Sanding pick handles

[ElbowMacaroni]

Yes, it is time again for yet another one (or more) of my incessant questions!


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Question Section:
I was wondering if it is helpful to sand the handles of your picks to a mirror finish in addition to the business end? Would that also help to increase sensitivity? Or would just roughing the handles up a bit (say maybe 200 or 400 grit) maybe transfer more of the delicate sensation to your fingers? Does it even matter at all on the handle end?

Additional Section:
Also, since I've been reading this site, I was skeptical about ditching the removable foam handles that came with my southord set, but WOW!!!! What a difference! It took some getting used to holding them a bit different due to the lack of handle girth, but it's actually more comfortable now. Amazing!


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Ok, so I'm a little off...


-EM

[ElbowMacaroni]

Ok, I'm weird... but still it's a serious question

[MacGyver101]

I was wondering if it is helpful to sand the handles of your picks to a mirror finish in addition to the business end?

No: from my perspective anyhow, I don't think it would.

Sanding the tips of the picks makes a huge difference, because it reduces friction between the tip of the pick and the interior elements of the lock, making the pick easier to maneuver and less likely to bind. In contrast, though, reducing the friction of the handle (making is "slipperier", if you will) is not a good idea. I think you're on a better track with your idea of lightly roughing the handles with some medium-fine grit sandpaper. You'll get the best feedback when you have an easy, comfortable grip.

[ElbowMacaroni]

Thanks MacGyver!

That answers my question perfectly! I the roughing up on the handle is the way I was leaning, but just was wondering what the thoughts of the wise and mighty folks here was.

Thanks again!
-EM

[MacGyver101]

. . . just was wondering what the thoughts of the wise and mighty folks here was.

When they respond, I hope they agree with me!

[ElbowMacaroni]

Hey, I've seen you give lots of good info to people!

[ElbowMacaroni]

Ok, since I'm going to do a rougher handle. what would the consensus or even a single suggestion be as to scoring a crosshatch pattern into the handle vs just going at the hangle with some 60 or 80 grit sandpaper?

Thanks!

-EM

[LocksmithArmy]

the cross hatchs would not only look ike you ment to do it it would probably give you less slipage... if you just roughed it up with sand paper it would seem more like you just suck at sanding...

but ether way you should get the desired result

[ElbowMacaroni]

LOL! Ok, crosshatch it is!

[tballard]

I've made quite a few picks with "mirror finish" handles. Past 2000 grit sandpaper smooth. I like them, and I find it easier to pick for long periods with smooth picks than textured ones.

[ElbowMacaroni]

Cool... what did you use to go beyond 2000? Rubbing compound like for automotive finishes? That's what I've used on the business end of the picks that I've recently made (only a couple so far.) You get an insane shine going from wet 2000 sandpaper to the rubbing compound!

That's interesting on the smooth handles... now I'm confused... perhaps I should make both and see what I prefer... that seems to be the way 'round here.

Thanks!

[ElbowMacaroni]

Hmmn... or maybe a highly polished crosshatch? Best of both worlds! Hmmnnn....

(wheels turning... crack! smoke! snap!)