Hook picks

[fisix]

I'm finding that Southord's standard short hook pick is kind of big and tends to move adjacent pins.

Are there smaller/rounder hook picks you would prefer?
I have a few custom picks but they don't glide as smoothly... Any tips?

[billdeserthills]

Rytan made a smaller set of lock picks, IDK if they are still manufacturing them

[cledry]

Rytan made a smaller set of lock picks, IDK if they are still manufacturing them

They are.

[Kheops]

Have you tried Southord MAX? More expensive but interesting... Sparrows also make decent small hooks.

I have a very rounded out medium hook, by HPC, I like it.

[fisix]

Rytan made a smaller set of lock picks, IDK if they are still manufacturing them

The Rytan mini hook looks great!

Have you tried Southord MAX? More expensive but interesting... Sparrows also make decent small hooks.

I have a very rounded out medium hook, by HPC, I like it.

I'm going to get a Southord MAX hook. Are you referring to the HPC SSP-20?

[smokingman]

I like LAB tools hooks, they are not for the heavy handed,
but they will fit in any keyway.

[Kheops]

The SSP-20 looks fine, but it is not the one I own. I have the LPX-12. Very good medium sized hook pick. Not as resistant as Southord MAX, but somehow seems to be assemble better (guess it's the riveted stainless handles that do it for me).

Regardless of the manufacturer, you have to give them some sanding, really, really fine sanding. I still get better results with my home made picks, most likely because I take the time to really polish them to mirrors.

[fisix]

Rytan made a smaller set of lock picks, IDK if they are still manufacturing them

They are.

Rytan seems to restrict their sales. Any idea where I could get the Rytan mini hook?

[fisix]

The SSP-20 looks fine, but it is not the one I own. I have the LPX-12. Very good medium sized hook pick. Not as resistant as Southord MAX, but somehow seems to be assemble better (guess it's the riveted stainless handles that do it for me).

Regardless of the manufacturer, you have to give them some sanding, really, really fine sanding. I still get better results with my home made picks, most likely because I take the time to really polish them to mirrors.

Do you just use a fine grit sandpaper to polish over your picks?

[Kheops]

Yes, very fine sandpaper. When I make my own picks I gradually work my way up from 120 grit all the way to at least 2000 grit. I then go a little over board and polish wish polishing compound.

With the picks I buy, I would say depends a lot on the pick. Some arrive pretty smooth, but most need some fine sanding. You can usually start around 400 grit.

[fisix]

Yes, very fine sandpaper. When I make my own picks I gradually work my way up from 120 grit all the way to at least 2000 grit. I then go a little over board and polish wish polishing compound.

With the picks I buy, I would say depends a lot on the pick. Some arrive pretty smooth, but most need some fine sanding. You can usually start around 400 grit.

I will start polishing these picks!