Rubber handles on or off the picks?

[bigbike]

I recently got a set of picks and it included a set of rubber handles. First problem is that the handles are a bugger to put on all the way. I mean I can get them 3/4's of the way on but that is where they stop. Next it seems that while they provide some comfort they take away a level of feeling what is going on inside the lock and that IS what they are suppose to do, transmit feeling, right? Just thought I would ask for some more experienced pickers opinions on this. Please add your comments when you vote in the poll

[Mr Ules]

I think that this depends on the expirience of the picker. If you've got a lot of expirience, then buy picks with rubber handles. A person with minimal experience would have to have the very basic of picks.
I tape my pick my handles with electrical tape, this is to challenge my picking skill, and to make my picks look more visually appealing.

[omelet]

if you have trouble putting the rubber handles on, try cutting them in half, or at least some off the ends. THen you can have the rubber handles on the part which cuts into your hand, and you can take them off easily too in case you realize you don't want them.

I have put rubber handles on picks and did not find any problem with them. I assume it has to do with the technique you use to hold the picks; you probably want some part of your hand holding the actual pick to get a more live feel.

[iworathong]

i say on but only some of it...i like the idea of having a finger or part of your hand on the actual pick but it depends on your picking prefrences if you hold your pick like a pencil then your middle finger will hurt from the hard metal (mine did at least) but cut enough off for your pointer to be on the metal...but this is only a thought i dont think that it would work so simply but if you have more handles then you have picks you might as well try it but if you dont i say on because i think they look cooler and they are easier on your hands and if you start hard it will be easier to do somthing easier (doing somthing harder until you can do it and then go easier dunno if that made sense) but again this depends on your picking prefrences..but thats just my opnion =)

[ufd538]

just sack up and be a man and force em on....jk

Hard to go on, means hard to come off which is good.

Comfort comes first....I mean, if you are piddling around playing with a lock, and picks start to bother your hand you can stop, but if you are trying to get a customer in you can't just take a break.

I am a locksmith, and have thick foam handles from hpc on my most used picks....diamond and hook. Hook is good for most locks, but diamond gets in tighter keyways easier. With practice, you will still have feel, and in case you come across a lock that is hard to feel, pull out a pick without a cover.

best way to get handle on, is put pick in a vise, but be careful not to jack up your pick.

[skold]

I seem to get the same amount of feedback on rubber and foam handles as i do with reinforced or unhandled picks.

but i have been sensitizing my fingers for a long while now..helps with combo locks and high security locks.

[ufd538]

They have never bothered me. Metal digging into my hand bothers me though. Rivet type handles aren't that bad, but the thin picks are a hassle. Although I do keep them in my pick case of lesser used picks...they're there in case I need them, but take up less room.

[Romstar]

The best trick for getting the rubber handles on is, get ready for it......

Hair spray.

Yes, you read that right. Spray the rubber handle inside with loads of hair spray. It will slide onto the pick, and when it dries, it's not coming off.

I'll give you a hint though. Before you put the handles on, get yourself a knife sharpening whet stone, and stone both sides of the pick. This gets rid of the wire edge that results from stamping them out of steel sheet.

After you have stoned them, you may want to finish sand them, and even polish them.

After they are smooth as you can get them, use them for a while. If they still bother you, put the rubber handles on.

Romstar

[Task Force K]

Try heat shrinkable tubing. I've been working with this a lot lately and it's terrific. It's permanent but if you try it and don't like it just peel it off. You're only out a nickel and two minutes. I agree with many others here. Just apply it where the pick irritates or tires your hand. Best of both worlds.

[quicklocks]

i say off i like the feeling.the pick i have are the majestic set of 32 so i have dupilcates on with a handle and one without i hardy use the ones with a handle so do have a choice

[bigbike]

Thanks for all the imput folks, and as for the comment "be a man about it and push them on" (or something like that) well that would be hard to do since I am a woman

[Romstar]

Thanks for all the imput folks, and as for the comment "be a man about it and push them on" (or something like that) well that would be hard to do since I am a woman

Oh thank you, thank you, thank you.



I don't think I laughed that hard in a while. I wonder if he's going to need some help switching feet?

Have a good day there bigbike.
Romstar

[bigbike]

I know it is the "handle" that confuses people and they just ASSUME I am a person of the male persuasion. Anyway, I hope that you have a great day as well!

[digital_blue]

... a person of the male persuasion...

Wow. Is this the politacally correct, gender nutral, non-offensive world we have come to? Shesh!

db

[Romstar]

... a person of the male persuasion...

Wow. Is this the politacally correct, gender nutral, non-offensive world we have come to? Shesh!

db

Yeah, it's just a beautiful world isn't it DB?

Spayed, neutered, and rendered impotent. We keep getting told it is for our own good. Except the most insidious thing about polical correctness, is that if it were applied to itself, it would cease to exist.

It's just one more way of forcing people to do what you want, how you want, when you want. I can't wait until these children get out of school into the real world. You know the ones I mean. The kids who aren't told their grades because it could damage their self esteem, or who are given opportunity after opportunity to "get it right". Every one gets a shot at bat, because it would be unfair not to let them, even if they can't catch, or throw, or hit.

I can't WAIT until these precious, protected little sops get into the real world, and really have their precious little self esteem knocked around a bit. In the real world, you better consider yourself lucky to get another chance. In the real world, not only will we tell you how good or bad you did, but if you mess up, we'll call your rear on the carpet for it. In front of everyone, just so it really sinks in.

Either you straighten up and fly right, or you get the boot.

That's the real world. There is only so much room for whiners and incompetents.

Ah yes, political correctness. What a wonderful idea. Excuse me while I go puke!

Romstar