pick design questions

[awalker]

hi all
I'm looking to make my own set of picks and while I'm cool with the different types (hook, diamond, etc) i could do with some info about-
1, thickness (for UK type locks)
2, what is the best material to use and what properties would be best (flexibility or rigidity for example)
3, is it better to have a thickish handle or just keep it simple (one piece of metal)

many thanks

[jamesphilhulk2]

well personaly i like the laminated picks it doesnt cut into your hands unlike the non-laminated picks

[cottonmouth]

I use the material for feeler gauges. It is available in 10m reels. My favorite thickness is 0.5mm. It has a good mix between flexibility and rigidity. It will bend before it breaks. That avoids the need to fumble small fragments out of your lock.
The design of the handle is a matter of preference. You should try the plain pick first. You can always put material on the handle later if you are not satisfied.

[gostone]

I would have to agree with cottonmouth, I prefer the feeler gauge material as well. I use the .030" thick material. I buy it in 12" lengths x 1/2 ", so you get 2 picks out of each. Using just the metal pick is fine, you really don't need a handle, and it makes them more compact.
I also have a set of Falle picks which are european, they are .023" thick, this is fine for most any lock. I use the .030 thick material so that when I sand it gets down to about .025

[mfschantz]

I buy it in 12" lengths x 1/2 ", so you get 2 picks out of each.

Where do you buy it that you can get it sized to order? I was all around Home Depot and Lowes this weekend looking for pick stock. The plumbing snake was super thick (width), my old wiper blade metal is way too thin (height), and the poor street sweeping crew I chased down had plastic bristles. I did end up with some hacksaw blades, but am wide open to trying different stock.

[mfschantz]

Nevermind. I found the answer in another thread. It seems you can purchase it sized to order at any machine shop.

[raimundo]

at a machinists jobber, where the machinest goes to buy his tools, look under tool in the yellow pages I would guess.

[awalker]

thanks lads most helpful. I'll post some photo's of my picks when I've made them.

[m3ph15t0]

I like hacksaw blades, and bycicle spokes. Man, I love bycicle spokes. Does anyone other than me use them? I have like six hooks made out of bycicle spokes and I just love em.

[f0ku5]

I have like six hooks made out of bycicle spokes and I just love em.

Would you mind taking a photo of them? What locks do you pick with them (tight warding or rather not)?

[m3ph15t0]

my camera is really bad, but I'll try and remember to take pics of my good ones. Mostly I only pick open keyways. I only have 2 kw1s and a schlage somthing or other.