Customizing Sparrows Tuxedo set

[Doobner]

I am probably going to buy the tuxedo set, sounds like a good way to go. Was just thinking, as I have heard talk of, maybe adding about 3 picks to it. I would prefer to have a couple of picks that I don’t use as much, as regretting getting a couple too few. I am inspired by some YouTube video about the set, I don’t remember which one in specific. What I do remember was that the worm would be a good one to add. Now what I am thinking is to maybe add two more hooks to it, or maybe I should just add all 3 others. The other thing I have been thinking about is that I might really be more comfortable having picks with handles, this raises a couple of questions. If all those picks with handles would actually fit in the tuxedo case, could I, should I ask them if I could get that exact set, but the tools swapped for ones with handles and I would pay the extra $1 per pick? Do you think that would be a tacky thing to do?Maybe I should ask to make up a kit with the same selection of tools, except to pay the extra for the handles and to get a case that’s big enough to contain them?

Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated!

[Doobner]

If it makes more sense to elaborate, and not just sound like a silly, random noob question, there is a reason. I have some concern about picks without handles hurting my hands, and the Sparrows handles look like they would be the most appropriate size for me personally. I have looked at the handles from Peterson’s and Southord, I don’t think I want some that are soft and rubbery, or too thick. The Southord metal handled ones look pretty nice, but I am getting the impression that the Sparrows just might be a better choice for me personally. Plus I have been wanting to buy their progressive lock set, as well, from them. Anyways, thanks for reading this

[flyingron]

Depends on what handles you want. You can go with plastidip (some of the plastic handled picks sold commercially look pretty crudely dipped in some sort of harder plastic), but yes that would be rubbery. You can also thicken the handles by gluing or riveting small laminations of some material (wood, plastic, metal) to them. You can also just really go low tech and wrap tape around them.

Frankly, handles on the picks have never been as a big of an issue as to why people don't do more with the tension tools. Other than occasionally putting a twist in the flat steel, most are still just flat pieces of steel. The only other is Sparrow's pry bars which have a little nurling in the middle.

[Doobner]

Thanks for the feedback! I probably wouldn’t mind a “superficial rubbery feeling” it would be more about if it would feel “squishy” and give a lot when squeezed, or if it’s more than slightly flexible in the handle portion itself. I may be more concerned about avoiding it biting into my hand or feeling like a foam rubber material. Not sure if using some heat-shrink tubing would be sufficient. I would maybe think about some Peterson’s, but I get the feeling that the shape of the handles might bother me, and the price is a concern for a first set. So I am pretty focused on Sparrows or Southord, or possibly Southern Speciaties etc. Also, I would rather get more than a bare bones kit, I would rather spend a bit more now, something that I can grow into for a while, than make another purchase half a year from now- a personal issue. Thanks again!

[billdeserthills]

If you're only thinking of picking standard pin tumbler locks you really only need a few picks & a couple of tension wrenches--I can get what I need from HPC for about $10

[Doobner]

Thanks for your input! I’m not totally sure how many types of locks I will get at. Will probably want to attempt a dimple, eventually. I don’t really know yet.

[flyingron]

Again, the bigger issue is tension wrenches. I've been using (and would have been happy for a long time) with my little 5-piece Southord kit I've had for years with the one exception that it has a single flat-L tension wrench. There's just places where that doesn't cut it and you need a pry bar or the like or you need something narrower. You'll learn that soon enough.

[Doobner]

Ok. Yeah, I suppose I won’t know until I get there. If I order from Sparrows as I was planning, I am thinking to add the heavy bars and the flat bars to the kit. Somebody was recommending those kind of tools in one video or another. I am not convinced that the similar tools from Peterson's are worth the extra cost. Maybe they are, but that was a big case of sticker shock to me.

[billdeserthills]

Ok. Yeah, I suppose I won’t know until I get there. If I order from Sparrows as I was planning, I am thinking to add the heavy bars and the flat bars to the kit. Somebody was recommending those kind of tools in one video or another. I am not convinced that the similar tools from Peterson's are worth the extra cost. Maybe they are, but that was a big case of sticker shock to me.

Have you checked www.wish.com
or www.banggood.com

[Doobner]

I haven’t yet looked very closely at banggood, wasn’t aware of the other one. Will take a look, thanks!

[Doobner]

Ordered my tools. Thanks for the advice everybody!

[flyingron]

I've never received anything I've ordered from Banggood. All I get is excuses and lies from customer service.

[billdeserthills]

I've never received anything I've ordered from Banggood. All I get is excuses and lies from customer service.

Maybe you just aren't doing it right, I've been buying from them for years

[Doobner]

Got my tools, locks and books. Separate orders from Sparrows and Brockhage. Everything was complete and timely. Having a good time learning with the 4 progressive locks deal. Thanks again, everyone!

[GWiens2001]

Got my tools, locks and books. Separate orders from Sparrows and Brockhage. Everything was complete and timely. Having a good time learning with the 4 progressive locks deal. Thanks again, everyone!

What books did you get, Doobner?

Gordon