Computer generated Picks

[Hollywood]

Hey all
I'm just looking for some advice. I'm looking into buying a set of computer generated picks but I'm not to sure on which set to get.

there is the HPC set

http://www.locksmithtoolandsupply.com/s ... y_Code=PCK

Or

The High Tech pick set

http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... &ProdID=32



Can someone offer some advice as to which set may be the better one to choose.

TIA

[archiebald]

I would also like to know why computer generated picks are said to be much better than standard pick sets.Could someone let me in on the pros and cons with them please

[^kimba^]

Same reason a lazer cut knife is better than an oil stone sharpened one?

Answers on a postcard.

(people like the words computer, laser, specially formulated..........)

[PickPick]

The idea behind so called computer generated picks is to use a selection of oddly shaped picks to simulate as many possible bitting combinations as possible.
Normally this would require trying out every possible key, which would be far too many to be practical. Fortunately, you can reduce that number.

First off all, when the biting/pin heights is eg 12311 it can be simulated by the same key that simulates 23422, as long as you can move the key up and down in the keyway. Then there's the MACS limitations, meaning that in many locks you can't place a very high pin next to a very low pin. And you can insert your pick at different angles.

Keeping all this in mind you can feed it into a computer programm (actually you don't need a computer, but it's simpler in most cases) and have the machine compute patterns that match as many possible bitings as possible. Then, when you encounter the lock, you try out each pick, inserting it and wiggling it a bit up and down and back and forth. Note though that these aren't rakes, the correct term is rocker picks AFAIK. They can be very useful but they don't work very good if you've got a very restricted keyway as they need quite a lot of roo in the lock.

[thertel]

Well I own both the HPC computer generate picks and hte majestic 16 piece double-sided set and here are some observations.

Both of them work on the same oncept, in similar ways . The HPC picks look much nicer and have a nicer case and handle with them but will runt you about 64 dollars if you special order them from lockpicks.com. THe majestics look like all majestic picks do, ugly. I've had more luck with the Majestics though mainly because of the wider range of picks. I still do not think that computer picks are better than regular picks, simply because on many locks that i use the computer picks on I can open that lock in almost no time with my regular picks. I find them to be the most use on the SFIC locks I interact with mainly because of the multiple shear lines that can be set. I will normally reach for my majestic comp. picks first, but if i'm out and about I normally carry the HPC one as it is a nice size, imho.

Overall I would not recommend these picks as they tend to take the fun out of hobby picking, but they do make a creat conversation piece when you open a lot amazingly fast.


Hope that helps

Thomas

[SFGOON]

I'm going to have to go ahead and agree with thertel on this one - standard picks are a good way to go, especially if you're proficent with them. That said, I recently ordered a Majestic set, yes they are ugly but strangely sexy too. With all the time it takes switching between picks and guessing, you could pick the lock a lot faster using standard, normal, boring equipment.

[Mad Mick]

*Off Topic*

yes they are ugly, but strangely sexy too...

Kinda like being drunk in a bar at 3AM...

[Romstar]

Geez guys,


Not much I can add to that. PickPick sounded almost like he was reading from my book, and Thertel got in the part about the comparison between the two sets.

Good advice, all of it.

Romstar

[Hollywood]

well thanks all,

As always it's always to get input from different people especially the ones that actually use them themselves.

I am just looking to add to my pick set and "like a mechanic you can they always have the right tools for the job"

thanks again,
I think I will pick up both sets.

this way I could also use them in person for templates to copy and make my own X-Tra set.

[Hollywood]

I received my Majestic Computer picks the other day along with the Jacknife set from Southern Ord.

I am currently awaiting for my HPC Computer Generated picks that are on back order.

I have to tell ya that "thertel" was right they are Kinda Ugly looking in a way they also look cheaply made.
But
.
.
.

Right out of the case and into the lock I was able to compromise it in under 15 sec.

I tried every lock that I had and it opened them ALL i was very amased at this.

Only problem was "1" of my pick's binded and friggen broke but thats the breaks as far as being a Novice .
I and able to fix it so not such a big loss.

when using these you MUST be Very Gentle and keep that pick nice and straight or you to my bind and break the pick.

I have scanned the picks to share with all who don't have access to buying them Just print the picture and have a go at making your own.
there are Original size.

[Hollywood]

[sidpick]

Hi all,
After reading about how people like these picks and the kindness of people scanning pictures I thought I would make a couple to try out:

One is a broken southord pick, the other is a tension wrench.
I must say, even though I have only made two I can pick every camlock in seconds and I can set most yale rim cylinders with the need to only pick one pin. So I think I will try to make the rest of the set, or possibly be forced to buy one.
Only after reading this have I bothered as the set looked like a bit of a gimmick from the advert I saw, but I am well happy with my two

Although this is a cheap lock, its well common, and the pick works quicker than the key!!