Hook and Pick Set Recommendations

[Digital Ranger]

Good afternoon to all from snowy Cambridge, Massachusetts. Longtime thread viewer but today I started to jump into the conversation a bit more. I'm in the process of building out/upgrading a new set of tools.

Today's adventure: a hook and pick set.

Parameters: strong preference for European or USA made, though a case could be made for Japanese or Taiwan. Trying to avoid big box China style but if it's a solid set I could be game. The Snap-On four piece seems pretty good though costs as such - but that's the ballpark kind of set I had in mind at the onset in terms of contents. Regular or miniature size would be fine.

So...I am looking for recommendations, but let me also say a pleasure to meet you all and thanks very much for all your comments both here and throughout the forum. It's been a terrific learning experience moving beyond the standard, basic tools I've had to this point and a blast finding a new outlet to read up on and put to use on the cars, both mine and all my friends.

 

[77Ford]

I think the Sears professional are made by Mayhew in the USA.....you can pick them up for $25 on sale.....just my 2 cents


DeWalt

 

[zcbauer89]

I like the Channelock hook and pick set.

 

[jakemac]

A good set of long thin picks are the ones offered by SK. You can order them from HJE here:

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/hook-and-pick-set.html

 

[FigureItOut]

I don't know if this is the set 77 Ford is referring to: http://m.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc-hook-and-pick-set-with/p-00941634000P
They're US made, I have them, and have had the grips slipping off since day one. It's anecdotal, but I'd steer you away from them and I only mention cuz it seems like a nice, affordable, USA made option.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[DBendr]

Smokin price at epstein on those. Now. How long are they ? Top secret !

 

[wombat31x]

That SK set looks identical to my T & E set which I have had trouble keeping the handles tight since new especially when fishing out internal o-rings

 

[knobby]

Smokin price at epstein on those. Now. How long are they ? Top secret !

A quick search of SK Tools #90353 would clear that mystery right up.

 

[Don53]

I think the Sears professional are made by Mayhew in the USA.....you can pick them up for $25 on sale.....just my 2 cents


DeWalt

The craftsman version are china now. You might be able to find a Mayhew sourced NOS set in a Sears somewhere, but they're going quick.

But... you can still pick up the Mayhew version for a decent price ($30): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UNP2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Richard Cranium]

snap on, s&k, channel lock and craftsman all seam good.

 

[oldldh]

Mayhew from Amazon...

60000 for $ 30.99

Or...

60002 Professional for $ 80.25...

The former is on my wish list...

Or...

60027 X-Long pick set for $ 68.90...

 

[bcradio]

That SK set looks identical to my T & E set which I have had trouble keeping the handles tight since new especially when fishing out internal o-rings

Looks just like my Craftsman set too. I also have to keep tightening the handles. Might try Locktight on it

 

[martin666]

Have Snap on mini pick sets in the standard and xlong versions. Also have Mayhew mini pick set, Matco full size set w/striking caps ( believe they're Mayhew rebrands ) 2pc. NOS KD full size ones, finally I have a set of Grace wooden handled mini picks. dollar for dollar I'd say the Mayhew are the best bang for the buck. Plus it helps I have a local brick and mortar store that will warranty the Mayhew , haven't had to do that yet, but nice to know they're there

 

[DBendr]

A quick search of SK Tools #90353 would clear that mystery right up.

OK
Seller: Epstein. No
Tool warehouse: No
Amazon:Shipping pack sizes and weight( often inaccurate)
Walmart: .15 lbs
Sears: Google block site
JB tools: No
New Egg: FWD JB-out of stock=No
Vinnistor: No
Autobodytoolmart: No

SK: Archaic and utterly idiotic flipbook.May take #1 in crappy tool site implementation. No thanks and most likely no.

The mystery continues Knobbler

Well lookie here . My boys at Zoro have them AND a correct length. SK doesn't actually make them and the price blows off Epstein and most of the others. YAY ME !
https://www.zoro.com/ullman-pickhook-set-stl-shft-plstc-grps-pk4-chp4-l/i/G5349136/

 

[Doohickey]

This Titan set made in Taiwan is a little more affordable if you want larger picks:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200375156_200375156
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O3FULG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ss454]

I have the c-man pros(mayhew) and they are top notch. I also have both mini pic sets(long and short) and as has been mentioned, the soft handle cover slips and the pic comes unthreaded from the handle but a drop of super glue on each solves that and they are nice.

 

[Brownsfan]

It may be tough to get the Craftsman Pros. They were closed out for Taiwan made Gearwrench clones. I have 2 sets. One in the shop box and one in the van. Got the second set for cheap when they went closeout. If you can find them they are awesome. No issues and I use the **** out of them. The handle is nice and durable and so is the business end of them.

 

[Sanny81]

Check out the Ullman sets. I have the 8 piece set and it's been great.

 

[vartz04]

Menards masterforce set. Made in the USA. Just under $7.



They aren't local to you but they ship so find some other goodies from menards you want and place an order


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[RECox286]

I took a chance with the HF pick set. Haven't had

any problems, and I have been very satisfied with

them. Actually, I got 3 sets b/c they were so cheap.

One for the truck box, one for the garage box, and a set

to hang on my 'spares' board just in case. So far, the

spare is still hanging. Haven't broken or lost one yet.

(At least 3 years now.)

Uncle Bob

 

[sam.coll]

Also have and have had a few sets of the ullman picks, I cant see any reason to change.

 

[Digital Ranger]

Wow! I get stuck in a long meeting, shovel out both cars, and even busted out my old vintage Craftsman bow saw to take care of some down branches...and BOOM I come back to an array of hook/pick options I had not yet considered. Thanks to all for the tips and pointers, literally!

I can tell I'm going to like this place. Though I'm not sure my wallet is, but that seems to be a common theme here!

 

[holland_patrick]

http://www.ullman-devices.com/scribers_hooks_picks.html

 

[SweetD]

Wow! I get stuck in a long meeting, shovel out both cars, and even busted out my old vintage Craftsman bow saw to take care of some down branches...and BOOM I come back to an array of hook/pick options I had not yet considered. Thanks to all for the tips and pointers, literally!

I can tell I'm going to like this place. Though I'm not sure my wallet is, but that seems to be a common theme here!

Welcome to the board DR!

I 'picked' up a set of the USA-Made Craftsman (assume Mayhew-made) at the Sears in Swansea, MA a few months ago during a break between games at an AAU bball tournament, and I like them a lot. They look a lot like those S-K ones posted from Harry Epstein's site.

Reason I mentioned where and when is that it was a big Sears with a big Craftsman tool section. I doubt the Sears in RI would have them.



Dave

 

[shockwave]

Mini picks I like witte made Cornwell or snap on

For heavy duty Mayhew is tops depending on your needs for picks

 

[nikerret]

I plan to get the USA Channellock set. For my Phillips, slotted, and Torx, I went with Masterforce, from Menard's, but the Torx have black handle inserts, like the pick set. I want everything color-coded. The Channellocks look similar enough not to stand out sa different, but are a brilliant blue unlike any of my other stuff.

 

[tremek]

i have snap on and these. About 15$ made in the USA

Pratt-Read 82061B

 

[John in OH]

......

Today's adventure: a hook and pick set.

.........

So...I am looking for recommendations, but let me also say a pleasure to meet you all and thanks very much for all your comments both here and throughout the forum. It's been a terrific learning experience moving beyond the standard, basic tools I've had to this point and a blast finding a new outlet to read up on and put to use on the cars, both mine and all my friends.

Welcome to GJ!!

As you have by now probably realized the term "hook and pick set" can mean a lot of different style tools. You haven't really described what style or use you want. Generally, there are five styles of "hook and pick sets".
Style 1: short (5"-6") small, slender sets of tools similar to dentist tools;



Style 2: long (8"-10") slender sets similar to the long Ullman sets (handles about the diameter of your little finger;



Style 3: shorter (about 6"-8") with handles about the diameter of your index finger ... these are the Pratt-Read/Masterforce sets;



Style 4: longer (8"-10") sets with larger, sturdy handles similar to full-size screwdrivers such as the Craftsman Pro set;



Style 5: A specific set of mid-length or longer (8"-10") full-size handled hooks that are usually used for removing hoses etc. Note the unique hook configuration on these.



A further discussion of hook and pick sets is on another recent GJ thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293550&highlight=hook

 

[SMKS]

I recommend the Pratt-Read or Masterforce sets already linked in this thread. They're the same, as Pratt-Read is the OEM of the Masterforce version.

They're made in the USA. I have one set of each and I use them quite a bit. They've held up well.

They're cheaper at Menards, but if you don't have Menards in your area the best price is probably the Pratt-Read set on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BZZ33W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have the Ullman devices picks. I personally like the Pratt-Read picks better.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I have the short Ullmans and the long Ullmans. They work well in places with little room to spare on the sides.
I also have the Mayhew 6000 set for general use and a Mac Tools Psm4xl set of looong picks for looong applications.

Mayhews are good imo. If I hadn't been picky and decided on the Macs, I would have gone with the long Mayhew set.

Another good set is a looong Proto set that sells on eBay for about $68 bucks I think.

 

[ChrisPace]

I have the snap on minis and regular size versions as well. The mini's I reach for all the time.


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[lilcraigford]

Ullman Devices is the OE for the black cushion grip pick sets sold under the Craftsman and SK names, possibly Blue Point, Mac and Matco as well.

 

[Granite80]

HF mini picks have been a complete fail for me - metal is too soft

I have the Snap-on and Mayhew Dominator sets now. Both are great but Mayhew is definitely better value for the money

 

[bcradio]

HF mini picks have been a complete fail for me - metal is too soft

I have the Snap-on and Mayhew Dominator sets now. Both are great but Mayhew is definitely better value for the money

Boy not me. I have their orange handle set I bought for 99 cents and that is my go-to set for everything. I guess I mainly use them because I don't care what happens to them. I also have long and short cmans, cman pro USAs, and stanley sets. But the HF orange handle are still my go-to with none breaking yet.

I also do not do pull-ups with them so that may be why they still work great.

 

[Digital Ranger]

Welcome to GJ!!

As you have by now probably realized the term "hook and pick set" can mean a lot of different style tools. You haven't really described what style or use you want. Generally, there are five styles of "hook and pick sets".
Style 1: short (5"-6") small, slender sets of tools similar to dentist tools;

Much appreciated sir! And thank you for the breakdown in styles. I had indeed noticed there were different types, though it was less clear to me just how many. Great summary and I suspect a useful overview for many.

 

[white91formula]

Have you been to the tool shed in waltham?

Ive pieced together sets of snap on, mac and matco. Got to be patient and wait for stuff to show up but its always cheap.

May be worth checking out

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I own MAC, Cornwell, and Snap on pick sets and prefer the Snap on's over them all. I had a set of those black handle ones everyone keeps posting that were USA made but the handles always slide off.

 

[Digital Ranger]

Have you been to the tool shed in waltham?

Ive pieced together sets of snap on, mac and matco. Got to be patient and wait for stuff to show up but its always cheap.

May be worth checking out

You just won the day, sir. It's now on the must go to list!

 

[white91formula]

You just won the day, sir. It's now on the must go to list!

Ps this also just popped up in the forsale section.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319357

 

[Fedwrench]

For thinner picks, the short and long set made by Ullman devices, sold under many brands are pretty handy. I also like the Gearwrench Pick sets in short and long lengths. They have nice handles and the small set has a great nylon pouch for storage.

http://www.foxruntools.com/4-piece-mini-hook-and-pick-set-part-kd84040.aspx

http://www.foxruntools.com/gearwrench-8-pc-long-hook-and-pick-set---part-kd-84010.aspx

For thicker needs, eastwood has a nice set. There's also wilde, titan and many others.