I need a good short hook

[Tarquin]

Okay, gang.

I notice that many of the better pickers (and almost all of the truly good pickers) use a short hook on almost every lock they encounter right off the bat. Then they switch if it's not working, but it seems to be the primary pick for most of the guys with a lot of skill.

I've decided I want to get one and I don't currently have one.

I'd prefer one that can get into tighter keyways, so probably not a standard Southord or Peterson size, but something tighter and more slim. I was wondering if you guys could point me to a good one that you've used or that you've looked at carefully and really like.

A short hook is about the only standard pick that I don't already have in my toolkit so I was hoping one of you picking gurus might be able to point me to one you think would work well. I'd certainly appreciate it if you did.

[whizdumb]

Peterson slender Gov't steel short hook. Enough said. Oh and get a slender gem while your at it.. As a matter of fact just get the whole slender set they make. Worth every penny.

[mdc5150]

Peterson sells a set called the "Just Picks" set. It's 5 of the 6 slenders for $34 which is a deal compared to buying them individually.

[Tarquin]

So essentially you're both telling me to buy this pack.

I can cope with that. I don't like whatever the fuck that rake is, but whatever. The others look good. It appears to have a short hook, a gem, a C rake, and a small diamond, and then whatever that "city rake" is or whatever Peterson calls it. I guess they call it a "long ripple."


But the hook seems to be a standard hook according to the description found here. I'm presuming you guys have tried these and the hook is smaller than an actual standard hook so it will work in the tighter keyways?

[Aedalas]

Peterson is, in my opinion, by far the best mass produced pick around. But I'd urge you to look into a custom hook as well. The difference can be astronomical.

If you do go with a mass produced though, check out Kokomos video on pick polishing.

[Tarquin]

Thanks, Aed!

And thanks, Koko for the vid. That seems to make sense to me. Now that I think about it, I do tend to get a lot of "false feedback" from my picks in tight keyways.

[whizdumb]

Yep.. buy the just picks set. Then polish to your taste. While you're at it.. For a bit more you can pick up carbon steel variations of the short hook, gem and offset diamond for a little extra strength when thickness doesn't matter as much. Those are like $4 or so per pick and you might as well do it all at once to combine shipping. Oh one more thing.. Word to the wise: Steer clear of the reach picks that they make. They are a good idea in theory but they suck in practice.

[Oldfast]

I agree!!...short, medium, and deep hooks are certainly some of our most deadliest of weapons in this game

For the most part, I've always used SouthOrd. However, there's very few of their picks I use without customizing em' first.
SouthOrd's standard shorthook is a prime example... far too bulky in every way. I wouldn't dream of using it w/o some modifying.
Here is my 'work-horse-hook' in comparison to how they come brand new. She's seen better days, but has opened many a lock



I thin out the pick... in terms of width & height. The shaft is far too tall otherwise, and will interfere w/ pins you're not targeting.
Just by taking the height of the shaft down creates for a deeper hook and increases the reach/lifting capability of it.
Being careful to retain the original height of the hook, I use a file to place a very slight angle on it.
The sanding process then gives the angle a slight curve, allowing it to glide over pins easier.

So there's my short-hook It pains me to think about having to bury her some day. lol

SouthOrd sells these with or w/o a metal handle. If you're willing to put your own handle on... you can buy them individually for a couple bucks per pick.