Differences among lock picks

[avarice]

First, I must say that I am fairly new to this board but have gained a tremendous amount of appreciation towards the people who utilize it. The people here are very friendly and seem legitimate in their intention.

Anyway, it seems as if I've read every single thread in the website and even searched for information on the minute differences between certain picks. Most posts refer to personal preference but I'm interested in what those preferences are.

For example, why is a double ended wrench prefered over a normal one sometimes? What is it that make some people want to use a normal tension wrench over a flexed tension wrench or a wishbone tension wrench.

I hear some people hate picks with stainless steel handles even though they cost more. Why? Is it somehow easier to feel the pins with a simple pick?

I guess I'm looking for is how the small differences in picks and wrenches actually make the difference. Again, I'm not looking for the answer "its personal preference" but rather an answer that explains what that preference is and why.

Thank you in advance!

[randmguy]

Welcome avarice. On the tension wrench question...I prefer flex wrenches because I am a little heavy with my left hand. The flex wrenches give me more feedback (if the wrench actually flexes I'm leaning on it too hard) and prevent me from becoming frustrated when I'm trying settle down and feel the pins set.

As far as picks go I use Peterson picks with the plastic handles. They feel right when I'm holding them and they are large enough that my hands don't cramp up from trying to hold onto something as thin as a pick for extended periods.

"Z" turning tools are more useful than "L" wrenches because that's fewer tools that I have to stuff into an already crowded case. I've also found that they are easier to manipulate when you have to work with the wrench on the frame side of the lock.


I hope this helps you and, again, "Welcome to the forum."

[Chucklz]

Personal preference rules firm. I like the Southord reinforced hooks because of where the center of mass is on that particular pick. I tend to hold my hooks as though they were pencils, and this just "feels better" than the non handled hooks. When I rake, I hold the pick between my thumb and forefinger, so I can't see spending any money on reinforced rake handles. I like Peterson picks for the length of the handle and how it fits in my hand when I hold it. If you do a bit of searching, you will see that I posted at one point about building your own picks that approximate the "Dental Style" of handles. I like hooks in this design, again because of how I hold them.

Tension tool wise, I like a stiff wrench, that fits snugly in the bottom of the keyway. For when I pick with a wrench at the top of the keyway, I like a wrench thats made by first making a regular twist flex wrench, then bending a tiny bit of the tip at 90 degrees "up" . THis tiny bit is inserted into the keyway, with the long handle of the wrench perpendicular to the face of the lock. I apply force at either the twist or, just below it.

[CitySpider]

Great thread!

I'm a little fuzzy in the head right now (very tired), so I don't want to write a huge long post, but I'll answer your example questions, and if you think of any more, I'd be happy to give my opinion on those too.

I prefer a double ended wrench (z-wrench) always, because why not? It's like having two wrenches. I can have two different wrenches -- say a vertical and a horizontal one (HPC TR-4) or a narrow and a wide one (Rogan) or a stubby and a long one (pretty much all of my homemades) on the same piece of metal.

I hate twist-flex wrenches, because I don't like wrenches that flex. I suppose they might give you a little better feedback, but it's much harder for me to maintain a certain amount of tension/torque/turning pressure/WHATEVER when I'm worried about my wrench bending as well as the cylinder turning. Hence, the stiffer the wrench, the better. And I've publically said that wishbone wrenches and two-prong wrenches and circular wrenches and etc and etc -- I've found them to be completely useless.

When it comes to Southord picks, I prefer non-handled. I find I can feel inside the lock better, the feeling is less "muted." Also I don't like the handle-heaviness on handled picks (on plastic handled, it's not so bad). Plus I use a sort of choked up gripping position, lots of the time, so the handle isn't very important to me as far as feel goes -- I don't hold it by the handle, usually.

Does that help?

[joecool2727]

Well i prefer a twist flex wrench because it gives me much more flex which allows me to vary the tension more, i only use the non twisted wrenches to turn the cylinder once it is picked because the twist wrench tends to bend if you apply too much tension. I also like reinforced handles better than regular ones but i seem to pick locks the same either way, i just prefer reinforced handles.

Also, sometimes i find that using my right hand for the tension and the left hand for picking (im right handed) i can open the lock a lot easier. I think this works because i believe that tension is much more important than the actual picking. So when i use my dominent hand (right hand) for tension i can control it better and so i can open the lock easier. Just something i was thinking about.

[salzi684]

Here is a list of the picks I own and what I like or dislike about them.

Peterson- Great picks and great handles. This is my favorite all around set. I have the tri fold set which comes with both plastic and rubber handles. The plastic handles are better at transmitting feel when single pin picking and the rubber handles are easier to hang onto when raking or when your hands are cold and dry. If I could only have one set this would be it. http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=204&1=224&3=257

South Ord no handles- I hate these picks. Whenever I use these picks they dig into my fingers and hurt my hands. This was the first set I bought and didn't know any better. I wouldn't wish these picks on my enemies. They came with rubber slip-on handles that are worthless. http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=204&1=217&3=28

South Ord metal handles- Good picks for the price. Although these picks are not as good as the Petersons they are commonly available and reasonably priced...enough said. http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=213&1=227&3=208

Navigator pick set- If you like hooks you should buy this set. Very comfortable handles and the greatest selection of hooks I have seen. These handles are made of hard plastic and transmit feel very well. This set could use a few more tension wrenches but those are cheap/easy to make so it shouldn't be a problem. http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=204&1=224&3=265

Rytans- These picks have handles similar to the navigator and are very comfortable. I have heard a lot of people talk about rytans being delicate but I am very gentle with all of my picks so this isn't a problem for me. Also rytan makes my currently favorite pick design, the regular diamond hook and the mini blue diamond hook. http://www.lockandsupply.com/catalog/ry ... 355322.htm

As far as tension wrenches go it depends on the lock that I am working on. If I am trying to pick a lock with spool pins I use a light twist flex with very little pressure. With this wrench you can put a little extra pressure on the pins with the pick and the wrench will flex a little bit and allow them to pass the shear line. This is a very sensitive wrench and works good for spool pins http://www.lockandsupply.com/catalog/hp ... 660925.htm I have got to warn you though it is huge.

If I am working on a standard lock I use the short south ord twist flex http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=213&1=229&3=232 it is my favorite all around tension wrench.

I really like this tension wrench if there is any sort of spring on the plug and it allows the wrench to either be mounted parallel to the keyway or perpendicular to the keyway http://www.lockandsupply.com/catalog/hp ... 480334.htm

[CitySpider]

South Ord no handles- I hate these picks. Whenever I use these picks they dig into my fingers and hurt my hands. This was the first set I bought and didn't know any better. I wouldn't wish these picks on my enemies. They came with rubber slip-on handles that are worthless. http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=204&1=217&3=28

You're right. They're awful. Horrible. No use for them at all! Tell you what, just toss 'em in an envelope and send 'em my way, I'll dispose of them properly for you.

[salzi684]

Hey, just my opinion . I bought some sheet aluminum and they are in the process of being converted into picks with reinforced handles. Which will be super glued together instead of welded or rivited to give the ultimate seamless finish.

[avarice]

Wow, thanks a lot salzi684. Your response was just as detailed as I hoped for.

I recently saw this guy use a double ended wrench and positioned it so that he used the other side of the wrench to "pull" on the lock instead of using the wrench to just kind of twist it like most people.

That strange use of the wrench is what made me think of my preference question.

Does anyone else here use their tools in a unique manner? I love trying out new techniques!

[salzi684]

No problem on the post Avarice. I have wanted to write my reviews for quite some time and this was a perfect opportunity to do it.

I don't know how many other people do this but with certain tools I find it is easier to pivot the pick against the tension wrench or one of the wards in the keyway to apply force on the pins. For me this method gives the best feedback when it comes to "feeling" out a lock.

[CitySpider]

I don't know how many other people do this but with certain tools I find it is easier to pivot the pick against the tension wrench or one of the wards in the keyway to apply force on the pins.

I do. With everything except my flimsier Rytans.