HPC Electropick

[jason]

This might be a bit off topic but my car got broken into a couple of months back and my tools were stolen (they smashed the window and rippied out the back seats to get into the boot).

Anyway, my charger for my electropick was among the items stolen (only realised the other day when I used the gun and it started to die on me - I normally pick open manually but I was cold).

Does anybody know what make/model of transformer I can use for the UK. The suppliers don't carry the adaptor/chargers - they only sell it with the pick.

If anybody knows what the power output needs to be can they post so that I can get one from Maplins or an electrical supplier

Thanks in advance


Jason

[Varjeal]

Hmmm...I'd suggest contacting the manufacturer or check out the website and see if it mentions what you need. Hopefully if someone here has one they'll let you know. Good luck.

[jason]

I tried several suppliers, no-one was able to help. The newer (orange cased) models are a higher voltage (3.6v) whereas mine (green case) was 2.4 volts.

I got in touch with HPC and they were really helpful, they told me that the pick is built from a Black & Decker cordless screwdriver, so a trip down to my local hardware store was in order.

It was about £15 for a transformer/charger but £18 for a new cordless screwdriver - I've now got a new cordless screwdriver and a fully charged pickgun again.

It's nice to be able to find a manufacturer that is willing to be helpful.

[Chucklz]

IF it was made from a B&D screwdriver (btw, black and decker owns both kwikset and weiser), Could you perhaps take some pictures of the top part,with a nice scale. I suddenly have real interest in building a pick gun heh.

[Mad Mick]

Me too! Gimme, gimme!!

[jason]

No problem, as soon as I get my camera back I'll take a decent pic for you all.

It looks like it's been based on the KC100A 2.4V cordless screwdriver, which has now been discontinued, my friend has the 3.6V model electropic which is orange (the same colour and voltage as the new B & D screwdriver).

I wouldn't bother making one myself as they are not prohibitively expensive especially if you need one for work.

[Chucklz]

But I will enjoy making one highly. Cost isn't the issue for me. Being able to do it myself is. Ill have more fun that way.

[lockstock2]

Ive just recently purchased HPL"s 3.6v elecropick and cant pick a b****y thing with it.

Ive read the instructions, & have been trying it out on my EASY practice locks, anybody got any tips ??

[Grudge]

I think this has been covered in another thread (use Search, Search is GOOD)

However, just some quick advice (warning I am not an Electric Pick expert):
1) Use very light tension on the wrench, some people like to bounce the tension slightly
2) Make sure the needle is just hitting the bottom of the pins, DON'T push them up. The viberation needs to just 'slap' the bottom of the pins.
3) Make sure the needle isn't hitting the back of the lock and is inserted far enough to hit all of the pins. The best way is to insert the needle to the back wall of the lock and then pull back slightly.
4) Hold the needle straight so it can impact all of the pins.

[lockstock2]

Thanks Grudge,

Ive just had another go & it feels better, but it seems to
be obstructed by the tension bar now ive lowered the gun ?

Gonna file down the tension bar to see if it helps any

[Grudge]

In a normal sized american deadbolt, you should have plenty of room for the wrench and a pick (electric or otherwise). So try a deadbolt first if you can (Kwikset brand are easy to open with electric picks, normal picks, hairpins, dental floss, almost anything )

In most locks the a ward comes right below the pins (wards are those metal ridges that stick into the lockway). Make sure your not hitting the ward instead of the pins. Sometimes you have to hold the gun at an angle (I mean rotate it slightly left or right, the needle should always stay horizontal) to bypass the ward and hit the pins on the bottom.

[jpasquini]

I bought the HPC Electropick and on first try it burst apart, pick screw and bolt. Even though I tightened it with a wrench/screwdriver to the max. It simply shook itself to pieces.

I tried again this time outside the lock, and in a couple seconds it flew apart again. Tried twisting the knob to no effect.

What am I doing wrong? Or is it defective. The 2 page instruction sheet says nothing about it. I also tried HPC's site they have no 'Contact Us', couldnt' find anything here nor a way to post a new topic..........thanks much for any advice

[jpasquini]

sorry (dont see anywhere to edit) the handheld piece is fine, just the attatchment pick screw and bolt fly off.

I mean I could superglue it, but geez..........certainly that can't have been intentional.

[jpasquini]

OK sorry guys, no way to edit or delete. I got hold of HPC they are checking this out