Wire Style Pickgun Vs Snap Gun

[v12v12]

Okay, after nearly reading all the forum has on snap guns and the like. I was wondering just how much (if) better snap guns are Vs DYI wire style snappers? I mean a WELL crafted wire model, not the malleable coat hanger wire... something made from say steel wire. I was thinking about trying to make one from some umbrella wires, windshield wiper inserts, or paint can handles... I'm not too convinced that spending ~$50 on snap gun is worth it, if both types have similar success on a limited group of lower-middle end security locks?
And does anyone know of a particular shape/layout that is most successful for wire-type-"guns?" I was thinking about the one on the right

[img]http://tinyurl.com/8ft5w[img]

[ThE_MasteR]

I guess better comfort.

[vector40]

I think you pay money for comfort, durability, longevity, range, form factor, and the knowledge that it'll work when you need it to

Hence locksmiths running around with expensive tools and hobbyists running around with stuff made from hair and toothpicks. Both are exactly appropriate for them, pretty much.

[Pickermeapie]

Even A steel version of "The snapper" would loose its kick I think. Just not as soon.

[v12v12]

Hence locksmiths running around with expensive tools and hobbyists running around with stuff made from hair and toothpicks. Both are exactly appropriate for them, pretty much.

HAHA! That made me laugh, b/c it's SO on point! Riff-raff like myself running around with clothes hangers and other macgyver-esque "tools." Eh I've always been a tinker'er and builder with my hands. I like the satisfaction of having something work, that I built myself. Sure makes me reconsider smashing a nice pick that isn't working for me, esp when I spent time and ingenuity to make it myself.
So is there a verdict on if they are indeed worth the price? Considering I'm not that advanced yet, it would be a fun toy to start fiddling around with eh? Thanks

[digital_blue]

I have both a SouthOrd pick gun, and a few homemade snap picks. My experienced have been that the homemade snap picks - even the ones made from coat hanger - tend to work even better than the SouthOrd gun. I hardly use either of them anymore, except in demonstration (where nothing ever works ) but if I were in a pinch and couldn't trust my manual picking skills, I'd actually prefer to have the snap pick (yes, even the coat hanger one) over the pick gun.

The only significant downside to the snap pick is, as mentioned previously, comfort. If you use one of these for any length of time it has the tendancy to make you want to rip out your toenails with plyers to mask the pain in the fleshy part of your thumb. But that's a small price to pay, right? Actually, in practical use you probably wouldn't need to snap it nearly enough times to make your thumb soar, so it's actually quite a practical little tool. I simply don't use one because they're no fun.

I think that a more likely reason you're apt to see a professional lockie carrying a pro pick gun is that of image. I would be a bit embarrassed if I were a lockie and I showed up with a coat hanger pick gun, snapped it in the lock a couple times, and then asked for my $50. Not to mention I'd be a bit worried that I'd never get another call from that customer.

Hope this helps.

db

[vector40]

Do you mean you have the SO electric gun?

[v12v12]

HAha! Carrying around a Snappy hanger! "That'll be $50 ma`am..." (with a sly grin) heh, they'd prob think you were a crook in costume and call the police! I plan on making the gun-style wire snap from some umbrella wires, they are nice and strong, yet flexible enough to withstand the bending and misuse.
So these fancy electric vibrators - are they that effective? Or is it that they are much more comfortable, professional looking and fun to toggle around with? CRAP - I cannot find my dremel, now I'm going to have to bust out the file and hammer