An observation about pick handles

[Kodack]

I got the Southord set with the bare metal handles. After a few hours of picking, my hand started to get sore where I was holding the rake and I thought about covering the ends with electrical tape.

I actually did one like that but I discovered something....Not touching the bare metal, deadened the feedback my fingers got from the tool. I had trouble feeling what was going on with the pick and took the improvised padding back off.

Does anybody use lock picks that have padded handles? And if so can you feel anything?

I think that dispite the discomfort, the bare metal ones might be best.

[CaptHook]

Depends on what you like. I prefer stainless handled picks like HPCs, they feel right to me. One thing (this will really mess you up.... ) Try pinching the pick between your fingers like you would pinch a piece of paper. Try that as opposed to the pencil grip.
No matter what you do and try, you have to find what works best for you. Most of the folks on this forum have different styles, likes and dislikes. Its individual, so just work on your touch and understanding of what you are doing in the keyway and you will progress.
Chuck

[Exodus5000]

Additionaly to what Mick said, Peterson picks come with either plastic of rubber handles. The feedback on both are very excelent.

[poisoned]

I always hold my pick form the part where the handle ends.. No mather how I try I always slip my fingers to the end of the pick .. Usually my fingers are quite hurt after a long picking session

[Bonuts]

i havent developed a 'style' yet... but typically i hold mine like a pen... i will switch to 4 fingertips on one side of the pick and thumb on opposite side. then i will go overhand on it, but that is only when i start to get frustrated... i think i like 4 and thumb best.

[thertel]

I personally use Petersons and the Brockhage Navigator set and I find tha no matter how I hold the pick I always have my index figer resting on the pick shaft as I find this gives me great feedback. As for the southords you might want to get some 600 grit sand paper and round the sides of the handles a bit.


Thomas

[logosys]

Petersons rock! WHOOP!!!

[thertel]

Yeah Petersons are awesome. The plastics rocks, and I never picked up the rubbers until a few nights ago and I've been amazed how good those feel to hold and how well they give feedback.

Thomas

[Wesson357]

Peterson's really are quite the picks. I prefer the rubber but the plastic handles are still quality.

[raimundo]

you guys are trying to hold the picks vertical in the keyway, by pinching the near end of the handles, This is a very unnatural and un ergonomic grip. why don't you hold the pick handle at an angle that is comfortable and natural for the hand, then with two pliers on the pick shaft close to the handle, twist the pick shaft so that when you hold the pick in a comfortable natural way, the working end of the pick shaft is vertical. be sure to leave about a quarter inch between the two pliers, so that the shaft has room to twist without shearing off.

[Buggs41]

I think I understand what you are saying Raimundo. Basically, adding a " kick " ( conduit bending term ) to the shaft to make the handle slant upwards, while the pick itself is vertical. Correct?

[thertel]

Someone should add a 19 degree angle to the pick shafts as that is what is considered to be the optimal ergonomic angle.


Thomas

[Romstar]

Thertel, draw me a picture. I should be able to accomidate just about any request. Also, if it works, maybe I will offer them as a standrad option.

I just want to be sure of what you mean.

Romstar

[thertel]

I'll try giving it a go in mspaint cus I'm on the road in fort worth, texas this week with my job. I'll see what I can come up with.

Thomas

[Romstar]

Sounds good, just so long as I have an idea.

Romstar