Shallow V

by **Trip Doctor** » 1 May 2007 15:04

While reading some threads around here I came apon a few posts (can't remember if they were all by the same person or not) that recommended filing a shallow V at the end of a hook pick to help feel the pins when under them.

I currently have only one hook pick (well... I have a long hook and a short hook, and I have yet to usefully apply the long hook). I was wondering if I should make this "V", or perhaps a "U" in the pick. (I'm a beginner right now.)

Are there any downsides to making this modification to the hook pick?
I don't want to make it and then realise that I shouldn't done that and don't have a normal hook anymore.
Have any of you personally used this?
Is this used by more experienced users at all?

by **freakparade3** » 1 May 2007 15:16

I suggested this a few times. I did this with a hook pick and I still use it, it works great. On the other hand, I have a couple dozen or so hook picks so I did not mind modifying one of them. I got the idea from the Peterson website. I thought it was a good idea but was not inclined to spend nearly $15 on one pick, so I made one myself with a file.

by **Chucklz** » 1 May 2007 18:08

This idea has been floating around since well before this site was around. Its a good idea, but make the notch shallow. You need just enough to grip the pin, not to swallow it up.

Oh, this modification will be of little help if you are learning on a factory pinned Kwikset, as these are pinned with flat bottomed pins.

by **Trip Doctor** » 1 May 2007 21:43

Aright well thanks for the responces. I just wanted to make sure there isn't any bad 'side effects' of doing this before I do it. I think I'll consider it.
Freakparade, would you recommend a "V" type of notch or more of a "U" type of notch ? .. Or in between ?

by **freakparade3** » 1 May 2007 23:08

I uses a triangle impressioning file, so I made a V shaped notch. Don't file to deep, just file a little, try it out, then file deeper if you need to. When you have the notch deep enough you will be able to feel it when the pin slips into the notch.

by **Eyes_Only** » 2 May 2007 0:15

Does it scoop up or does it grip the bottom on the pins? I was thinking of maybe getting the pick by Peterson but it seemed like a waste.

by **Chucklz** » 2 May 2007 0:40

What you are looking for here is that when you are manipulating the pin, it won't slide off the pick. Oh, and the new Peterson pick is something that has been discussed and made by people for quite some time, so just go and make one.

by **Eyes_Only** » 2 May 2007 0:56

So it's more control.

Hmmm, I think I will make one on my next day off and try it out.

by **samfishers** » 2 May 2007 20:04

could anyone one of you people, could post a picture, cause i am confused a little bit

by **hiaxis** » 2 May 2007 23:10

That's a darn good idea. I've been having trouble with my hook sliding off those Medeco chisel pins and bet this would help.

by **freakparade3** » 2 May 2007 23:38

samfishers wrote:could anyone one of you people, could post a picture, cause i am confused a little bit

Go to this website. www.peterson-international.com look at the picks, you will see what we are talking about.

by **Trip Doctor** » 3 May 2007 15:11

Aright cool. Thanks freakparade.
I think I'll give that a shot.

by **Gordon Airporte** » 3 May 2007 20:50

The only real downside is the infinitesimal loss of height on the hook, but if you're picking a lock pinned so nasty that it makes a difference you have other problems :-)

This is my 'delicate' hook, based on the Peterson 'Lifter'.
You'll really appreciate how sensitive your finger tips are.

by **NIC** » 4 May 2007 8:49

And like raimundo says "if you're not going to sand it, don't bother"

by **Axilithor** » 4 May 2007 13:59

Hmmm, this is a really good idea

Thanks!

Shallow V

Shallow V

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