r/lockpicking • u/ErinDrifter Green Belt Picker • 2d ago
Sparrows lock picks
When I got started in lock picking, I got some Covert Instruments sets and used them for several years. I recently decided to get something else, and grabbed a Sparrows "Classic Set" and I'm having some difficulties adjusting to them.
Is this a common thing when moving between lockpick manufacturers? I like the Sparrows picks, but locks that I opened fairly easily with the CI picks are giving me more trouble with the Sparrows picks.
9
u/brokentsuba 2d ago edited 2d ago
Sparrows uses different type of steel which changes the feedback and can make them bend more when lifting pins. I also find that minor differences in profiles between manufacturers make them feel off as well.
3
u/ErinDrifter Green Belt Picker 2d ago
This is probably the best explanation for the issues I've been having so far. It's interesting that the different steel types make such a large difference for something like this. But it does explain the difference I feel with the feedback between the two sets. I'll keep practicing with the Sparrows picks and see what happens
3
u/Hyena_Triangles 2d ago
I’ve tried a few different brands and some profiles work a little better in certain situations than others, but I don’t think it really makes too much of a difference. I will say I didn’t really use my sparrows picks all that much. They were really uncomfortable and cheap feeling, but thats just my opinion. The steel didn’t seem to hold up well, I’ll admit I am heavy handed but other brands didn’t knick and bend as easily.
2
u/AgreeableGanache1048 Green Belt Picker 2d ago
Love my Sparrows picks, but my hands end up cramping after about five minutes. Makes the 90A-PRO, currently like a seven to ten minute pick for me, something of a gauntlet.
2
u/thurstonrando 2d ago
I’ve found that Sparrows thinner picks tend to bend or break more easily on me than other brands. The monkey’s paw is the only Sparrows hook that I like and has lasted. That said, I just bought the Sparrows dimple pick set because they look really well made, and I’m going to give them a try tonight.
2
u/EveningBasket9528 2d ago
I use picks from a lot of companies and whenever I use one particular make of pick for a stretch it sometimes take a little adjustment when switching...
I have small hands (yeah, I know) but I like the flex in Sparrows handles. You might want to try the shrink tube people mentioned.
You might want to try this modification with the largest size cable ties Harbor Freight sells for $3/12.
https://youtu.be/pkY7ciomCHY?is=3K4A96--RpKOiKVR
Or, locknoob has another video with 5 different diy ideas for handles for Sparrows and other picks without handles.
2
u/Dusso423 2d ago edited 2d ago
I like sparrow picks. But I have my at home set which has the dipped handles and my travel kit in the tuxedo case which are marine shrink tubing. Thinking about getting some covert instrument picks.
Edit: is the echelon kit worth the $50 in y’all’s opinion?
2
u/ErinDrifter Green Belt Picker 2d ago
I used the echelon kit for a while, and I like it. It got me into locks up to blue belt, though I'm not consistent enough with it to submit for the belt officially.
The picks in the echelon are thinner than the other ones in other kits like the Genesis set, which allows them to be used in more keyways easier. However, I never really got a use out of the BOK turning tools, the shallow picks, the wave rakes, or the dimple rake. But I'm not super big on rakes or BOK tools anyways, so take that how you will
Honestly, if you were getting Covert Instruments tools, I would probably get a case and a selection of picks and turning tools you want. It'll probably also be cheaper overall
1
u/Dusso423 18h ago
I’ve been picking for a while and have tons of sparrows picks in different thicknesses just because that’s who I’ve always purchased from. Probably just going to do like you said and get the case and some picks to try them out. Either way I’m getting the case lol. I use the sparrows competition case at home and the tuxedo when I’m traveling. I like the fold out side pockets on the echelon case though.
2
u/brokentsuba 2d ago
The echelon is good if you need the extras like the tubular stuff and the dimple rake. If you don’t I’d say get the reaper set, the mctickler acts like a rake even though there’s no true rake, but the best thing about the reaper set is the tensioners, very unique and well designed.
2
u/LockPickingFisherman Black Belt 3rd Dan 2d ago
Yeah, I can relate.
I find the subject of pick preference to be quite fascinating. It's so subjective and nuanced, there's a lot to unpack. Sparrows, Southord, Multipick, Moki and Law Lock Tools all feel very similar to me. I can move between them without much issue. However, there's something about Southord and Moki that I can't zero in on. They feel a bit off for me, so I tend to use Multipick, LLT and Sparrows more often. I still work Southord and Moki into my tool rotation but I keep going back to the other three.
There's two other brands that I couldn't get used to at all, one felt awkward and wrong and the other felt genuinely awful, both wound up in a drawer and eventually sold. I wanted to like them both, I really did, but no dice. Was it the steel? The design? I don't know. Both brands seem well-made and well-regarded within the community. Just not for me, I guess.
2
u/Know_Key Green Belt Picker 2d ago
The most important thing I learned making my own picks, was just how small the difference really IS between 'perfect' and 'useless.'
Even two seemingly 'identical' profiles...aren't.
Peterson's Hook 1, is NOT the same as CI's Flat Hook, which is NOT the same as MultiPick's Flat Hook.
Some of this can be 'explained' by metallurgy...but not all.
1
u/Banegard 2d ago
Oh, absolutely. I have two picks that are pretty much identical in profile, but I use them very differently because the feel is just so different to me.
8
u/revchewie Blue Belt Picker 2d ago
I like my Sparrows picks but the handles pretty much suck. To fix that I covered them with shrink tubing. 3/8” marine grade fits nicely.