KLOM Pick Set - Updated!

[scriptguru]

I believe at least some of you saw this set before before
http://dx.com/p/high-quality-klom-31-pi ... 416?item=3

For the price it always was great (32 picks and 5 different tension wrenches for 35 bucks - what a bargain!), but there were few problems with them.

Firstly, the "leather" case was way too small for that many picks. It was very hard to stuff them in the case, and they could become bent after spending too much time in that case. This problem was quite easy to solve because many picks were rarely used and you could just put them in other case.

Secondly, some picks were bent. They were easy to fix, but still it is a sign of poor quality.

Thirdly, handles were a little strangely shaped, not just straight.

I used to have this set couple years ago, then sold it, then bought few decent sets (SouthOrd, Sparrows), and few month ago decided to buy KLOM set again (because I want to have many different tools and don't want to spend $150-$300 on them).

So, today my set arrived, and you cannot imagine how happy I am to see that they fixed at least some problems!

The new version of the set has a very decent green plastic hard case. There are 4 "holders" inside, and each "holder" contains 8 picks organized in 4 sub-sections, so picks almost don't touch each other and therefore don't bend each other. Additionally it has a little "drawer" for tension wrenches!

The bad news is that some picks are still bent. It looks like now it's not because of the case, but rather a poor condition on manufacturing site.

Besides this, in new version handles are straight, which makes them more comfortable (and easier to fit into the case).

In conclusion, I really recommend this set if you want to buy a variety of tools for cheap. Keep in mind that metal quality is not great, so you have to be gentle with them.

I'll add photos when I have more time.

[boggif]

I'll add a few words in case it is of value for someone interested in on new Klom.

The case is ok, but the soft handles bind on it making it difficult to use. Some picks were bent at the factory as well. The curvy shaped ones with multiple bends are not very easy to straighten. Most picks are rather thick (up to 0.7-0.8mm). The smalles and thinnest one is 0.55mm thick. Tention tools have some burring you'll need to remove and the picks have very sharp edges and a bit rough cutting. You'll surely need to polish those.

The handles are made of soft rubber which I find very comfortable. However, it takes a lot away from the feedback compared to full metal Southord or HPC.

It has a lot of different shapes to try out for a cheap price though.

[liverladylocksmith]

When I was very new to picking and practicing a lot I got blisters from the metal handles and had to start strapping my fingers up - so the rubber handles help this to some extent - but I agree on the feedback - the rubber absorbs some off it

[mmcc]

I got this kit too and its not to bad. Sometimes the picks can become stuck to another tray effectively jamming it. The picks can be hard to put in and pull out, they seem to jam a lot. It may have been a better design choice to fabricate this box as an accordion, rather than a fold out. Other than that, it seems fine.

I wish they would do a monster set, one that covered every imaginable pick, shim, tool, etc., and made the handles removable for better feedback. Just a one-stop solution. They could leave some space in the box too and offer an small updated tool set that you can just add to the monster set.

I haven't seen any replacement tools for these sets. Am I right in saying that the entire box must be replaced if one or two tools break?

[ginoman]

The klom pick set at $35 is the best buy for that price on the market,don't even bother with the goso set,they rust and are super cheap.At least the klom set is smooth and non painted. For a cheap starter set its the best buy on the market. NEVER BUY GOSO PICKS OR TOOLS SUPER CHEAP AND UNUSABLE!

[gunny]

I purchased this exact set and in my opinion they are SIHT! There are defiantly still some QC issues. The only redeeming factor with the set is that some of the picks have interesting profiles that I would like to transfer to some better metal.

[sir lot is here]

What a load of rubbish those picks are the metal is very weak and snaps quite easy - wasted doller on those should off just bought a smaller set but quility set

KLOM load of junk doosh bags

[escher7]

I bought a cheap set from China awhile back (not Klom) for the same reason - a variety of picks for $12. When I received them they looked OK except the sharp edges had to be sanded down. However, after breaking four of them in a row (admittedly in old sticky locks), I realized how bad the steel was. I have since purchased several Southord picks (individually) and realize how much difference there is. The Southord Pagoda style are copies of the Bogotas (note the similarity of names) and work magic at around $4 each. The handles alre stainless and the working end is tough. Even the other non-handled Southords are high quality.($1.65)
I have sworn off imports and would not recommend them, even for beginners. I am still waiting on a Chinese combo lever pick which I have seen the usual suspects use in videos and expect it will be better.

[gunny]

I have sworn off imports and would not recommend them, even for beginners.

True story...

[beancurd]

I've noticed all of that with the KLOM set. I thought the dead feedback was me and my beginner's lack of dexterity (banana fingers)! I did consider buying a southord slim set and using thê KLOMs as a spare... Might do that now!

One good thing about the KLOMs is there is a lot of them... And it does look impressive!