lockpicks- sparrows or peterson?

[Razor2016]

It will depend on the starting stock you use, a Dremel will get you there, it may just take a little longer. Wiper blade backings make good picks and are relatively easy to work with, feeler strips are great but require more shaping due to their bigger format, hardened steel strip (sink unblocker, etc) will test your patience but if you persevere can still be used. Like most people you will find making your own picks a very satisfying and the joy at picking a lock with "your" pick makes the whole process worthwhile. Don't get discouraged by lack of space, we all deal with barriers and how you overcome them becomes part of the learning cycle.

Ray

[GWiens2001]

You could always do like me. Buy your wife something pretty, then toss the bench grinder on the dining room table.

That would fly about as well as a lead hippopotamus in my house! My wife is not so easily swayed in allowing a bench grinder in the kitchen.

Gordon

[drumnut01]

I use a mixture of both. I tend to like the Peterson gem and medium hook for SPP and I like Sparrows rakes. I sometimes use the Sparrows short hook or offset hybrid for SPP. It really depends on what I'm feeling that day and on the lock.

For tension tools, Peterson is way ahead of Sparrows. I don't think Sparrows offers thick top of keyway tension tools. The TOK picks by Sparrows are .025" and .032", instead of the .040" and .050" offered by Peterson.

For cases, I use a Sparrows Tuxedo case to carry around and a Peterson leather case at home. I also have a Peterson plug spinner that I really like.

If I only had one brand, it would probably be Sparrows. Sometimes that shaft height of the Peterson picks can be bothersome.

[Picked Apart]

But now, I'm considering getting the dangerfield praxis.

As it is a bit steep in price,
I believe that it would make a great starter set.
Due to, once polished up & handles are heatshrinked,
They can be compacted in the case & more tools can be added.

Something that you (& anyone else)
may wish not to rule out.

I have 2 of these currently on order. The Dangerfield PRAXIS set was reviewed well, and I love that they have two different sizes. I'd be happy to post my thoughts on it in a few days.

[Picked Apart]

You could always do like me. Buy your wife something pretty, then toss the bench grinder on the dining room table.

That would fly about as well as a lead hippopotamus in my house! My wife is not so easily swayed in allowing a bench grinder in the kitchen.

Gordon

Hahaha. I actually have mine on my kitchen table right now.

[jimu57]

Has anyone ever bought picks from TOOOL?

[Picked Apart]

Has anyone ever bought picks from TOOOL?

No, but their stuff looks decent. It does mention though that shipping will take longer.

[GWiens2001]

I have a TOOOL pick set sitting in my tool box at work. Decent, but needs to be sanded and polished.

Gordon

[Mudman]

I initially wanted Peterson, but ended up with Sparrow a while back. Liked their kits better. But I don't think you could go wrong either way.