by thertel » 16 Oct 2004 23:54
Today I am taking the time to review the HPC Comp-1 Computer Picks, which range in price from $63.25 to about $75.00 depending on which distributor you purchase them from.
The case that comes with this pick set is a soft supple leather case that is nicely stitched. It is a flip style case that closes with a single snap and keeps your picks very secure. It has ten individual pockets that hold all nine picks plus the 2 tension wrenches that come with the set.
The set includes a TR-13 and TR-22 tension wrench both of which are twist flex wrenches the later of the two being a tulip style wrench. Both of these wrenches have great feedback and have a matte black finish.
The handles of the picks are essentially two pieces of spring steel laminated on top of the of pick shaft. The pieces are obviously stamped out because of the sharp edges that need to be sanded down before using these picks for any extended period of time. The surface of each pick has HPC stamped into the butt and then enameled in a colour that corresponds to the colour on the front of the pick handle. I do not believe there is any significance to the colouring on the butt and front of the picks. The center of the handle is stamped with ComPuter Pick and then enameled in blue.
The pick shafts themselves are spring steel that has been stamped out, which also needs to be sanded to make the picks more effective. The shape of the picks is very smooth and curvy as one would expect from what is essentially a door jiggler. One other thing is that you really only get 8 computer picks, which gives you 16 different shapes to try and you get one large half diamond for setting individual pins.
The included instructions walk you through using the picks in about the amount of time it takes you to read them and then set your right to practicing away with your picks. The basic concept in using these picks is to insert them in as far they will go and then rock it up and down while pulling out, and then repeat with the other side of the pick, and work your way through all the picks until the lock opens. While using the picks I found that a figure 8 motion also works just as well.
As for the effectiveness of the tools, I couldn't be happier. These picks have performed as advertised and have been able to open about 3/4 of the locks I've tried them on. However, the time required to work your way through the picks to open a lock is often longer then it would take to pick the lock pin by pin.
Overall I would not recommend these picks to the hobbyist, unless you are just looking for some unique tools to add to your collection, as the money could be spent on many other tools that would be more useful and productive in the long run. If you however still feel the need to get a set of computer picks save some money and get the Majestic 16 piece double-ended set as you will get a total of 32 different tool (2 ends per pick and 2 sides on each end).
I hope this is helpful to everyone, and answers most questions people will have about these tools and how to use them
Thomas[/img]
He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.
And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.
~Friedrich Nietzsche
