Sparrows lock picks

[herolocksmith]

I recently took delivery(after waiting almost 4weeks!!!!) of a set of sparrows picks. I went for both the rakes and hooks sets and added the pry bar tension wrenches. (Many Bosnian bill vids convinced me) After a few weeks use I'd say the rakes are fantastic, especially the worm- it'll open most low security cylinders in less than 15 seconds. Unfortunately I find the hooks just a bit too thick for most of the locks I've come across so far. Guess that's what I get for buying Canadian! Order the rakes tho guys, they're good value and just about worth the 4 week wait!!!!

[ghostpicker]

Must be dealing with tiny dollar store locks or euro locks?

Haven't had a issue with the hooks at all the only thing i will say is i wish they should make thicker pry bars like at least a .040 or .050.

Their tubular tension tools i found too thin on the comb pry bars in their vorax kit which is a overpriced wizwazzle set minus the many tension wrenches, the sandman pick is amazing though works alot like the double peak or triple peak alot quicker than a standard double or triple peak rake.

Which of their hooks are you having trouble with?

[herolocksmith]

I'm uk based, seems the 0.25 is just a bit tight to get round the warding in yales etc. As soon as I come across a wide open keyway they are great, I've got some 0.15 hooks of no specific brand, these seem to be the ticket for the tighter stuff.

[ghostpicker]

Ok figured as much and 0.15 are excellent only wish Sparrows had some kind of handles on theirs.

Haven't come across a yale yet but i do notice the warding and keyway to them.

I do know sparrows makes bump keys for yale locks though.

[herolocksmith]

Yeah, I've a whole chain of bump keys, lots of uk locks are now anti-bump, plus I'm a clumsy oaf using the hammer- usually ending up with a fat thumb, I suppose practice makes perfect though...

[cledry]

Yeah, I've a whole chain of bump keys, lots of uk locks are now anti-bump, plus I'm a clumsy oaf using the hammer- usually ending up with a fat thumb, I suppose practice makes perfect though...

Put a tension wrench through the hole in the key so you don't smack your thumb.

[herolocksmith]

Thanks Jim, belter of an idea. Suppose you'd get better/more delicate tension that way too.

[ghostpicker]

Haven't needed to use a tension wrench for that but might try that out, i suppose using a clamping pliers would help those sore thumbs there haha.

[kwoswalt99-]

Haven't needed to use a tension wrench for that but might try that out, i suppose using a clamping pliers would help those sore thumbs there haha.

I can't imagine vise-grips on a bump key turning out well, I'd break it off for sure.

[herolocksmith]

Tension wrench was a good shout! Second whack on a worn out stair door lock at 4am and it was open. No more bruised thumbs for this locksmith.....

[DrDave-USA]

Hey Ghostpicker....

Glad 2hear U like the SSM or "SPARROWS Sandman". THANX for the great feedback on my tool!!! I hope Sparrows will make a "Standard-Handle" for the tool because of a few reasons... I've read postings on the King/Queen & Rook/Knight from SPARROWS, where the LARGE handles seem to need 'getting use to'... I too agree, have told the guys at Sparrows that. I said that I could not understand exactly WHY I seldom use their x-lg handles, but something is definitely different about choosing & using them.... Also, the laser art is real nice to look at, but that's about it....

It wasn't until I had a Sandman next to their triple-peak or a single peak, that I noticed the Bogotas and Sandman's "spacing" of the Peaks is almost the same, but Sandman's "Hole" is deeper, allowing for a couple more key-depths in the radicle-bittings we all love to hate !!! It's a wonder-filled joy to have one of my ideas be part of the hobby universe I've enjoyed for so many years....

THANX Again...

[Devhad]

The tension wrench trick is a good one but wear eye protection. I was holding the TR very lightly and when I hit it with the bump hammer the wrench flew back and nailed me right in the glasses. I was very lucky.