HPC Computer Gen. Picks Revisited...

by **Mr. Glass** » 3 May 2005 18:57

I'm sure that everyone is tired of reading posts about the HPC computer generated picks, but I've got a few questions...

I've had this set for a few years now, but [though I've read the included instructions several times] wasn't having much success with them, so they ended up in the bottom of my toolbox. I found them the other day and want to try again.

I've read a few posts on this pickset, but couldn't find much on technique. Does anyone have any special advice on using these picks? or can you point me to a discussion specifically about their use. I've heard they're excellant and really want to learn how to use them.

Thanks,

Mr. Glass

by **stick** » 3 May 2005 19:53

Move them in and out, up and down, to create the most pin configurations with the pick.

by **Mr. Glass** » 4 May 2005 0:09

I read that in the instructions, however, that hasn't seemed to work for me. I thought that I had read something in one of the forums about other types of techniques that could be used with these picks, but just can't seem to find it now.

(Also, I consider myself fairly proficient in general lock picking and, every lock that I was unable to open with computer picks, I was able to open with standard picks.)

Any other feedback or ideas from anyone would be greatly appreciated. If such info. is available on another post, please feel free to point me to it instead of having to explain everything.

Thanks,

Mr. Glass

by **Exodus5000** » 4 May 2005 0:39

I'd stick with standard picks. I havn't had much use for Comp Gens either. I have more success using a combination of single pin picking and then raking to finish it off than I do with Compu's.

by **CaptHook** » 4 May 2005 3:31

Similar principle as auto jigglers, you may get lucky and hit the right pick, you might not. Like anything else though, if you practice with them enough, you can get a little better at guessing, but its still alot of luck involved.
Chuck

by **zeke79** » 4 May 2005 19:41

The hpc computer generated picks are something that I have had amazing luck with. Maybe it is the bitting of the locks that I have tried them against or I am just lucky, I dont know. I attribute most of my success with these picks to Romstars technique he described with the use of the king and queen pick modified slightly to suit the less sharp angles of the hpc picks. Here is my routine in which my pick choice is usually affected by my experience with certain brand of locks with certain a certain pick.

Code: Select all: 1. Determine what lock I am working with to make my pick selection. 2. Quick tension test to determine how much tension is required to bind a pin. 3. Insert selected pick, apply determined amount of tension and slowly lift with pick handle parallel to ground. 25-30% of the time with a very very slight in and out motion of the pick keeping the pick handle parallel to the ground the lock is open at this point. 4. If lock is not open at this point employ the same method as described above but inclining or declining the pick handle 3 to 5 degrees and repeating in both directions in increments of 3 to 5 degrees. This will almost feel as though you are not even changing position of you hand but remember you are working with small tolerances in key bittings. 5. Try both sides of the pick. Most of the time I can work through most any lock with just about any of the comp generated picks, but sometimes you have to flip them over and give it another shot. 6. This is the biggest pointer I can give you..... Dont give up. Remember how long it took you to start picking locks in the first place. It is easy to quit and go back to what you know, but keep at it and learn a new skill. The reward will be impressive. I have opened alot of locks with my computer generated picks just as fast or maybe even faster than if I had the actual key to the lock.

by **Mr. Glass** » 4 May 2005 20:26

Thank you for your imput zeke79!

This sounds like really good advice and I look forward to giving it a try.

Appreciate it!

by **mcm757207** » 4 May 2005 21:38

I would love to get some comp gen picks, if they weren't so expensive :cry:

Anyone have any to sell to little 'ol me? :wink:

by **zeke79** » 5 May 2005 17:47

mcm if you make your own picks I have a template for them on my site. It is a pdf file I made from my picks. Just print it at 100% and they are actual size. Just an fyi, they are going to seem larger than normal picks but that is just how they are

.

by **Gurdjieff** » 8 May 2005 20:41

I have obtained a March 2005 copy of Keynotes and in it Jacques Peyronnet explains the origins of the computer picks. He says that in the late sixties an Israeli lock picker named Moshe Tavor allowed him to photocopy a set of "waves" that summarized most combinations in 5 pin cylinders. Jacques made himself a set that worked very well. Ten years later Nick Gartner (the founder of LaGard) took a photocopy of Jacques set for his own use. To Jacques surprise, a replica of his set of picks now known as the Computer Picks showed up in the HPC catalog. The kicker is that they were exactly the same as the ones Moshe made originally (without a computer) but that they were 30% too large. Jacques recommends reducing to 70% a photocopy of the HPC picks and making your own, which will work much better. Jacques also sells his own set of picks, but I suppose this information is available only in the restricted section. As an aside, when I first opened the box on my set of Computer Picks my (and I think everyone else) first reaction was that that are huge.

by **Mr. Glass** » 9 May 2005 1:53

Gurdjieff, that's great! It totally makes sense. The first time I used my HPC Comp picks in a decently-sized keyway, a few of the pins became falsely set, simply from my inserting the pick into the keyway. I'm definately gonna consider making a smaller set.

Awsome input, much thanks!

by **Python** » 30 May 2005 22:27

zeke79 wrote:mcm if you make your own picks I have a template for them on my site. It is a pdf file I made from my picks. Just print it at 100% and they are actual size. Just an fyi, they are going to seem larger than normal picks but that is just how they are .

Where is your site and how can it be accessed?

by **Jimmie** » 31 May 2005 4:54

should it be possible to figure out the shape of the good computer pick by picking/raking quickly the lock

as you know once the lock gives some degrees only one or two pins are not set yet so ... with a feeler you try to figure out the good profile computer pick to be run on the particular lock you try to open

I never tested this ... even I've tested computer picks with poor success

has someone tried this before ?

Jimmie

by **scampdog** » 13 Mar 2006 21:40

i've had a lot of success with my computer picks,when i use them, i use the bare minimum of tension pressure,also some of the picks because of their shape, will not pick the last pin,by turning the pick over it theoretically becomes a hook,thus allowing you to pick the last pin,i also tend to use a rocking motion,hope this is of some help.

by **scampdog** » 13 Mar 2006 21:48

p.s check out my home made set(feeler guages)

give it a try for yourself,easy enough.