most versitile pick

[vantito]

what is the most versitile pick? or like which type pick will work the best on basic locks?

[Kayvon]

I prefer the diamond tip. Different tips work better for different locks, but I've found that to be a great all-around tip. And the hook. I could say the exact same thing about the hook.

[digital_blue]

I am sure that if given the chance, like most, you will come to rely predominantly on a small handfull of picks. Small hook and half diamond being the most common. I can't say it enough though... if you don't give yourself the opportunity to gain experience with a wide variety of picks, you will do your skill a disservice. That is why starting with a commercially produced set, even a basic 14 piece, is a worthwhile investment. And, as well, make your own picks. By all means. But owning a set of store-boughts will make your pickmaking that much better.

So, if possible, do both. But don't limit yourself to just a couple picks. Let your skill and technique determine which picks you use.

db

[Exodus5000]

Specialize in your picks. I think the short hook is the most versatile. It can rake, single pin pick, and do the best of both worlds.

[Quin]

I agree with digital. Half diamond and small hook are my favourites but all have their uses. I just tend to start off with those two first.

[silent]

a double sided pick, half diamon and short hook 2 for 1

[digital_blue]

silent: I presume you mean double ended pick, no?

[NDE Manipulation]

If I had to pick one of them? Man, a tie between a standard hook and a DeForest hybrid between a hook and a half diamond.

[Kaellman]

Short hook. Never really liked the diamond...

[mcm757207]

The set I carry around with me has 4 or 5 different types of snake rakes, a slimline half hook, and a slimline half diamond. If I had to pick out one pick though, my preference would be on of the HPC snake rakes.

[master in training]

silent: I presume you mean double ended pick, no?

i just had this picture in my head of this pick with both the heads at one end thinking how on earth would you pick with that, surely the other side would get in the way... then i read your post and it all made sense.

its a good job in naturally blonde, gives me an excuse to be thick once in a while!

[PYRO1234321]

Have to agree with small-medium hooks. As for a half diamonds, I recieved one the first time i purchased factory picks and made a few as well, but never ever found any use for them over a hook. This little diagram I made illustrates my view on this. The profile interaction zone (thats what I'll call the red area since I havent used any big'ish words lately ) is virtually the same for hooks and diamonds and there is not much use for the extra material on the end of a hook that changes it to a diamond.

[master in training]

IMHO the extra bit on the end of a diamond as you call it i find just helps you slide it under the pins, its not really for pin manipulation, its just for ease of use then inserting the pick.

[digital_blue]

I don't really agree here. Though I tend to use a small hook most, my small half diamond is a close second. I find that in a smaller keyway in is advantageous. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the hook under the pins. You can use the front angle of the diamond to slide the pin in question up with a forwad motion of the pick. The hook requires that I lower the tip under the pin, then lift. The diamond can sit flush with the bottom of the keyway and raise the pin as it slides forward. If more lift is required, then I lift the pick once the top of the diamond is under the pin. This can work better in those tight keyways than trying to dig a hook under the pins.

db

[PYRO1234321]

digital_blue, I have to agree totally that a half-diamond is much easier to insert and slide back and forth. They are very popular for a reason. But in the spirit of the thread label, a hook still gets my vote.