falle pick question

[lockpickingnewb]

I've searched, and I know there are alot of topics about falle picks, but i couldn't find what they look like, and what they're for. Help would be greatly appreciated.
~Ryan~

[digital_blue]

Falle makes a lot of tools, but you are probably referring to the Falle-Safe pick set that is most recognizable by the "Deep Curve" picks as pictured here:
http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/picks/falle-deep-curve.html

There is a whole set of picks tho. I've actually just completed making a set myself (will post pics when I get access to a decent digital camera next week) but if you are entertaining the thought of making them, PM me with your email and I can email you the templates I used.

db

[lockpickingnewb]

so are they just a different kind of pick for cylinder locks?

[digital_blue]

Yes, the set is comprised mostly of different types of hooks or feeler picks. They are really excellent picks. My attempt at duplicates seem to work really well, so I can only imagine that the originals are considerably better. In the set is also a nice range of unique tension tools that are supposed to work very well. I haven't reproduced those as of yet, because I have not got a decent set of templates for them.

They are available only to locksmiths tho, but there is a thread trying to get a group purchase together (though I don't know if it'll end up happening due to logistics and price). The set is pretty rediculously expensive too.

db

[lockpickingnewb]

Thanks for your quick replies!
~Ryan~

[digital_blue]

I live to serve.

db

[WhiteHat]

don't forget:

viewtopic.php?t=2868

[digital_blue]

That's a good thread WhiteHat (well, at least until shortly after the second or third post when everything went geek ). I'd not seen that yet. I would mention though that in the typical keyways found in basic locks in North America (Kwikset, Shlage, Wieser, etc) the Falle tools seem to be very effective (or, at least my knock-offs do). I have found myself partial to one of the smaller progressive curves, but the deep curves have their moments. I've not yet had any success with the sawtooth rakes but they were the ones I was least confident in reproducing, so that might be the problem. I am planning on going into my office tomorrow where there is a good digital camera, so I'll post some pics of the set. I would definately recommend these tools to any toolmakers out there. They have not entirely replaced my SouthOrd set, but they're close. If I get around to adding a couple half diamonds to the set I think they'll be my primary tools.

db

[WhiteHat]

... I'd not seen that yet.

ahhh.. obviously you didn't read through all the newbie quiz answer thread

[digital_blue]

LOL. You made me go back and figure out what the heck I missed. Now I see what you mean, but I just never followed that link 'cause I already knew what deep curves were.

db

[glasskey]

digital_blue, quite a selection of photos on picks in your post of April 6, do you own all these different picks?
I was wondering how they preform over the standard or Southord style picks. are they easier to use ? I am having problems getting a regular deep hook into some locks. does the heavy curve of the falle pick help? and where might they sell these picks.

[digital_blue]

glasskey: The pics I linked to in my above post are on crypto.com (by Matt Blaze). I don't actually own the Falle-Safe picks (I wish! ) but as I said, I have just completed making a set of 'knock-offs' that work pretty well.

I find that the deep hook by SouthOrd is too deep to use on most any lock I own. There just doesn't seem to be a comfortable way to get the sucker in and out of the keyway without upsetting pin states. My attraction to the Falle picks was the wide selection of hooks. The Falle-Safe picks are extremely expensive and only available to locksmiths, so I figured my chances of getting ahold of some originals was pretty small. Having made the set, I have to say I LOVE them. Today I am going into my office and taking some pics of my tools with a decent digital camera, and I will post them here later.

Also as I said before, I do have the templates I used available for anyone interested in making these picks. Just PM me with an email address and I will send 'em over.

db

[raimundo]

The falle deep curve ..... I have made picks of the type, seems to be used as a sort of rocker, fulcruming off the tensionblade and lifting the pins deep in the lock, but it tends to lose that fulcrum property as you work toward the front pins. It works in open keyways, far better than in restricted ones, The sense of feel is maybe a little better in the deep inside pins than you get with a normal hook, and this pick will also lift the pins that are closer to the outside while lifting the pin you intend to work.
I have also experimented with a varient of this pick with a deep curve shaft and a little flip of short curve at the tip. These shapes work well enough, but I don't make them very often, as they are not really so special. If anyone else has a comment on using the deep curve let us know what locks, keyway restrictions, and how it works for the pins nearer the outside where the fulcruming is harder to do.

[digital_blue]

As promised, here is the set of picks I made for myself:


The top left is my first attempt at a King/Queen pick. The rest are modeled after the Falle-Safe picks. All picks are made from hacksaw blades. The tension wrenches are made from wiper blade inserts and the second from the top is based on a design I saw on this forum by Mad Mick.

Here is a picture of the picks in the case I keep them in:


I picked up a set of 30 Jobmate jigsaw blades from Canadian Tire on sale for $15 specifically because they came with this case (and jigsaw blades are always handy ) My wife supplied the hair elastic.

I am thinking of replacing the King/Queen pick with a Small Half Diamond/Large Half Diamond and I think I'll be set.

As always, your thougths and suggestions are appreciated.

db

[master in training]

*bows to db*

you have some skills! they're awesome, a really nice set, well done! you got a good deal with those jigsaw blades, the case is great!
you can tell me how to make them over that beer


~ Master in Training ~