2 Qs before I buy (round tension tool + lockpick set)

[Benesato]

Hi, everyone. I've gleaned a heap of information and advice from the forums, and I'm finally ready (almost) to invest in a proper set of lockpicking tools. I'm also about due for my annual splurge. But before I finalise my choice I'd like to get some advice, if people could be so kind. Just one thing first: I'm a hoarder and this is my annual splurge, so the expense of what I buy is not a problem (I've budgeted for it already).

The lockpick set I've got my eyes on is the HPC PIP-2000 set. They're stainless, and While they're a tad fancy and expensive for a beginner, I figure they will last well as I no doubt fizzle in and out of the hobby over the next few years, and I'd prefer to have a good set that I can become very familiar with.

Q1. From what I've gathered through my research Peterson and HPC generally produce the best picks, but HPC are a little better suited to Austalian locks as they're on the narrower side. Can anybody confirm this?


I'd also like to get a spring-loaded round tension tool, and the two below seem to be the best options.

Brass round tension tool (wide entry-way) http://www.lockpicks.com/images/view.aspx?productId=266
HPC round tension tool (narrow entry-way) http://www.lockpicks.com/images/view.aspx?productId=60

I'm inclined to go with the brass tool as the entry-way for the lockpicks is large, so I figure it will be unobtrusive. The HPC tool, however, has a very narrow entry-way. I can see that perhaps it would have the benefit of providing a pivot-point for the lockpick, but I would think it would be more often a hindrance than a benefit.

Q2. Can anybody (preferably somebody who's used such round tension tools) comment on whether the narrow HPC entry-way does indeed get in the way?


Thanks for reading,

Benesato.

[Solomon]

I personally don't like the circular tension tools as the feedback isn't very good and they're quite fiddly to use. The basic ones only fit very large profiles, and whereas the more expensive ones are adjustable they're just as awkward to work with. If you're concerned about the tensioner getting in the way of your picks, apply tension from the same side as the pins... problem solved. In all honesty you can pick most locks with the tensioner right there in the keyway anyway.

The circular tension tools have their uses, but even if you're doing lockouts the need for one is extremely rare. As a hobbyist they're a cool little novelty to have, but for actual picking, nothing can replace a nice variety of standard tension wrenches.

I'm not familiar with australian locks, but the profiles look very similar to euro locks and I've seen a few guys in the UK using both Peterson and HPC tools. Some say that Petersons are a little big, but they're extremely strong and have fantastic memory so you should be able to get around the warding with them easily enough. S1deshowMick is based in australia and has a Peterson set, and he swears by them.

[ElbowMacaroni]

I started a similar thread recently about at least the circular tension tool. Although I must admit, I was trying to confirm my suspicion that they were more of a novelty item than a useful tool. The resounding answer was that my suspicion was correct.

As far as the picks go, I would think any decent quality slimline pick would do ya well. If you're looking to save a little dough, the low end southord sets are serviceable but, you might want ot get the slightly higher grade southord sets with the better handles, although the rubber handles are really great for cutting up and using to corral a wide variety of tension tools and other odds and ends, and homemade picks and curiosities. Otherwise, HPC seems to have a good reputation here, I haven't used them, but alot of people seem to like them. Personally, I'm becoming more and more reliant on my homemade tools over my commercial ones. I suspect that like many, you will find yourself making your own tools as time goes on, so you might not want to blow alot of cash on your initial set, but don't go too cheap either.

Happy pickin's

[Benesato]

Thanks for the prompt advice about round tension tools, Solomon, and on picks, ElbowMacaroni.

So that's two resounding thumbs down for the round tension tool, I think it's fair to say. Does anyone have positive views or experiences with them? If I don't hear any soon I'll dump them from my splurge.

Benesato.

[FarmerFreak]

A co-worker of mine will sometimes use it with a pick gun. I've never seen him try to use it with a regular pick though. I myself don't like it. So if you plan on using a pick gun, you can give it half a thumbs up.

Since using a pick gun isn't very fun for a hobbyist (past using it once or twice), I would skip it. But keep in mind that not everyone likes the same kind of tension. I myself can't stand springy tension tools, only completely rigid ones. Other pickers like the flexible tension wrenches. Either way I would hold off on this one until you have enough experience to where you think you may like it.

[Benesato]

I went with just the lockpick set (hooray for the Aussie dollar right now), and I'll spend the extra cash on a couple of practice locks.

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Benesato.

[Eyes_Only]

I have one of the circular wrench and I never use it. In fact when I was working as a locksmith I never even felt that I MIGHT need it at all so I left it at home. My Peterson Pry Bar and a couple of home made wrenches were all I ever used most of the time.

Never thought about using it with a pick gun though, I'll have to give it a try.