What kind of pick set are talking about? Large radiator style hooks and picks, or the small ones for various uses? I'll assume the smaller kind. If you want USA and budget, get the menards Masterforce or Pratt-reads. With those under $10 only a fool wastes money at HF, and these are damn nice picks. Next step up is Witte from Germany. Awesome handles and great picks. They are the matco OEMs. You can buy direct from Germany and score them for $30 approx shipped. If you want the best go with snap on. Will set you back about $50. Full disclosure, I own them all. Pratt-reads at home, witte at work, and snap on in my mechanics tool box (was a dealership tech).
Hook and Pick Set Recommendations
- Thread starter Digital Ranger
- Start date
dodge610
Well-known member
I have a longer set of the craftsman picks,and a set of the mid length husky. Got both sets a few years back great for removing o rings and such. Both set have served me well not sure the craftsman are still available but the husky ones are. Will whole heartadly agree with jrobb316 the HF picks are junk i have broken a couple sets of those doing simple jobs a toothpick could handle.
OP
Digital Ranger
Active member
Appreciate the terrific feedback. To clarify a few questions:
1) Mostly looking for smaller sized for various uses in the style 3/4 ballpark. These will be my primary set though I may yet pick up those Ullman/SK's regardess for the desk drawer.
2) Agreed on HF comments. I once had HF gear mixed in and it was fine for what I needed at the time. Some of the Pittsburgh stuff is definitely staying around, but now that I'm much further into my career it's a hella lot of fun building out what one wants in a toolset versus bare minimums.
3) Leading contenders:
Mayhews need a closer look from me - like what I hear and see thus far.
Witte: big fan of German tools though curious as to best place to order those?
Pratt-Reads look pretty nice and a solid bang for the buck.
The Snap On's will probably stay in the running forever, as they do with so many nice tools, but half the fun is the quest for the Grail.
Side question: anyone deal with Sonic Tools? I do not know much. Had seen a post over at ToolGuyd and did notice this mini pick set:
1) Mostly looking for smaller sized for various uses in the style 3/4 ballpark. These will be my primary set though I may yet pick up those Ullman/SK's regardess for the desk drawer.
2) Agreed on HF comments. I once had HF gear mixed in and it was fine for what I needed at the time. Some of the Pittsburgh stuff is definitely staying around, but now that I'm much further into my career it's a hella lot of fun building out what one wants in a toolset versus bare minimums.
3) Leading contenders:
Mayhews need a closer look from me - like what I hear and see thus far.
Witte: big fan of German tools though curious as to best place to order those?
Pratt-Reads look pretty nice and a solid bang for the buck.
The Snap On's will probably stay in the running forever, as they do with so many nice tools, but half the fun is the quest for the Grail.
Side question: anyone deal with Sonic Tools? I do not know much. Had seen a post over at ToolGuyd and did notice this mini pick set:
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I saw their large display at the recent SEMA show. My take is that they are a Netherlands based company hawking Taiwan made copies of European Tool designs. They are trying to establish a foothold in the USA. They have at least one tool set giveaway and a VW tech set featured on You Tube and are providing tools at some racing series. Don't get me wrong, their stuff looked pretty good and well made at their booth. I'm not sure which Tool Company in Taiwan is making their tools though. Some of their stuff like their combination wrenches, resemble Toptul, while some of their screwdrivers resemble Carlyle
It's only a pick set, try it and let us know.
I think the handles on the smaller Mayhew picks are a little on the small side but, that's just me.
OP
Digital Ranger
Active member
I saw their large display at the recent SEMA show. My take is that they are a Netherlands based company hawking Taiwan made copies of European Tool designs. They are trying to establish a foothold in the USA. They have at least one tool set giveaway and a VW tech set featured on You Tube and are providing tools at some racing series. Don't get me wrong, their stuff looked pretty good and well made at their booth. I'm not sure which Tool Company in Taiwan is making their tools though. Some of their stuff like their combination wrenches, resemble Toptul, while some of their screwdrivers resemble Carlyle
It's only a pick set, try it and let us know.
I think the handles on the smaller Mayhew picks are a little on the small side but, that's just me.
Cheers! Thanks for the tip. Will let the board know how it turns out.
speed bump
Well-known member
I have a pile of snap on picks for my primary picks I have used and abused them for years and only broke one. I also have some Stanley Taiwanese picks that have worked fine in my truck tool box.
I was buying Harbor Freight picks but they kept spinning inside the handles making them useless. So I bought a Snap On set. Their expensive. The question is how often will you use them? If frequently, buy a quality brand.
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OP
Digital Ranger
Active member
quattroJoe
Well-known member
I have been through a few sets of mini picks, by far my favorite is the Mayhew 60003. The handles are nice, picks don't pull out or spin either. They have a black coating on the metal pick portion which has held up unbelievably well.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NABEZM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have also tried the Harbor Freight picks with the orange handles, they pulled apart with minimal use. I tried the Craftsman branded Ullman set with the black handle, they held up for a while but eventually the picks pulled out of the handles, and they rusted quickly. I also have the shorter Craftsman set with the clear hard handles, I like the length for certain tasks and the feel of the handles. They haven't rusted, and can take quite a bit of force and haven't pulled out, but they did loosen up and start turning in the handles. Maybe fixable with glue or thread locker, but for something I use daily I was happier just buying the Mayhew set which doesn't need any jiggering to work as intended.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NABEZM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have also tried the Harbor Freight picks with the orange handles, they pulled apart with minimal use. I tried the Craftsman branded Ullman set with the black handle, they held up for a while but eventually the picks pulled out of the handles, and they rusted quickly. I also have the shorter Craftsman set with the clear hard handles, I like the length for certain tasks and the feel of the handles. They haven't rusted, and can take quite a bit of force and haven't pulled out, but they did loosen up and start turning in the handles. Maybe fixable with glue or thread locker, but for something I use daily I was happier just buying the Mayhew set which doesn't need any jiggering to work as intended.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
Mayhew makes some great ones for a reasonable price.
Amazon.de is the place. Or Amazon UK. Get some other great witte drivers while you're at it and paying shipping. With the strong dollar it's a good time to buy some European tools. For Matcos price I would skip em and buy snapon. On a side note I just received a metric Wera joker set from Amazon.de at a price that couldn't be touched in the states. Just add the stuff to the cart first before you make your decision. USA has no VAT but there is shipping. Prices include VAT so your price is lower.
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CornwellTools
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2014
- Messages
- 30
Snap On, Mac or Matco would be recommendations. Though, if you do end up buying Snap On, be sure to save your receipt as they won't honor the warranty without it. At least that's been my experience.
JonDick13926
Well-known member
Snap On are good, and even though they're above average in price, they're still affordable if you're going to be using them often enough. I have the short 4 piece set, and now because this thread forced my hand, I went today and bought the Pratt-Read set from Menard's. They seem pretty good too, and only about 15% the cost of the Snap On.
I also have no doubt that the Mayhew set is good. I don't have them, but I have Mayhew scrapers, a pry bar, and punches/chisels from Mayhew and they're all great.
I also have no doubt that the Mayhew set is good. I don't have them, but I have Mayhew scrapers, a pry bar, and punches/chisels from Mayhew and they're all great.
TLCObsession
Well-known member
The Sears version of the picks is on sale for $4.65
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc-hook-and-pick-set-with/p-00941634000P
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc-hook-and-pick-set-with/p-00941634000P
If you look in the "Show us your toolbox" thread, you'll see the overwhelming majority of technicians have the Snap On set. There's a reason for this--they work well and last. I bought a set off the truck around Christmas for ~$40. No sense fussing with anything else trying to save a few bucks, IMO.
tubamonster
Active member
I would stay away from this set:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc...150327xVigLink&aff=Y&PID=6147012&AID=11042411
They pretty awful.
The pick has separated from the handle on at least two of them with minimal use (occasional use for a few hours). The rubber also easily comes off of the handle.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc...150327xVigLink&aff=Y&PID=6147012&AID=11042411
They pretty awful.
The pick has separated from the handle on at least two of them with minimal use (occasional use for a few hours). The rubber also easily comes off of the handle.
X2 with the titans. I have the mini set and abuse it. Ive bent the tip on the semi straight one. I've also used the hook for pulling exhaust springs on my sled and it is still in the handle.
bmwpowere36m3
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2012
- Messages
- 1,125
Same here… I consider this style of pick "disposable". Even my SOs get bent and damaged. Then again, their tools, so I use/abuse them as needed to get the job done.
HF ones are a dollar or two on sale (get a bunch of them) and get used a lot. Bend em and toss em.
four.cycle
Well-known member
I was gifted a set of the black-handled Craftsman picks - apparently manufactured by Ullman. The first time I used one - removing the tension spring on a Snapper RWD mower drive - the shaft snapped off where it screws into the handle. Sears replaced the entire set.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I am surprised that nobody has mentioned these. I am considering picking up a set:
# SHP-904 Wilde
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilde-4-pc-...161669?hash=item1e7f15eac5:g:ncEAAOSw-nZTqglD
made for Wilde in Montana, if my memory serves me correctly.
(you can get them from another Ebay seller for about 60 cents less, but I've had pretty good luck so far dealing with Mr. Bowers.)
okay.. just ordered. says they should be here Wednesday, but usually I get the stuff from Bowers in two days.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I am surprised that nobody has mentioned these. I am considering picking up a set:
# SHP-904 Wilde
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilde-4-pc-...161669?hash=item1e7f15eac5:g:ncEAAOSw-nZTqglD
made for Wilde in Montana, if my memory serves me correctly.
(you can get them from another Ebay seller for about 60 cents less, but I've had pretty good luck so far dealing with Mr. Bowers.)
okay.. just ordered. says they should be here Wednesday, but usually I get the stuff from Bowers in two days.
bmwpowere36m3
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2012
- Messages
- 1,125
Those Wilde look nice… my only concern would be the handle. Kinda smooth, might make pulling things a little dicey.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ well, I suppose we'll find out when they get here. those little chopstick handles do look a wee bit skinny for my monster paws, but I'm not impressed with the black-handled Craftsmans at all, even for free.
another thing I should have noted above is that the shafts do not seem to stay tight in the handles - they come loose in use - and they only thread into the handle about 1/4".
I would think Ullman could do better - they've been a major supplier for all kinds of tool manufacturers for a long time on a great number of items.
another thing I should have noted above is that the shafts do not seem to stay tight in the handles - they come loose in use - and they only thread into the handle about 1/4".
I would think Ullman could do better - they've been a major supplier for all kinds of tool manufacturers for a long time on a great number of items.
something seriously has to be said for handles in the pick game..... matco, at least above snap on and craftsman small style picks.....http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/HP40B/4-PIECE-ORANGE-HOOK-N-PICK-SET/
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/HP4LO/4-PIECE-LONG-HOOK-N-PICK-SET-ORANGE/
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/HP4LO/4-PIECE-LONG-HOOK-N-PICK-SET-ORANGE/
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ for $60 they have to cook breakfast for me too. the Wilde set was $14.
^ for me a pick is probably in 10 top of most used tools so id say money well spent...... dont get my wrong i got hf, kobalt, s.o. craftsman. some other off shoot set. they all serve there place, matco picks just happen to be in 1st place.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ for $60 they would not only have to make me breakfast, but also wash the dishes.
did I mention the Wilde set was $14 including shipping?
I'm using them to work on lawnmowers, not the space shuttle.
did I mention the Wilde set was $14 including shipping?
I'm using them to work on lawnmowers, not the space shuttle.
ryan20021982
Well-known member
I have the Gearwrench set and they are not USA made but nice, set has some bigger and small which is nice.
$25 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EYI19M/?tag=atomicindus08-20
$25 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EYI19M/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Rarified27
Well-known member
I'll add a vote for the Pratt/Read set- got it a few months ago for around $10 and they've been outstanding.
They appear to be the same as Craftsman's previously USA made set.
They appear to be the same as Craftsman's previously USA made set.
Superbec
Well-known member
Side question: anyone deal with Sonic Tools? I do not know much. Had seen a post over at ToolGuyd and did notice this mini pick set:
I have a few sonic screwdrivers , the handles are just like the ones in that pick set.
They became my beater screwdrivers, they hold to the beatings 1-1/2 years now , handles are very soft and very easy on the hands
I didn't know sonic has a pick set I'll order one soon .
gdocktor3
Well-known member
The craftsman hook and pick sets are all made in USA and rebadged SK, Armstronh and a few other professional brands. I have all 3 sets of the little ones as well as the large jumbo set. I pick and pick and they haven't broke or bent yet. They're simply the best bang for your buck made in USA lifetime warranty. Plus all 4 sets cost less than $50 as I picked them up here and there while on sale at Sears.
Last edited:
bfm336
Well-known member
The clear handled (smallest ones) are made in the USA from foreign components, just a heads up. I have personally found them to be no better than the $1 HF ones. That said, I think a while ago they were all USA, but not for a while.
Obviously their other two sets are different.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ re: my comment above:
I stand corrected. The Wilde SHP904 pick set is made in Hiawatha, Kansas by Wilde.
Per an email received earlier today, my set was shipped today. We'll see how they look when they arrive.
I stand corrected. The Wilde SHP904 pick set is made in Hiawatha, Kansas by Wilde.
Per an email received earlier today, my set was shipped today. We'll see how they look when they arrive.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I'm talking about the long skinny ones with the rubber grips that thread on to the hook's themselves. Different handles thread on per customer order. Same hooks, different handle from SK, Craftsman, etc. Here they are right here on sale for $4.65 online. They say made in USA right on the package. That's a good deal. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-pc...p-00941634000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
metaldad
Well-known member
i've had the shafts pull easily out of the handles.
i'll have to get around to epoxy them.
metaldad
Well-known member
Epsteins carries Wilde.
Wilde does make a nice 7'' rad. tool/pick. The handle is comfortable, 3 sided. Great price,$5
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/7-radiator-hose-tool.html
cotter pin extractor/pick. 7'' & 12'' again, great prices.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/7-cotter-key-extractor.html
a 7'' awl.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wilde-7-scratch-awl-punch-1-4.html
and, Wilde's scrapers are excellent.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-wilde-gasket-scraper.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-offset-gasket-scraper.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-wilde-pull-scraper.html
Wilde does make a nice 7'' rad. tool/pick. The handle is comfortable, 3 sided. Great price,$5
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/7-radiator-hose-tool.html
cotter pin extractor/pick. 7'' & 12'' again, great prices.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/7-cotter-key-extractor.html
a 7'' awl.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wilde-7-scratch-awl-punch-1-4.html
and, Wilde's scrapers are excellent.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-wilde-gasket-scraper.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-offset-gasket-scraper.html
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-wilde-pull-scraper.html
four.cycle
Well-known member
neonlazer
Well-known member
Nice! Mine are arriving Monday.
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SMKS
Well-known member
Those Wilde picks appear to just be rebranded Ullman Devices picks. Quite a few companies rebrand the Ullman picks.
http://www.ullman-devices.com/scribers_hooks_picks/individual_hook_n_pick_set.html
http://www.ullman-devices.com/scribers_hooks_picks/individual_hook_n_pick_set.html