Slender/Slim Pick Recommendations

[ElGatoNegro]

On masterlock no.3 or no.5 padlocks. I have noticed with standard southord hook pick. When starting from back of the cylinder going out trying to find the binding pin. The pick is pushing up slightly on other pins. This is causing some of the pins to set. So while SPP I might only need to set 2 to 3 pins and 1 or 2 pins are set by luck.

Does anyone have a preference or recommendation on a hook pick that has a thinner profile vertically? I've been looking at the slim or euro picks. But not sure if they are actually thinner vertically, horizontally or both? Anyways like to read others opinions and options.

[KPick]

You can probably try southords slimline picks. I use the smallest hook they have on deck for that lock.

[cheerIO]

I recommend some Peterson picks.

The Peterson slenders are thinner material. They are 0.015 or 0.018 thick. (blue or purple handles)

What you probably want are the DCAPs. Deep cut access picks. (red handles) Which are 0.025 thick like most of the euro and classic picks. (grey or black handles)



You can see the DCAPs in the middle of the picture. They have a cut down shaft to clear the pins.

Below them are some hooks and Peterson Gems so you can compare the shaft heights. The euro Gem and hook are a little cut down, but not much compared to the classics.

You may also want to try a Peterson Reach. Those are the ones at the top of the picture. I have had great success reaching around pins with these. If you have full use of the keyway you can really rock it all the way to the back while avoiding the more forward pins. As you can see, the newer versions have thinner shafts than the older dipped handled ones.

[ElGatoNegro]

Thanks kpick and cheerIO. Definately helps seeing the picture of the different picks. I think ill get some peterson DCAP hooks.

[KPick]

You're welcome.

[Squelchtone]

I'm a little late to the game, but I recently posted a photo of different sizes of hook picks on my Twitter feed, perhaps you will find it useful.



from the top
1. Klom Navigator #7
2. Lockmasters (made by H&H or Klom I think)
3. HPC 2000
4. HPC
5. Majestic
6. Peterson "Just Picks" dipped handle
7. Peterson blue plastic handle

My favorite would have to be #6 followed by the #3

hope this helps,
Squelchtone

[cheerIO]

Squelchtone,

Do you know where to buy the Majestic picks now a'days? I have had my set for like 20 years and they have definitely stood up to abuse. I have looked around and seen some that looked like they were Majestics, but not labeled as such. Are they still around?

[MBI]

When I need a thinner pick for a particular keyway I just go through my spare picks and find the closest thing that I have to what I need, then I work on it with metal files and sandpaper until the pick is nice, thin, smooth as glass and fits where I need it to go.

It's just a matter of the controlled removal of metal.

[AusBazza]

Hi cheerIO,
For Majestic Picks Try Walker Locksmiths,

They have a 13 piece set for £19.95 Link >> http://www.walkerlocksmiths.co.uk/cylin ... uct_id=204

Sorry Moderators if I am not allowed to put links in here, just trying to help a fellow enthusiast.

Bazza

[smokingman]

As storebought hooks go, I like the LAB tool hooks.
They are thin , almost like a squared wire.
But I really like a homebrew version of the LAB hook
that is just a little more robust though.

[C-Horse]

If your going to spend money, go for a Peterson set they are very nice picks.

[nite0wl]

I will second C-Horse's recommendation of Peterson picks, for the OP's original question the "Euro" profile pics are probably best but the DCAP tools will work as well.