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Awl-hook-pick set recommendations

J

J.P.

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 5, 2010
Messages
67
Location
Oregon
Hey all,

Looking for some input here. I would like to buy a couple of awl/pick sets (with handles) for our shop and would like a few recommendations. C-man has a four piece hard handle set for sale $22, but I've heard the tips on those are a bit brittle. Snap on has a couple mini-length sets but i've never seen them in person. Does snap-on warranty the shanks on these like screwdrivers?

There are also several Mac sets on ebay but it seems like Mac gets mixed reviews on GJ, at least compared to the other truck brands.

Any experiences, good or bad with these or any others?

Thanks
 
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S

Sterff

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Feb 8, 2010
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Location
PA
I have the Craftsman 4 piece proffesional set and have been very happy with them. I don't use them everyday but they are holding up very well.
 
G

Git

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May 18, 2008
Messages
6,894
Location
S Cal
Mayhew 60000 Dominator Hook and Pick Set, 4-Piece $36

418EXXoNuYL._SL500_AA280_.jpg


Mayhew 60003 4 Piece Mini Dominator Hook & Pick Set $15

31G6aqKxcUL._SL500_AA250_.jpg
 
S

scottmlew

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Nov 24, 2008
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1,028
Can't go wrong with SO or PB Swiss. I have both, and prefer each for different applications. Be aware that if you're looking at the mini sets, the PB Swiss does not have a true hook, whereas the SO does. I feel I have the best of both worlds by having the soft grip SOs and the PB Swiss, which have their Multicraft (hard handle) grips.
 
J

Joe B.

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Jan 2, 2007
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2,752
Sterff said:
I have the Craftsman 4 piece proffesional set and have been very happy with them. I don't use them everyday but they are holding up very well.
Click to expand...

I have this set too. I use one of them to scratch out a ton of grout in a shower. The tip stayed sharp. If I were you, I would buy them and if they fail, you can get them replaced at Sears and then go buy more expensive tools.
 
H

Hiball

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Apr 30, 2009
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Location
Missery
Ive been using Snap On Pick sets for many years daily and my opinion is they are by far superior to any other truck brand. The 45 degree pick gets used far more than any of the other ones and ive only broke the tip one time in 20 years. Im not sure if SO warrants there Picks or not but after 20 years of use i didnt have a problem shelling out 11 bucks to replace it.
 
M

mooman

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Jun 9, 2005
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Location
CHICAGO, IL
I've been using the Kobalt brand from Lowes and really like them. I would imagine they would be easy to warranty if needed.
 
V

Vinko

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Jul 7, 2008
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Location
Los Angeles
KLars1 said:
Snap-On / Mayhew - Both are good
Click to expand...

I have both the SO and the PB -- in mini pick size. I haven't made a "controlled" comparison, but I've snapped two PB Swiss picks. Probably my fault, but I think I may've abused the SO as much. Perhaps not.

I also bought two of the new SO instinct handled larger picks -- one is an awl and the other is curved for radiator hoses.

I also have a few of the older regular sized SO hard handle that I picked up NOS off the truck.
 
S

sporkedtospec

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Jun 21, 2009
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57
Location
Raleigh, NC
t100 said:
they are sold here through Matco dealers.
Click to expand...

This specific Witte branded set? Or, the Witte rebranded as Matco sets?
All I see on the website are sets with multi-density grips like the rebranded screwdrivers.

Always been a fan of Witte, even if their name isn't on it. But, would like to avoid going through my local Matco guy...not worth the time or headache
 
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billymade

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Apr 2, 2008
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Location
New Mexico
Yes, Snap-on does warranty the pics and they replace them with new shanks just like their screwdrivers.... I had a bunch done recently! These were the mini pics; I have a radiator hose large pic and they replaced the whole thing... with the newer style.
 
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C

crewchief888

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Dec 3, 2009
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13,755
Location
NW indiana
i use CM long pics

i have a habit of loosing pics and small screwdrivers :wtf:

when i worked in the rebuild room at one dealer i used OTC pics, very tough and strong, and the parts dept kept them in stock for us. :thumbup:

:beer:
 
B

bmxr4life87

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Mar 21, 2009
Messages
872
Location
Bixby Oklahoma
i like my snap on picks they have taken some abuse. i have both short and long shanks plus a full size straight tip in a full size handle its a wicked line up tool
 
S

Stick Figure

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Aug 3, 2009
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1,395
Location
Omaha, Ne
i picked up the gearwrench set recently, it wasn't the easiest purchase (long story) but got the 7 piece with a complementary 4 piece set for around $25. I haven't tried to break them, but haven't had any problems either. I do like that new Witte set, that would go well with my screwdriver set.
 
S

Skin

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Feb 24, 2010
Messages
11,713
Location
Boston
Wilde pick sets, made in Kansas. Wont break the bank and all metal.

http://wildetool.com/cat-70.cfm [scroll to bottom]

They arent bulky picks though, good for some light prying [valve springs] and removing rubber gaskets/o-rings. If they'll be abused go for the beefier hooks like whats mixed in the GearWrench set.
 
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S

SLAUGHTERHAUS FAB

Active member
Joined
Jul 23, 2009
Messages
32
Location
Toronto, KS
Skin, I had completely forgotten about Wilde, used to carry a pair of their pliers everywhere, they were amazing quality and STRONG.

I've had experience with the Snap On hook, pick, and awl set, beat the **** out of them in a shop I worked at and they never once broke. If you have the money go for the SO.
 
F

fomocoforrester

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Jun 13, 2008
Messages
3,061
It's definately worth paying for quality with this item - I've tried the cheap imports and not only were they too brittle, the handles tended to rotate on the shank.
 
D

Danglerb

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Sep 6, 2007
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9,736
Location
SoCal
I've got a pile of picks, kinda like a cheap set I got from Ullman, 4 mini picks for something like $8.
 

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B

bindernut

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Aug 28, 2009
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728
Location
St. Louis
Snap on will warranty the mini picks. At least, my old dealer did when I broke one.I also have a full size SO & damaged the tip on it. He warrantied it also. I love me snap on picks!!!
 
K

Keep

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Jan 1, 2009
Messages
1,398
Location
Oshawa, Ontario
I have the PB mini picks, I have broke the tip off of two of them in mild use.

I also have the PB "rad hose" pick set. This one has held up very well to anything I have used it on.
 
E

eborcim

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Apr 5, 2009
Messages
2,425
Location
Central, MO
I was in Westlakes yesterday and saw a Craftsman mini-pick set for less than $8...USA made stamped on it. May have to go back.
 
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