Tool recommendations, information on your favorite automatic and/or mechanical lockpicking devices for those with less skills, or looking to make their own.
Considering picking up an EPG, and looks like the high build quality ones are the HPC, Multipick MHP II, Martin Pink, and Wendt. Any thoughts or insights on which pick gun to choose? So far from looking through the forums, looks like the MHP has a great reputation.
I have owned exactly one - an old Majestic - years ago. Gave it away ....
If you are a professional locksmith or have to open locks "on the clock", the investment may be worthwhile. Personally, I didn't get any enjoyment from "clicking a Kwikset" once I got over the "OK, it worked" phase. The "fun" for me is SPPing .... I will rake / zip into a false set, but always stop there and grab a hook.
All that being said, I'd go with the one with the best warranty. They all pretty much do the same thing - provide a mechanical kinetic attack on the pin stack ....
Again - just my personal opinion based on limited experience.
Good luck !! Let us know what you get and how you like it !!
foxyfox wrote:Bill, why do you prefer the manual over the electric ones? And which manual pick guns would you recommend?
I enjoy SPP, however, there are cases where I'm working on very weathered, rusty/grimy locks. And I feel in those cases, an EPG may be faster.
The manual pick guns work for me better, I have used manual pick guns made by Ilco, HPC & Majestic, they all work, the ones made by Majestic have a lifetime warranty
foxyfox wrote:Bill, why do you prefer the manual over the electric ones? And which manual pick guns would you recommend?
I enjoy SPP, however, there are cases where I'm working on very weathered, rusty/grimy locks. And I feel in those cases, an EPG may be faster.
I wonder about this line of thinking. Seems to me a gummed up lock wouldn't respond to a pick gun at all.
Isn't the purpose of a pick gun to bounce the pins around to find the shearline like bumping. If things are gritty or rusty there isn't going to be any of that kind of movement. I know from experience that grimy and weathered lock are much more resistant to bumping than clean new locks. (Actually, they are impossible to bump in my case.)
And in Europe, where they sometimes mount the cylinders with the springs facing down don't they have that viscous spray that dampens the movement of the pins to make it resistant to bumping?
I have only seen a handful of locks that were so gummed up they refused to pick. I always spray some lube before I pick anything. Those upside down euro locks can be picked easily, I even have a downward movement pick gun
are you asking about quality because you want it to last a long time and be well made, or because you believe that quality will equal more open locks faster? I'm going to say that the two probably don't go hand in hand, there's no guarantee a $600 dollar Wendt will open more locks than a $15 dollar Klom from deal extreme.
Are you a working locksmith or a hobbyist, thanks Squelchtone
are you asking about quality because you want it to last a long time and be well made, or because you believe that quality will equal more open locks faster? I'm going to say that the two probably don't go hand in hand, there's no guarantee a $600 dollar Wendt will open more locks than a $15 dollar Klom from deal extreme.
Are you a working locksmith or a hobbyist, thanks Squelchtone
By quality, I mean a tool which is better designed for the job. In this case, opening more locks, while minimizing any downsides.
I am an old hobbyist studying to become a locksmith. I have learned to invest in good quality tools up front, hence the question.
are you asking about quality because you want it to last a long time and be well made, or because you believe that quality will equal more open locks faster? I'm going to say that the two probably don't go hand in hand, there's no guarantee a $600 dollar Wendt will open more locks than a $15 dollar Klom from deal extreme.
Are you a working locksmith or a hobbyist, thanks Squelchtone
By quality, I mean a tool which is better designed for the job. In this case, opening more locks, while minimizing any downsides.
I totally understand wanting to get quality tools, I also like buying the best quality possible, but it still sounds like you might be under the assumption that a quality built, longer lasting EPG, will pick more locks. They all work on the same idea, the only difference is how long will the parts last, how long will the battery last, and the skill of the operator. For instance, I believe that a $20 dollar Klom from Deal Extreme, a $150 dollar Southord from Lockpickshop and a $500 dollar Wendt from Wendt will all do a fine job opening a lock, it isn't like the $500 dollar unit has a Pentium chip in it that has some sort of optimizing algorithm making it better at picking locks because vibrates the needle at a specifically tuned frequency or anything that scientific. The tool also cannot be a direct substitute for the skill of the operator.. you still have to tension the lock manually and insert the needle at just the correct angle and depth under the pins. I'd get good at manual picking if you want to be a locksmith and save the EPG for the ones you can't pick. Then try the EPG for a minute or two before going for the DeWalt 18volt rotary pick.
I think the expensive ones will be better made as far as physical quality, may have a variable speed adjustment, and they will last you longer, but opening more locks is probably not on the list of guarantees from the manufacturers or resellers.
just my opinion, your mileage may vary Squelchtone
Edit: Here's a nice review video someone did of an HPC model, he makes some important comments regarding the throw distance of the needle as well as tension control.
As you progress with your studies to become (I assume) a working locksmith you may want to consider is this a tool that you will come to depend on for your work and therefore further justify the investment. I know that I am a tool junkie at times as a learning exercise more so than an actual working need. -Nick
well.. yeah.. lol.. you got me there!