How important are 'GOOD' picks?

[Luissen]

Sorry, it seems the YouTube button does not like the URL for mobile devices!

Gordon

, that is impressive

[Mikeh727]

I say "Good Enough" tools are very important. Mostly Torque Tools in my opinion, since I find picking, to me, is about applying the right amount (still working on it).

I'm finding that you are absolutely correct. Varying my tension has helped me progress in my skills and though I haven't gotten consistently good at picking yet, I'm finding that the proper tension is probably more important than having a specific pick, at least in some locks.

[IndigoChild]

I remember way back doing XCM Gordon and one of our tests as a manipulator was shuffling a deck of cards with our feet. Now I gotta do it with a lockpick? ...

Anyways I think the quality of the tool is extremely important for lockpicking. Now hear me out. I used to be a soldier, and regardless of having M4 rifles and ACOG scopes at our disposal we used the older M-16 A4 with Iron Sights, the reason is you learn with the worst. That way if your in a pinch you will always be able to use whats available to you. However when you get your hands on better equipment like the M4 with ACOG you will likely find your skills have jumped and improved almost automatically.

Subconsciously and Physically there are two things happening. Its sort of a mental boost. New tools, shiny, it will make you think they are better even if they really are the same thing. You will likely preform better simple on the fact that your picks are brand new. You wont be worrying about breaking them as much as happens with older picks more often. When you use gritty unrefined picks from rytan or hpc you can feel it. Then suddenly you start using custom picks or refined picks and now its entirely smooth. The only clicks you feel are the ones you want to feel. It will be a new fresh and clear experience.

No I am not trying to say any picks are better than others in any way. You find what works for you. But if I were you I would start practicing with an old S Rake and a Short hook. That way you are starting yourself out in the worst case scenario and can only improve from there.

[GWiens2001]

So you can shuffle cards with your feet. How about stacking the deck and slipping yourself the aces off the bottom of the deck with your feet?

Now I gotta get out the deck of cards and try shuffling with my feet. Thanks a bunch for the new challenge! it sounds like quite a challenge, though my wife will probably not want to play with the cards unless I wash my feet first, and maybe not even then.

Gordon

[IndigoChild]

Go for it man. Its strange but if you can do it I am willing to bet you can win a few bets on it.

[Mikeh727]

Thanks IndigoChild. I just ordered some new picks that I hope will arrive tomorrow. I know the one's that 'm using are not as 'smooth' as I'd like, and I do wonder sometimes if I'm feeling a set or simply a nick in the pick as I manipulate the pin. I'll try to compare the two and see if I can feel a difference. I agree with both of your statements: First that having shiny new picks just makes you feel better, and second that using older picks will help set me up to be even better with good equipment.

I appreciate the insight.

-M

[cuttinedge1]

A great way to learn is to get a harder lock such as an American lock and spend a long time trying to pick it because the only way you will pick it is if you are manipulating one pin at a time. It will take a while but once you get it every thing else will be easy because you are better but more importantly you will have confidence.

[cdf]

The one thing I've advised new guys attending our TOOOL chapter to do , is get picks with some kind of handle . Or in the alternate , get shrink wrap . The second piece of advice , has been lots of tension tools , and few picks . Being in the To. Area of Canada , many of us point newcomers towards Sparrows .

I find that after honing my skills on basic , and handled Sparrows picks , I've found that the small stash of Peterson tools I've bought has improved by performance . My perception , and a confidence boost , no doubt .

My present "Go to " kit is a mixture , of both makes .

[Mikeh727]

I agree, having handles make the picks more 'user friendly'. Saran wrap is an interesting idea that I hadn't heard before but I can imagine it gets the job done.

-Mike