I recently got one of the new tubulars by RCS tools sold at Southern Specialties /
http://www.lockpicktools.com/lockpicks.htm
In the past, I have used the HPC tubulars, the southord, and the peterson pro.
Things I like about this tool:
A. Stainless steel - the southords use a brass barrel. This tool has SS like the HPC
B. Great machining. You can tell when you pick it up that is it well made. The feeler slots, while STILL needing a little fine sanding (don't they all?) are cut very nicely. The sanding may not have been needed, but it's a habit I'm into, and the feelers felt smoother when I finished. The rest of the tool is done well also. The tension collar, while held with a pin, (pin held captive by the o-ring seen in the pics at the listed site) seems to be really round, which is a change from the usual.
Things I don't like about this tool:
A. The washer used for resetting needs a larger ID hole. (easily replaced) The size furnished tends to bind on the shaft if tilted just a few degrees.
B. The length of the shaft/handle combo: (see below)
Things I'm not sure of:
A. The smaller than usual handle. I know pickmasters used to say that men supply too much tension because they use tubulars like a screwdriver. I've got big hands, and arthritis. I may get used to the smaller handle, or I may replace it with a larger one, or may just build up the furnished handle with some gripping material. At any rate, because of my method of holding the pick with my fingers while using my thumb against the lock face to keep my hand/tool perpendicular, the size of this handle forces me to hold it awkwardly, using my thumb for the tool instead
of my normal use. It also makes it a little more difficult for me to set the tension collar.
Final impression:
I love this alternative. For about the same price as the Southord, you get the quality of the HPC.
(BTW, this vendor also has a 10% discount for lp101 members)
