Recommended hook/feeler pick for starting out?

[Maquist]

I've been picking locks for a while now, mostly by using the raking method. However, recently I decided to learn the pin-at-a-time method. I followed digital_blue's beginner's exercise with my practice lock set when I noticed something. The hook I have has a tendency to hit multiple pins at once.

I am using the basic Southord hook that came with my 5-piece (hook, half diamond, ball, snake, tension wrench) set. I just recently ordered the Euro 5-piece set. Will this hook be less likely to hit other pins while I'm trying to manipulate the lock? Or is there something else (either a commercial pick or something homemade) that will work better?

[le.nutzman]

Until you get used to and comfortable with the idea of Single Pin Picking (SPP), doesn't matter which hook you use, it's going to brush adjacent pins. Continue to practice and use the pick brushing up against other pins as well as feedback to let you know that you're not squarely on the mark. It comes with practice.

[Maquist]

Ok. Thanks! It's good to know that, at very least, I'm not totally off base.

[apb]

The southord hook works fine and it will still work if you move up to picking security pins. The other hook designs will not make much difference , especially when starting out with SPP. You may decide you like HPC or other brands or different sized picks, but until you have enough practice it's not going to make you pick any better.

[wolfie]

usually what i do to "feel" pins, is push up on a pin (or down depending on how ya hold the lock) then push/pull my pick back n forth lightly till i feel it brush on the sides of the adjacent pins. works fairly well in the larger locks, such as kwikset and master, my brinks lock i just kinda play it by the wing cause the spools in it "pop" into place when they set.

[raimundo]

these picks will give better feedback if you sand the edges so that they are smooth, and round the sharp 90 degree angles of the edges so that rather than bite into warding, they will slip by it. You'll need some metal cutting sandpaper

[Maquist]

Cool. Thanks, raimundo! I've got some metal sandpaper lying around somewhere. I do a little bit of silver work, so I'll check my toolbox.

Wolfie, I'll give that method a try. My practice locks have a wooden housing that they clamp into. That way it's almost like approaching a lock in the real world.

Apb, thanks for the advice. Once I become more advanced I might try looking at the other brands. But for now, I'll enjoy knowing the tools I have are decent (for now).

[wolfie]

cool, hope everything works out well for ya =)