Opinions on the L hook

[jtanner]

Hi to all,

I have a question and maybe a comment or two. I am a newbie and am experimenting with lockpicking as a hobby. I like the excitement of it, sort of like a magician showing of a new trick! I can open most wafer locks such as desk drawers etc. pretty easy, but yesterday I cracked my first pin tumbler padlock! I did it a couple of times. I find that its good to lay the tools aside and rest often because if I begin to get frustrated, I get heavy handed and really begin to suck at picking. I make my own picks and only have a couple of hooks, long and short, a ball, a half ball, and a diamond (some may call it a half diamond). I would like your input on the following: It seems to me that with single pin picking (the style that interests me the most) the optimal pick shape would be one that has a small "L" shape on the end. One with a 90 degree angle from the shaft of a pick. Most hooks I have seen have a bend shape to them. I can see why this would be wanted in case you need to utilize the "rake" picking style. But, for single pin, wouldnt the "L" shape be easier to use to set pins without disturbing the pins that are already set? Im not good enough at picking to know the difference yet, but if it would help, I would make a pick in that form.
thanks

[digital_blue]

If you have a 90 degree angle on your pick you mayfind you have difficulty getting it past pins. Even a pin that is already set may trip you up because of the vertical nature of the end of the pick. If you have some slope it allows the set pins (bottom pins, that is) to ride up the slope and slip over the pick without getting stuck. Also, having a slope gives you the ability to pivot the pick (in a motion like a crowbar) to provide lift to the pins.

Hope this helps. Happy picking, and welcome to the site!

db

[pun1sher]

i took a lap around the forums and, from what i've heard, somepeople hate it and others hate it. it depends, however, on the methods you use and the type of lock, i'd imagine.(i have never used one myself)

[pun1sher]

edit:i meant to say some hate it and others love it. sorry

[n2oah]

I hate the L hook. It's too steep and doesn't seem to glide over the pins like a regular hook. As db said, sometimes a pin will set low and you won't be able to get past it. L hooks, in my opinion, are more susceptable to breakage.

[cracksman]

I agree that a 90 degree angle is problematic, especially when you start getting into tighter keyways and more akward angles. The short hook picks with the half-diamond tip might be a good compromise:



I find this style lends well to single pin picking also:


In the end it is what you feel most comfortable with, Happy pickin

[funboy79015]

For single pin picking, a half diamond will serve essentially the same function as an L-shaped hook, but the angled sides allow the half diamond to be used for raking as well. So having an L-shaped hook is not really necessary.

Since you make your own picks, I would suggest making one and trying it out. If it doesn't work well for you, a little filing can make it another half diamond.

[Chrispy]

If you have a 90 degree angle on your pick you mayfind you have difficulty getting it past pins.

- digital blue

Hence the reason keys have angled cuts.

[raimundo]

A compromise would be a 100 degree angle or 110 degrees, this takes into account that the pick shaft will not always be used in a manner that is completely parrallet to the keyway. and of course, at the apex of the angle, you should round it a bit on the inside of the bend so that you do not have a place that will intrinsically weaken the pic and possibly cause breakage due to stress concentration. So now you have only an arguement about the radius of the curve before the pic tip goes straight up. Many so called hooks, are actually 90 degrees with a radius at the apex of the angle. if the pick tip ends up in a 90 degree perpendicular to the shaft, any angleing of the shaft will cause that tip to become even an 80 degree hook against the withdrawal of the tool so compromise a bit and make the pick more than 90 degrees and chose a radius for the interior of the apex of the angle that is a matter of what file or grinder you are using to make the pick. Go with what you have, then do the really important step and sand that shaft and pick tip smooth.