Comparing a few Picks

[Ohio Andy]

I found a few postings related to picks here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/new-tekton-hook-pick-pouch.533679/

Snap on full size vs mini pick set

Looking to buy a set off ebay ( no snappy dealer). I dont like the mini grip picks, i’m looking for the full size handles on the long shank. Does anyone have a part number or an idea where to buy?

www.garagejournal.com

Tekton 9 piece Blunt Pick set

Just got an email about a new Tekton pick set. I will probably get a set, picks are on of those thing you can't have to many of. I always have multiple set of Harbor Freight picks with me...

www.garagejournal.com

Long Mini Pick Set with Chromed Shafts & Small Handles

Hi GJ, I want to upgrade my Craftsman long mini pick set. My first choice would be picks with chrome shafts, 2nd choice would be painted shafts. I am good with any COO except China (Taiwan is fine). I am not looking at the best like Snap On or Matco but a middle of the road priced set. I...

www.garagejournal.com

I purchased a pick set from Harbor Freight for $2 (see https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...s/pick-sets/mini-pick-and-hook-set-63697.html). This was not my first pick set, I bought it for the garage. It has 4 picks with horrible handles. Frankly, I hated it (the handles) but they worked. Note that harbor freight does have other sets; for example:

$10 set: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...ick-sets/pick-and-hook-set-7-piece-69592.html

$20 set: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-...oft-grip-pick-and-hook-set-4-piece-57786.html

I did not try these other harbor freight sets.

Tekton sells a set of 5 for $32 with a pouch and $20 without the pouch. These are available as sharp or dull points. I have the sharp points. The Tekton’s are Manufactured in Michigan (USA). I own a couple sets because I just did not like the handles on the harbor Freight and I really like the pouch.

Pointed Pick and Hook Set, 5-Piece (Pouch) | TEKTON

Set includes straight pointed pick, 45-degree pointed pick, 90-degree pointed pick, 130-degree pointed hook, compound pointed pick, and 5-tool pouch. PNH90402.

www.tekton.com

PB Swiss has the Multicraft Pick Set, 5pcs, w/ Roll-Up Case (PB 7685) for about $60. This is also available with the softer SwissGrip handle (PB 8685) for the same price.

PB Swiss Multicraft Pick Set, 5pcs, w/ Roll-Up Case (PB 7685.Set)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

PB Swiss SwissGrip Pick Set, 5 pcs w/ Roll-Up Case (PB 8685.Set CBB)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

I purchased a set of PB 7685 with a damaged roll for $30 and here they are:



The Tekton can be “rolled” (folded in half) and held in place with a built-in hook and loop (Velcro) fastener. The case has a Polyester Fabric with a “durable water repellent coating”. This material is very durable, both abrasion and tear resistant. I can attest to this, I really like it.

The PB Swiss has a “compact roll-up imitation leather case”. Again, “roll-up” means that you can fold it in half, but, without the Velcro it opens immediately. The case is smaller (good) but not nearly as durable. My set was reduced 50% because the case was damaged. You can see the damage where this fake leather has ripped (lower right and lower second from the left). The rips look small but they are pretty deep. Based on the original packaging, it looks like this set was run-over by a forklift. I think that the Tekton case would have held up better. The PB Swiss case is not (in my opinion) abrasion resistant.

If you unfold the Tekton (but leave the flap closed), the shapes are “heat transferred” onto the case. Even closed you can tell what picks are in the case. PB Swiss uses snaps and Tekton uses Velcro to hold the flap closed.



The Tekton are stored pointy side down and the PB Swiss are stored pointy side up. Opening the flap shows the picks directly on the PB Swiss and you need the heat transferred labels on the Tekton are required to identify which pick is where.

So, what are these picks?

1. Straight
2. Hook (curved). The hook is 130 degrees.
3. 90 Degree
4. Bent – Tekton has a single 45 degree bend that is very short. The PB Swiss has two bends, with an appropriate orientation this has a bend to the right and then one to the left. It is similar to the Tekton 45 degree but with two bends and a longer point.
5. Compound / Offset – Tekton calls this a compound pick formed using smooth turns. PB Swiss calls this an Offset and it has a similar shape but it uses bends.

The picture below demonstrates that I have two mismatched (out of order). From left to right these are:

• straight / straight
• offset / 45
• bent / compound
• 90 / 90
• hook / hook

The PB Swiss handles claim to work well with oily hands and is highly impact resistant. The handle material is Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) made from “renewable cellulose”. Taken from https://www.pbswisstools.com/en/about-us/quality/high-grade-materials we have:

Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) is a natural material derived from wood which we use for crafting the PB Swiss Tools Classic and multicraft handles. Since CAB can develop an unpleasant odor in airtight boxes and drawers, we add a subtle vanilla fragrance to the material to neutralize it.

So it is not uncommon to see people smelling the handles (at least in my house).

The Tekton website indicates the handles are made of glass-reinforced nylon resistant to fuels, oils, and chemicals. You should not have a problem with cleaners and solvents and are impact resistant.

Tekton has an AISI 8650 steel shaft (Ni-Cr-Mo alloy) hardened to 50-54 HRC, which would be soft for a knife steel but you do not want it to snap so this feels like a good hardness (my non-professional opinion). At the base, these measure close to 1/8" (3.1mm) with my calipers.

PB Swiss uses a special alloy based on spring steel, exceptional elasticity coupled with high grade hardening, which again in my opinion feels like a good choice. At the base these measure at 3mm so slightly narrower than the Tekton.

Tekton says nothing about this, but, the black coating (anodized???) should help prevent rust.

PB Swiss does not appear to have any coating but it does have a decent knurling near the handle. They may be chromed but I do not know.

I prefer the feel of the Tekton in my hand and my wife prefers the feel of the PB Swiss handle. This is mostly related to the handle size (see picture). The shafts are roughly the same length.

I have to be careful inserting the Tekton picks because the sharp versions can catch on the case while inserting.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a bunch of smaller picks: decades old Taiwan made HF, Ullman, Gearwrench, and Tekton. The HF actually held up ok, but the blades will unscrew from the handles- this isn't an issue on the straight pick but can be a PITA on the right angle. I don't use the HF ones anymore and need to move them out of the main drawer. I like the Tekton but wish they made the handle shorter and smaller. The handle is a nice size for their mini pry bars, but IMO is a bit large for a small pick. I believe the finish on the Tekton picks is the same as the pry bars: black phosphate.
There have been several people here that have complained that the PB picks are too hard and break easily

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have a bunch of smaller picks: decades old Taiwan made HF, Ullman, Gearwrench, and Tekton. The HF actually held up ok, but the blades will unscrew from the handles- this isn't an issue on the straight pick but can be a PITA on the right angle. I don't use the HF ones anymore and need to move them out of the main drawer. I like the Tekton but wish they made the handle shorter and smaller. The handle is a nice size for their mini pry bars, but IMO is a bit large for a small pick. I believe the finish on the Tekton picks is the same as the pry bars: black phosphate.
There have been several people here that have complained that the PB picks are too hard and break easily

I feel like you can never have too many pics... And from a size perspective, the harbor freight pick handles are a good size and they work really well.... Honestly, I've considered picking up two more sets just because there's always one more place. I want a set of pics..

Never seen picks that unscrew.

I did not measure the harbor freight picks because i have that set at church for me to use (spend lots of time at church) and I need another set there as well.

Which brings us back too. You can never have too many picks. Well you can but I would have to work hard to make that happen.... Challenge accepted

 

[woody 73]

Wow I like those picks very cool

I bought some of the HF picks, (the ones with the larger handles) and I agree with the op 100 percent I am not crazy about the larger handle sizes. Nothing wrong with the picks themselves, they do what they say they will do no problems there, just the size of the handle that I do not like.

 

[Ohio Andy]

If you didn't like the larger handles, try these.. not super comfortable (handles feel cheap) but very usable. I don't care for the handles but intend to buy at least one more set when I get back home next year.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/specialty-hand-tools/picks-hooks-tweezers-probes/pick-sets/mini-pick-and-hook-set-63697.html

Considered this set for $10 it has. I think a smaller handle than the icons but there's just more pics than I want ... Or pics? I probably won't use but I'm not sure. I'll probably get the smaller cheaper set. It's really hard to go wrong for two bucks or three bucks

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/specialty-hand-tools/picks-hooks-tweezers-probes/pick-sets/pick-and-hook-set-7-piece-69592.html

 

[four.cycle]

^ I really think this is more a "personal preference" kind of thing than it is a "how well does this tool perform?" thing. And generally that "preference" seems to be more about the handle than the tool.

The "Craftsman" branded (Ullman made) picks were fine, until the shafts came out of the handles. Sears replaced the entire set as "warranty", but the replacements did the same thing. A dab of Seal-All resolved that issue. The handles are still too skinny for my huge hands.

Thinking that I might find something I liked more, I ordered these fancy "Wilde" branded picks (again, made by Ullman) but was disappointed when I saw how skinny the handles are. They are still brand new, in the package.

I use them so infrequently that it's an "out of sight, out of mind" thing. I should find a set I actually like using, as opposed to trying to use tools that make me want to use bad language.

 

[Ohio Andy]

^ I really think this is more a "personal preference" kind of thing than it is a "how well does this tool perform?" thing. And generally that "preference" seems to be more about the handle than the tool.

The "Craftsman" branded (Ullman made) picks were fine, until the shafts came out of the handles. Sears replaced the entire set as "warranty", but the replacements did the same thing. A dab of Seal-All resolved that issue. The handles are still too skinny for my huge hands.

Thinking that I might find something I liked more, I ordered these fancy "Wilde" branded picks (again, made by Ullman) but was disappointed when I saw how skinny the handles are. They are still brand new, in the package.

I use them so infrequently that it's an "out of sight, out of mind" thing. I should find a set I actually like using, as opposed to trying to use tools that make me want to use bad language.

Oh my, those are really skinny. I didn't think I would like the icon branded pics because I didn't think I'd want to use a handle that large while using a pic. Then again, I guess it depends on what I'm doing with them....

Maybe I should get a fat handled version. That said, the set that sees the most use, is the set whose handle I like the least, because I keep it in a public area where everyone has access to them and uses them all the time.

 

[Nutria]

Since CAB can develop an unpleasant odor in airtight boxes and drawers, we add a subtle vanilla fragrance to the material to neutralize it.

So it is not uncommon to see people smelling the handles (at least in my house).

Thanks for the very informative post. But handle sniffing is becoming an epidemic in this country, and I suggest that you seek help.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Thanks for the very informative post. But handle sniffing is becoming an epidemic in this country, and I suggest that you seek help.

Hi, I live in Andy's house and I still can't believe these smell like vanilla.... Sniiiiffffff...

 

[oldwino]

I have a set of long Ullman’s that have been very good For 5+ years. Shorties are OED, not bad and pretty inexpensive. I find I grab by dental picks from my hygienist the most often grabbed.

 

[mikey03]

Thanks for the very informative post. But handle sniffing is becoming an epidemic in this country, and I suggest that you seek help.

I didn’t realize I had a problem until thanksgiving and my family sat me down and read letters about how my handle sniffing has impacted each of them personally and now I just sniff rubbber harbor freight wheel chocks when I need a hit.

 

[CGarage]

Ullman is the famous U.S. manufacturer of picks. I like mine and available off of Amazon.

The new Tekton picks are USA made and very nice and available off of Amazon.

I am glad I have both.

Also, Channelock makes picks and I bought a set off of Amazon and all have been great, nothing has broken as of yet. Price was about $10 USD, so great value.


You need multiple sets of picks, depending on the job!

 

[Ohio Andy]

Ullman is the famous U.S. manufacturer of picks. I like mine and available off of Amazon.

4 piece set $11, skinny handles. Made in China I think.

Ullman Devices CHP4 Hook and Pick Set with Textured Cushion Grip Handles, 6-7/8", 4-Piece

https://a.co/d/brizDM6

This set has knurling abs different handles... I like knurling, only $10.

Ullman PSP-4 Steel Pick and Hook Set, 5-1/16" Length, 4pcs

https://a.co/d/0wpoJKx

There are so many varieties it is crazy....

Summer of these look very very very similar to the Mayhew also made in China. I thought Mayhew was mostly made in USA, guess I was mistaken.

The new Tekton picks are USA made and very nice and available off of Amazon.

Tekton made in USA. This is a big set for $50 (ish). I have the set in the case / pouch, I like them that way for grab and go.


TEKTON Pick, Hook, and Mini Pry Bar Set (14-Piece) | LVR10003

https://a.co/d/0IPaZ7u

Also, Channelock makes picks and I bought a set off of Amazon and all have been great, nothing has broken as of yet. Price was about $10 USD, so great value.

CHANNELLOCK HP-4ECP 4pc Hook & Pick Set, Made in USA, Includes 180-degree Full Hook, Straight Pick, 90-degree Pick and Complex Probe, Remove Small Fuses, Wire Plugs and "O" Rings, Gunsmith Tools

https://a.co/d/hWfnMyd

You need multiple sets of picks, depending on the job!

 

[four.cycle]

Channelock makes

Channellock makes some slippery-*** blue handles on their screwdrivers. If the picks have the same slippery blue handles, buyer beware.

From one of the many "screwdriver" threads:

The edges of the trilobal handle are quite smooth and slippery.

to which @wolfinator replied:

I agree, that's my only criticism so far with my pair. I really like the handle shape and material. But they're a bit smooth and slick if you get anything wet or oily on them. Just some slight pebbling in the mold would be perfect.

and then @KnurledNut chimed in with:

My biggest complain with the red Tekton hard handles...too slippery.

In the "show us your new tools" thread, @Squankum reported:

The blue plastic is a little slippery, but nice ergonomic contours.

just an FYI

 

[Nutria]

If you've got a set of picks, screwdrivers, etc. with slippery-*** handles . . . a little sandpaper?

 

[Squankum]

If you've got a set of picks, screwdrivers, etc. with slippery-*** handles . . . a little sandpaper?

 

[Nutria]

Rosin bags-- now that is a GJ solution. Probably works great.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Channellock makes some slippery-*** blue handles on their screwdrivers. If the picks have the same slippery blue handles, buyer beware.

From one of the many "screwdriver" threads:


to which @wolfinator replied:

and then @KnurledNut chimed in with:

In the "show us your new tools" thread, @Squankum reported:


just an FYI

It looks like the channel lock s have two different handle possibilities. One is the type that people have complained about for the handles, and one is more like the PB Swiss handles above.

My only channel lock screwdrivers that use those " slippery" handles are a set of small torx drivers.

Channellock makes some slippery-*** blue handles on their screwdrivers. If the picks have the same slippery blue handles, buyer beware.

From one of the many "screwdriver" threads:


to which @wolfinator replied:

and then @KnurledNut chimed in with:

In the "show us your new tools" thread, @Squankum reported:


just an FYI

It looks like channel locks makes a set using the " slippery" handle material and they have a set that uses a completely different handle material. The only channel lock screwdrivers I have are a small set of torx "slippery" kind, but it's never caused me a problem so I have no clue.

Had another person try him out and he said he really liked them too. What we did not do was dip them in motor oil or ATF and try to use them so I have no idea how that would play out.

 

[four.cycle]

^ What?!?! You don't pre-lube your tools prior to use?!??!?

 

[GaryM909]

Never seen picks that unscrew.

I picked these up a few years ago at an used tool store. No brand name on either the package or the handle.
The handle and the picks feel solid.
I have never used them because I don't really want to break one.

 

[Ohio Andy]

^ What?!?! You don't pre-lube your tools prior to use?!??!?

You prelube only the tools? Dumps oil over my head... Ok, really bad day when that happens. And never had it over my head. Most other places yes, but not higher than the shoulders. Wearing a new shirt seems to increase the odds I am about to wear a bunch of oil, grease, or solvent; even if all I am doing is oiling a handle I made.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I picked these up a few years ago at an used tool store. No brand name on either the package or the handle.
The handle and the picks feel solid.
I have never used them because I don't really want to break one.

Nice .. how does the knurling feel? I like that it is on the handle and the pick. After the requisite pre-soak in oil, that will be very helpful.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

What I do for a living mini picks and hooks are always in my hand when tearing down and often when re-assembling. Most of them are very similar. Oddly enough the only ones I ever had break were Snap-On's. Last ones I bought were Mayhew's (USA) and they work well. Have a cheapo set of Kobalt that I like as well. The smaller the better. I have a set of "normal" sized ones and I almost never use them. The mini's are like extra sets of fingers. Very handy.

 

[Firebrick43]

I just bought the tekton blunt pick set w/o the roll

I like them better then my snapon comfort grip picks.

Miles better than the HF ones. They would buy several dozen every month or so for the mechs the last place I worked. The grinding oil would destroy the handles in short order

 

[GaryM909]

Nice .. how does the knurling feel? I like that it is on the handle and the pick. After the requisite pre-soak in oil, that will be very helpful.

The knurling feels good. I am sure they would work well if I needed them. I just plan on saving them to make my kids more miserable. They will probably soak everything in oil and torch it all.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The knurling feels good. I am sure they would work well if I needed them. I just plan on saving them to make my kids more miserable. They will probably soak everything in oil and torch it all.

So you're saying your kids are actually pretty smart...

 

[GaryM909]

So you're saying your kids are actually pretty smart...

Actually my son is a welding inspector and my daughters fiancé who is an electrician have their eyes on almost everything in my garage. Even my daughter isn't scared to get her hands dirty

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

To add further to my post above, I would stay away from the Gearwrench mini's. I mentioned having the Snap-On's break, the Gearwrench set I purchased, every one of them broke within a year of purchase. All four of the mini tools. This was in the course of doing automotive type work. I didn't "abuse" them, they broke in the normal course of things. Others I have, have lasted and lasted. So buyer beware IMO with the Gearwrench ones.

This set:

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-84000D-Hook-Pick-Set/dp/B002EYI19M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ohio Andy]

To add further to my post above, I would stay away from the Gearwrench mini's. I mentioned having the Snap-On's break, the Gearwrench set I purchased, every one of them broke within a year of purchase. All four of the mini tools. This was in the course of doing automotive type work. I didn't "abuse" them, they broke in the normal course of things. Others I have, have lasted and lasted. So buyer beware IMO with the Gearwrench ones.

This set:

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-84000D-Hook-Pick-Set/dp/B002EYI19M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Very good to know... I have been Leary of gear wrench even though I see many people who love them.... But I also see many posts of them breaking. I have had a few tools let go at the wrong time which makes me Leary... Ironically never had a "serious" break while abusing a tool; go figure.

 

[Steve_P]

Never seen picks that unscrew.

To be clear, the HF ones that I mentioned aren't supposed to unscrew LOL. The ends of the shafts have some type of thread on them that's supposed to hold them into the handle, but it can unscrew on the right angle one under twisting. If not for this, they're great. Keep in mind that these are not what they're selling today; the ones I have are ancient and are probably 30-40 years old.

As far as the PB Swiss handles and the vanilla, they are being VERY generous when they say, "can develop an unpleasant odor in airtight boxes..." Years ago, before they added the vanilla, I ordered a set of PB screwdrivers.... From even 5 feet away they smelled like puke. Out of the carton. On the table. I sent them back. "Nasty" is being very polite to describe the smell; it was miles past "unpleasant". I don't know WTF they were thinking selling a premium priced product that smelled that bad.

 

[CGarage]

I don’t think they smell bad at all.
They do smell a bit like vanilla. It’s a different scent, but not bad.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I don’t think they smell bad at all.
They do smell a bit like vanilla. It’s a different scent, but not bad.

That's why they add the vanilla...

I have this fear that my old Craftsman screwdrivers will go that way because the old ones many of them do.

Frankly, I was surprised that the PB Swiss are still made with materials that they know will do that.

 

[CGarage]

I have the plastic handle PB Swiss, I like how they smell. Excellent screwdrivers.

 

[Steve_P]

I have old USA Craftsman drivers with the clear handles that I bought new 10++ years ago. They didn't have the puke smell like PB did out of the box and still don't. They didn't smell like vanilla and still don't; no smell at all. Whatever material PB uses is different from the Craftsman that I have. At least so far. And if they stink tomorrow, they go to the Habitat ReStore . This is what Wiha is for.

 

[CGarage]

I will take my Swiss made, precision screwdrivers over Wiha and Craftsman any day of the week.

Irregardless of how they smell.

The only time this is not the case is the value proposition that Vessel offers, and the more flexible JIS/Philips tips that seem to fit every fastener perfectly.

 

[cgrutt]

I picked these up a few years ago at an used tool store. No brand name on either the package or the handle.
The handle and the picks feel solid.
I have never used them because I don't really want to break one.

I believe I have (had?) that set. I definitely bought them off a tool truck but don't recall if they were Snap-on (Blue Point) or MAC. I'm leaning towards Blue Point.

I have the Snap-on mini picks which have been my goto set for nearly 40 years. I bought the ICON set about a year ago and already snapped the tip off one of them. I also have the Channel Lock set that I keep as a spare set in one of my tool bags.