Computer Picks

[Hadrollo]

What the hell are computer picks (the snakey ones) used for. I've heard that they are good for padlocks and Ive seen the pictures of them. I dont know (a) how they work and (b) what is the best way to use them

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[Varjeal]

I'm sure many of us would appreciate it if you would refrain from swearing in your posts. Thanks for the consideration.

Anyways, computer picks have tips that have been shaped through computer programs to best generate the most likely combinations of pin/wafer heights.

Basically, they're used the same as rakes, but theoretically should require less up and down rocking to manipulate pins/wafers and should also in theory give a better chance of success. I haven't had the opportunity or desire to try these, but if you do, please post your results here so we can all share in the experience.

Thanks again.

[DrDave]

Varjeal's answer, as usual, is concise and correct! I can truly say that his "Signature"... "Educating the next generation of Lock Masters!" is a VERY Accurate statement. Speaking for myself, I feel blessed that he takes the time & effort to explain most all Locksmithing questions... And I have yet to read any of his "Posts" with inaccurate information. Having said that, here is my input on "Computer Picks".

I personally own the 8-Tool / Double-Sided Majestic Set and have the HPC set in the mail as of today. There are MANY locks that can take me 20-Minutes or more to open "Pin-by-Pin", but by using the 32-Sides of the Majestic set, can open those same cylinders in a matter of a few minutes, basically it's the time to try and FIND the correct "side" that works for THAT lock.

Most often these tools are used after attempting to Pick the lock via my "First-Four" tools I use, then using the Electric Pick-Gun.. When those methods fail... Out comes the Computer-Picks. Only in RARE occasions are they my FIRST option, but there are one or two 6-7 Pin cylinders I sometimes come across, these usually have strong springs and Mushroom-type pins where I pull out the Computer Picks as the First choice.

That's my experience... and Varjeal, they are really a good investment!

DrDave-USA

[Varjeal]

Dr Dave: Thanks for the kind words. I just remember when someone posts a "silly" question how I felt as new locksmith when I came across a new (pretty much every) lock or situation I hadn't seen before. A lot of times I blundered through it only to find something so simple that if I had taken the time to ask would have taken me five minutes instead of two hours.

Thanks for your post on your experience with those computer picks, I've often looked at them but never gave them serious thought. Now I might have to though, especially if they work well on mushroom/spool pins...

[DrDave]

You are Quite Welcome Sir!

One suggestion when using the Majestic Computer Picks, or ANY Tool that is Double-Sided... Put some sort of Reference Number or Letter on each side.

IE: For ONE Majestic Tool, it is Double-Ended AND Double-Sided, so a "1" / "2" / "3" / "4" should be engraved into each side (top & bottom) of the tool. The Next tool should have a “5” / “6”/ …etc. In so doing, you don't get to the 9th side & forget which "Side(s)" you have already used... It's a time-saver...
http://www.lockpicks.com/images/products/htpk-20.jpg

DrDave-USA

[cormu]

Hi very intresting posts, Thankyou both for the infomation, I have had a little trouble tring to find a plcae to purcase these majestic compter picks even on the link with the picture you posted , could you give a hint on where to get these or a link to the page
Thx
Finland

[salzi684]

Heres a link to the picks they are talking about http://www.lockpicks.com/product.asp?0=204&1=224&3=32

[cormu]

opps sorry found it finally , I was looking for computer picks when they are called on that site 20 Piece High Tech Pick Set ,
Thanks again
Ignore my first reply

[Hadrollo]

Thanks for all your help.

First of all, sorry Varjeal, but in Australia hell is not actually considered a swear word, more an exclamation. I did not mean to offend anyone in my use of it.

Thankyou again to everyone who submitted replies. I am currently plotting how I can make a computer pick at home, basing it on the designs of http://www.lockpicks.com/images/products/htpk-20.jpg and some of the keys I have. I'll probably create a new post on my results next week.

[Varjeal]

Hadrollo, yeah, I know, but we're trying to keep this site family friendly, if you know what I mean. I appreciate the apology too. That's a good sign of professionalism.

Make sure to post your results when you make those computer picks, and attach a pic if possible. I'm sure we'd all like to see 'em.

[SlickWare]

I, too, purchased a set of these computer-picks, and much like DrDave said, they are NEVER my first choice when going at a lock!
It takes far too long to 'guess' which one would fit best. While they may be computer-generated to best fit certain locks, there are no guidelines to show you which of the 10 possible picks you should use in any given lock.

I also prefer picking pins individually rather than scrubbing. However, if/when I do get fed up failing at individual picking, then one of these computer picks usually does the trick... and it's usually the 9th one I try that finally does it.

Varjeal asked for a picture, here is a shot from HPC's site, however I believe I ordered mine from the LockpickersMall website... they appear to be nearly the same thing, except mine look to be made of much thinner metal that is a black color (spring steel as opposed to stainless, I think).