Alternatives to my teeth?

[Kheops]

I was wondering if any of you with experience picking in the field have developed techniques, or gear, to help with holding picks while you are working?

I tend to switch picks while working on harder locks, and go back and forth. Often times I'll even switch from TOK tension to BOK tension. I'm certain that there are others out there that must do the same thing.

Right now my best method is to hold picks with my teeth, which I don't think is very hygienic, nor necessarily safe for my teeth.

I've thought about maybe inserting steel into my pick handles, and then wearing a magnetic bracelet... or epoxying magnets to my handles, and then steel on a bracelet. I know neodymium magnets can hold really well, despite small size, and are often available in many hobby supply stores. The drawback to magnets on picks is that after my picks will always be sticking to each other... the draw back to steel handles is that they'll rust...

I really like stainless steel picks, but I suppose a good quality steel pick could simplify my work if I have magnets on my wrists...

Anyone out there work on such a system?

[jbrint]

Get a couple loops of elastic band and sew them together. Think underwear band x 2. Then sew some lines the width of your picks and now you have an easy place to stuff them and have them nearby. Elastic can be found at any fabric store in varying strengths, widths and colors and you could technically make the loop wide or narrow enough to go around whatever you want. Like a water bottle or your wrists. Wouldn't look too silly and probably do exactly what you want. This idea is officially patented at this very moment in time. If my explanation doesn't make sense let me know and I will make a working copy and send pics.

[cledry]

Stick them up your nose, looks odd but works.

[billdeserthills]

Stick them up your nose, looks odd but works.

Get your whole face in the act!

[GWiens2001]

Stick them up your nose, looks odd but works.

Talk about picking your nose!

Gordon

[kwoswalt99-]

I don't know why you need to hold them. I just set them on the ground, and can reach them just fine.
Maybe you could put a strap on your case that could hang on a doorknob?

[FletcherMunson]

Something like a maglite sheath with an open top and a small strap or piece of paracord through the beltloop and then worn around the neck works rather well.

[FarmerFreak]

Get work shirts that have pockets.

[Kheops]

I've already thought about the elastic idea, and I like it, the only thing I worry about is having to get used to sliding the picks into the loops.

My wedding ring isn't bad, in a pinch I shove a pick in there and it holds at least one pick fairly well. I thought about maybe getting another silicone ring which could work.

Love the maglite holster idea! Will definitely try that! As a matter of fact I have two maglite holders taking up space in a drawer!

Floors, and not a bad idea... but for me who has the habit of holding picks with my teeth... well......

Thanks for the ideas guys!

[Kheops]

Just found a product called Magnogrip, magnetic wristband... looks exactly like what I had in mind. I think I'll give it a try, at the very least it'll work for my tension tools (I made quite a few from a heavy gauge band saw blade).

It's marketed to construction workers, to hold screws, nuts, bolts, small tools, etc. Might work pretty well for my needs.

[Raymond]

Try an old fashioned pocket protector on a string around your neck.
I just use my shirt pocket.
? Behind your ear like we do with pens?

[Kheops]

A pocket protector might not be bad, but I think I'll give the maglite holster a try first... I've tried behind the ears but they keep falling.

Maybe if I wear a hat, I could tuck one or two under the brim, don't really need more than that.