questions about hybrid picks

[pinsetter]

Have any of you more experienced pickers ever used any of the hybrid pick designs, such as the hook/half-diamond, or hook/ball?

If so, how are they to use? Do they offer any advantages over the standard hooks and diamonds?

All input appreciated! I make all my own picks and was wondering if making these picks is really worth the effort.

[illusion]

Do you mean the Deforest picks?

I got a hook/half-ball deforest pick in my set of Southords, and it was probably my most used pick.

I would choose it over a hook, but they can't cope with high-low-high combos unfortunately... at least on UK locks at any rate.

[pinsetter]

hmmm....the high - low - high - low type pinning is what I'm looking for a solution for. I've got 3 locks that just plain refuse to be picked or raked. What would you recommend for such a pinning? I made a pick that resembles a Peterson Reach, but have had no luck with it either.

[TOWCH]

Peterson Gem

[zeke79]

Peterson Gem

Good call!

[Buzzzy]

Deforest half diamond

I have 8 or 9 in various brands. I can get some high low sets pretty quick on U.S. locks, it also rakes nicely.
To be able to alternate between single pin and rake works well for me.

Buzzzy

[illusion]

Mine has done some wonder-raking in it's time.

[skold]

Mine has done some wonder-raking in it's time.

I have the HPC 2000 series in both ball and diamond, if the diamond doesn't work these have the lock open in seconds.

[zirgs]

How many of you tend to use your own home picks most of the time rather than shop picks? About 90% of my picking is with my own picks, and most of those modified hooks.

[Bahrg]

How many of you tend to use your own home picks most of the time rather than shop picks? About 90% of my picking is with my own picks, and most of those modified hooks.

Mine are all home made and I am likely to stay that way, I have a lot of fun making them as well as using them. I think I have about 7 hooks now as I am constantly tweeking my design.

[Shrub]

For cylinder locks i use bought ones 99% of the time with home made wrenches, ive got a trusty set (the big one) of SO i use and ive an untouched Falle set as well.

[illusion]

I like the wrenches in the Falle set, but haven't actualy used the double-pronged ones yet - the standard 'L' ones work so well, and I'm used to them. I really do like the picks however - they are designed close to perfect.

I have some home-made wrenches made from sweeper bristle - if I am having trouble on a lock these come out.

The lever picks are pretty good on cabinet locks, where wires struggle to get in, unless you have piano wire of course.

I find the fact that you bought a set of Falles for like over a hundred quid, and yet haven't touched them pretty funny lol.

[scampdog]

I have a couple of sets of bought picks,which i got when i first started picking,but nowadays i only use my homemade picks, i get a better response, and feel with them, and because hacksaw blades are so cheap, you can afford to experiment,and try different designs, which might suit your style of picking. incidentally i picked up some broken band saw blades off a local joiners yard,and these make superb picks.

[Shrub]

I find the fact that you bought a set of Falles for like over a hundred quid, and yet haven't touched them pretty funny lol.

Well i knew it would happen as i said to you, i only got them for the sake of it, i would like to use them for fun picking which i dont have time for right now and i know i can get the locks opend with my SO set so why fix somthing that isnt broken.

I did de-burr them all though so they are ready for use

Incidentally, at the moment mine cost more than yours if you get what im reminding you about

[Prodigy]

Well 99% of picking is getting the correct tension.

You can have heaps of picking tools in some of the most nastiest shapes and still only be able to pick your nose. I am the biggest fan of the hook pick, RYTAN (there is no subsitute) I also have FALLE tools ( I collect equipment). I too have made my own picks from spring stainless laser cut.

I need a decent handle on my picks as I do not have small feminine hands and the Rytans provide this for me. Try to place the tension tool in different locations in the keyway and also change direction.

This will change the order of the pins to be picked, YES I PICK INDIVIDUAL PINS. Also if needed I rake through if a pin is not at height. Start with light tension just to work out the personallity of the cylinder. You should be able to gt some resistance feedback on the pick.