Pick gun SouthOrd E500XT – review

[SPP]

I bought the Pick gun E500XT (SouthOrd) a couple of months ago and have now had the time to use it. Since it’s not very much written about it on the forum I’d like to share my impressions.

1) It gives light tension a new meaning - ultra light is maximum tension you can apply!

2) It’s very noisy. If I use it for longer periods I prefer to use ear protection. (It wakes my kids up, although they sleep on another floor).

3) The batteries (SouthOrd) lasts surprisingly long before you have to recharge. It’s powered with three size C batteries.

4) It’s a bit tricky to use if the lock has a tight key way.

5) It’s not much more difficult to open the lock if it has security pins or not, at least when it comes to traditional security pins (spools, serrated, mushrooms and spoorated).

6) A “rebuild card” is included, which gives you the right to return the E500XT (together with 49$!) and SouthOrd will rebuild the tool to new condition.

To conclude: It’s clearly does it’s job and opens most pin tumblers and it’s fun to use, but as a hobby picker it’s much more rewarding to single pin pick a lock. I guess I’ll be faithful to my short hook…

/SPP

[tillenius]

Thanks for the review!

I’ve just started picking, but maybe I will treat myself to a new toy someday when I become, somewhat descent, at single pin picking :)

[Nismo-san]

mine works okay. it definitely is taking some getting use to. its like a religious experience to see it work on a security pinned lock though.

[gloves]

Thanks for your feedback.

Points 2 and 4 unfortunately are, in my limited experience, common in many of these devices.

Some Cisa and Yale keyways specifically, have that 30-40 degrees slant on a side, just before the pins, made in order to create trouble and have you shape even slimline picks on purpose for them.

[Nismo-san]

[quote=

Some Cisa and Yale keyways specifically, have that 30-40 degrees slant on a side, just before the pins, made in order to create trouble and have you shape even slimline picks on purpose for them.[/quote]

tight keyways do make it about useless i find, and yes the noise does indeed annoy.... i heard the noise in my sleep for a night or two after i first got it and tinkered with it for hours