences who sell lockpicks. Fences are special merchants who buy stolen goods and have a large, regularly restocked supply of lockpicks (up to 100). The first fence you meet is Ongar the World-Weary in Bruma. Other fences include Dar Jee in Leyawiin, Luciana Galena in Bravil, and Orrin in Anvil. Lockpicks from fences typically cost between 5 to 10 gold each, depending on your disposition and haggling
- Before officially joining the Thieves Guild, you can buy lockpicks from Armand Christophe in the Imperial City garden after midnight, but only one at a time and at 5 gold each
- Additionally, lockpicks can be found as loot on bandits, goblins, and in dungeons, caves, and barrels throughout the game world
To summarize, the best places to buy lockpicks are:
Vendor| Location| Price per Lockpick| Stock Limit| Notes
---|---|---|---|---
Shady Sam| Outside Imperial City walls| 3-6 gold| 30 daily| Early game,
inventory refreshes daily
Fences (e.g., Ongar)| Various cities (Bruma, etc.)| 5-10 gold| 100| Requires
joining Thieves Guild
Armand Christophe| Imperial City garden (after midnight)| 5 gold| 1 at a time|
Before joining Thieves Guild
Using these vendors, you can maintain a steady supply of lockpicks to aid in lockpicking throughout your Oblivion adventure
