Just for fun I decided to see how far I could get through the LPU belt ranks using only the McTickler (video coming this weekend). The hardest lock I've ever picked at this time of writing is a Medeco M3 (and the only lock I own that's harder than that is an ASSA Twin Exclusive)...and I got there once again, despite not thinking that I could! After that, my conclusion is that the McTickler is an absolute BEAST of a profile. It even had very little trouble reaching the 7th pin stack in my PacLock 90A Pro, so the length is much less of a concern than I initially thought.
I had the same experience with a similar test. After managing to pick a particularly tricky Commando Lock (in both directions) faster than I was ever able to in the past, I decided to see what I could get done with only zipping and hybrid picking. I was shocked at the number of green belt level locks that I could pop consistently in under 1 minute.
Can't wait to get my hands on those tension tools. I struggle with tok tension. I feel like I have more control with bok (I'm left handed) so I think they will help. However I'm able to pick 1100s with the Covert Companion tension tools.
Thank you for the detailed discussion of the tension tools. Got my Reaper set a few days ago but haven't had much time to get the feel for them yet. Looking forward to getting them out for a bit tonight. As a still new to the hobby lockpicker, I always learn a lot from your videos.
I've been messing around with mine for a few days, and I like it a lot so far. I definitely feel like I have a lot to learn and practice before really grasping all the things I can do with this set. It's an interesting feeling I haven't gotten from tools before.
Your content is always top notch Sandman thank you. And thank you McNally for the beautiful Reaper pick set. I just placed my order because I can't wait any longer. 🤣 Love all my Covert Instruments tools. Money well spent.
The cutout on the tok side of the dual-sided turners shortens the moment arm slightly and reduces the splitting / horizontal outward opening force on the keyway per unit of force exerted on the tool. Slightly better hold from being pushed down in the keyway also.
So i ordered myself a genesis set a week ago which has yet to arrive, since I'm in Germany and it takes a little to get here. Wanted to finally upgrade my tools after picking around with the silly chinese things for like two years. Then my wife suddenly got into it too and we're now sitting on the sofa together picking locks. So I ordered the learn lockpicking set for her so we could pin a lock for the other person to not know the pinning and in that order I also included the Reaper set since I'm probably not gonna import stuff from the US for a little while after this and honestly I am so excited for all of that stuff to get here
Fun fact: You can fit ALL of the picks and turners from the Genesis, Echelon, and Reaper combined into a single Garrison case! I call it the Ultimatum pick set. The Arbiter and Misfits' Toys also pack neatly into a second Garrison case--I call that setup the Executioner bypass kit.
Love your videos, your reviews and I respect your opinion. BUT, I argue the fact that Virginia gets 5 months of snow. Being an Upstate New Yorker, I know what 5 months of snowy weather is like and Virginia is a panic all winter.
Thanks Sandman, you were saying you thought it was a blood moon, I was thinking it was a total solar eclipse with the ring, and you could see stars during this eclipse. Just a thought. Thanks again.
You mean people can actually be good at something? Thanks for telling the truth about McNally. So many people like to be jealous and doubt others nowadays. Putting hate comments to rest is always appreciated.
I think there's always going to be a demand for them because of how flatly they pack into the Tradecraft cases and such! It's just that they're not going to be making any future designs with the metal handles
@@HugosLockpicks Yep, they'll likely continue to sell the metal handle picks for a long time, but any new releases from this point onward will have the plastic handles!
Yo Sandman.. on your beginner set recommendation.. I would love for you to look at Southern Specialties Elephant Trunk set.. I am working up a review on them now but so far really like how they work! I would love your take on them as you have far more experience and tools to compare with than I do.
Great, informative review. The scalloped bottom of the keyway turning tool seems to be unique , and highly useful. Did Covert Instruments file patent applications, for this novel improvement?
Can this set do everything the genesis does? I already have the FNG, so should i just get this instead of the genesis? I like the better design of the bottom turning tool compared to the genesis
Man sucks to hear they are moving away from the sandwiched handles. I’ve come to be a real fan. Though i do get on well with Jimylongs handles. Think its cost effective but got to say more of a fan of the latter🤷♂️. Well shit i guess i better try and get some CI sets before ya cant. Haven’t been able to afford more picks. Especially when i dont really need them. Hard to justify spending money on that instead of food or bills. But as they are about to be non existent….. I’d like to try them atleast once. So JUSTIFICATIONS 🤷♂️🤣😝🤦♂️‼️ man was really cool stuff here sandman.
Oh and the misfit kit that I just learned about. Maybe the bypass tools can go in the misfit and all the picks in the echelon.(ergo combs in either or both)
Hey sandman i do believe that the “mctickler” profile has been done before awhile ago, the old man at my shop said hes seen in a catalog imma try to get the proof from him.
Sadistic again🤣. So i made it to the end and i have got to respond about handles and hand size. I have xl sized hands. At first picks were terrible. Didnt matter the company. They were all small. Then I found lawlock. Which I’m shocked more big handed people dont🤷♂️. But as cost has increased (well and good custom tools cost😳) i switched. did what anyone else would in my place. Use what I had available and affordable. Only took 2 years. But now, I get on great with a Multipick. Or a Small style pancaked handle. Can pick for days before cramping. Well and othertimes 10 minutes 😝. Just have to pace and do picks with a break or two. I’m curious how many if any quit because just couldnt find picks that had big handles. Or if they just made due🤣. I mean picking can be addictive🤷♂️😳🤣. This is a wonder as to why companies dont make say this reaper set or standard set like this in bigger handles. Sure market is small. But its a neash market to begin with. And to guess i’d say 30% of pickers have large/xl/xxl sized hands. So one would think enough to make attempt at meeting it with product. Interesting to me why they dont.
If I get the reaper set, would it be a good idea to get the 2 in 1 turn set, and the top of key turning set, or would buying those turning sets be redundant?
If we’re not getting any more steel handle set, does that mean that we’re not gonna be able to buy the echelon set for example if mine breaks or I lose a piece I’m not gonna buy a replacement for it because they’re not using steel metal anymore
Just for fun I decided to see how far I could get through the LPU belt ranks using only the McTickler (video coming this weekend). The hardest lock I've ever picked at this time of writing is a Medeco M3 (and the only lock I own that's harder than that is an ASSA Twin Exclusive)...and I got there once again, despite not thinking that I could!
After that, my conclusion is that the McTickler is an absolute BEAST of a profile. It even had very little trouble reaching the 7th pin stack in my PacLock 90A Pro, so the length is much less of a concern than I initially thought.
That’s what she said
That's some great insight there. Now, I really want one of these
I had the same experience with a similar test. After managing to pick a particularly tricky Commando Lock (in both directions) faster than I was ever able to in the past, I decided to see what I could get done with only zipping and hybrid picking. I was shocked at the number of green belt level locks that I could pop consistently in under 1 minute.
@@Thesnakerox good insight here!
@@frickdom 😝🤣👏‼️
This set took my single pin picking to an insanely new level!!!! I don’t even touch my genesis anymore
Can't wait to get my hands on those tension tools. I struggle with tok tension. I feel like I have more control with bok (I'm left handed) so I think they will help. However I'm able to pick 1100s with the Covert Companion tension tools.
Absolutely love what McNally gave you when you went over to visit. Another awesome video man. Reaper set an some jimmy longs are my personal go to.
Thank you for the detailed discussion of the tension tools. Got my Reaper set a few days ago but haven't had much time to get the feel for them yet. Looking forward to getting them out for a bit tonight. As a still new to the hobby lockpicker, I always learn a lot from your videos.
Glad it was helpful!
I've been messing around with mine for a few days, and I like it a lot so far. I definitely feel like I have a lot to learn and practice before really grasping all the things I can do with this set. It's an interesting feeling I haven't gotten from tools before.
Lucky you. I paid for mine and LOVE it. I use it for all my picks now and has quickly become the go to and only set i need to pick even purple locks.
I have my set, and i can't unsee the shanks of his pics as anything other than the leg lamp from A Christmas Story.
Your content is always top notch Sandman thank you. And thank you McNally for the beautiful Reaper pick set. I just placed my order because I can't wait any longer. 🤣 Love all my Covert Instruments tools. Money well spent.
I was up at 6am for the release! I love this set. (still getting used to it, but I'm practicing!) Great vid man!
So much room for activities!
Thank you for going over the turning tools. Been waiting for a better look at them.
The cutout on the tok side of the dual-sided turners shortens the moment arm slightly and reduces the splitting / horizontal outward opening force on the keyway per unit of force exerted on the tool. Slightly better hold from being pushed down in the keyway also.
So i ordered myself a genesis set a week ago which has yet to arrive, since I'm in Germany and it takes a little to get here. Wanted to finally upgrade my tools after picking around with the silly chinese things for like two years. Then my wife suddenly got into it too and we're now sitting on the sofa together picking locks. So I ordered the learn lockpicking set for her so we could pin a lock for the other person to not know the pinning and in that order I also included the Reaper set since I'm probably not gonna import stuff from the US for a little while after this and honestly I am so excited for all of that stuff to get here
That's awesome. picking locks on the couch is how I enjoy my movie night with the wife as well!
@@sandman_locksport yeah and I'm really excited to see how well we will do with picking locks the other one pinned😊
Man you lucky boy! To have the wife just as interested is truly a blessing!
It's actually neat to get a deeper peek into McNally's history and professionalism. You might not assume the latter from the tone of his content.
I feel like this set’s tensioning tools, the McTickler, and maybe one or two picks will make it into my daily for LockOut calls
Have to let us know how ya get on with mctickler for lock out calls!
@@SadisticPicker Will do… I’ve been finishing up school so I haven’t even been working lockouts as of recent.. but I certainly will! 🫡
Fun fact: You can fit ALL of the picks and turners from the Genesis, Echelon, and Reaper combined into a single Garrison case! I call it the Ultimatum pick set.
The Arbiter and Misfits' Toys also pack neatly into a second Garrison case--I call that setup the Executioner bypass kit.
Fantastic review! One more thing that I now need. Those BOK turning tools look amazing! I have been only using BOK for raking as well!
Nicely done review there Sandman! You answered all my questions regarding the the turning tools.
That slight dip that allows you to use it as a platform also helps to increase leverage
This is an excellent review. I’m buying this set just based on this video.
Hope you enjoy it!
I love these profiles, maybe someday I can get them.
I want to try that mctickler profile for sho!
Nice review 😎 thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Love your videos, your reviews and I respect your opinion. BUT, I argue the fact that Virginia gets 5 months of snow. Being an Upstate New Yorker, I know what 5 months of snowy weather is like and Virginia is a panic all winter.
24:22 Man. I made some very similar turners a couple of years ago. They were a PITA to make but are definitely worth having.
Thanks Sandman, you were saying you thought it was a blood moon, I was thinking it was a total solar eclipse with the ring, and you could see stars during this eclipse. Just a thought. Thanks again.
Probably 🤷🏻♂️
You mean people can actually be good at something? Thanks for telling the truth about McNally. So many people like to be jealous and doubt others nowadays. Putting hate comments to rest is always appreciated.
I haven't seen much content about the Chop Shop version yet. I ordered that set yesterday. My last purchase, I swear!
awesome review as always sandman!
I cant believe they aren't doing the metal handles anymore 😭! Are they leaving forever or are they just making the new tools without them?
I think there's always going to be a demand for them because of how flatly they pack into the Tradecraft cases and such! It's just that they're not going to be making any future designs with the metal handles
@@Thesnakerox So the pick that already exist will stay the same just the new lockpicks will have the new handles?
@@HugosLockpicks Yep, they'll likely continue to sell the metal handle picks for a long time, but any new releases from this point onward will have the plastic handles!
Yo Sandman.. on your beginner set recommendation.. I would love for you to look at Southern Specialties Elephant Trunk set.. I am working up a review on them now but so far really like how they work! I would love your take on them as you have far more experience and tools to compare with than I do.
I have them. I prefer monkey paws or lifter hooks over the elephant trunk. It’s just not for me.
@@sandman_locksport good to know! haven't seen many reviews on them.. I'l have to get/try monkey paw and see how they are. Thanks!
Glad to hear they're moving to a peterson style handle
Great shout out to Bosnian Bill! I've been following a lot of his techniques for ages. Anyone remember wizwazzle?
I knew wiz personally back in 2010. Last heard from him on 2017.
@@sandman_locksport Dang small world!
Looks awesome!
Have you tried using heat shrink over the handles? It really helps
Already did it. Get adhesive lined shrink tubing or marine grade
@sandman_locksport exactly. I use the marine grade and its a big improvement. I can use for a while before the hand fatigue starts
Yes probably not for beginners unless they want to Collect and use as skill improves.
Like they used Rob Lawn notch design.
Great, informative review. The scalloped bottom of the keyway turning tool seems to be unique , and highly useful. Did Covert Instruments file patent applications, for this novel improvement?
No. People say it’s a Rob Lawn design but it’s been around for over a decade. There is too much precedence to file a patent on it I’m sure.
Wow.. that curbed bottom of jetway tension tool is fuckin genius…
McNally is my new spirit animal…
I got the FNG, thinking of getting Genesis, but now i want this reaper set.
Can this set do everything the genesis does? I already have the FNG, so should i just get this instead of the genesis? I like the better design of the bottom turning tool compared to the genesis
If you started with fng you have part of the genesis kit already. You may be better off hitting their "chop shop" and just making your own kit lol
Get the reaper or echelon....your choice🙂 @@toycoma98
Man sucks to hear they are moving away from the sandwiched handles. I’ve come to be a real fan. Though i do get on well with Jimylongs handles. Think its cost effective but got to say more of a fan of the latter🤷♂️. Well shit i guess i better try and get some CI sets before ya cant. Haven’t been able to afford more picks. Especially when i dont really need them. Hard to justify spending money on that instead of food or bills. But as they are about to be non existent….. I’d like to try them atleast once. So JUSTIFICATIONS 🤷♂️🤣😝🤦♂️‼️ man was really cool stuff here sandman.
Now this begs the question can you fit the genesis, echelon, arbiter, and reaper pick set into the echelon case?(bonus points for ergo combs)
Oh and the misfit kit that I just learned about.
Maybe the bypass tools can go in the misfit and all the picks in the echelon.(ergo combs in either or both)
Hey sandman i do believe that the “mctickler” profile has been done before awhile ago, the old man at my shop said hes seen in a catalog imma try to get the proof from him.
@@stevemiller7421 nope. It was inspired by a “dick pick” from xbmods. I own every pick in the world. There is nothing else like it that I’ve seen
Sadistic again🤣. So i made it to the end and i have got to respond about handles and hand size. I have xl sized hands. At first picks were terrible. Didnt matter the company. They were all small. Then I found lawlock. Which I’m shocked more big handed people dont🤷♂️. But as cost has increased (well and good custom tools cost😳) i switched. did what anyone else would in my place. Use what I had available and affordable. Only took 2 years. But now, I get on great with a Multipick. Or a Small style pancaked handle. Can pick for days before cramping. Well and othertimes 10 minutes 😝. Just have to pace and do picks with a break or two. I’m curious how many if any quit because just couldnt find picks that had big handles. Or if they just made due🤣. I mean picking can be addictive🤷♂️😳🤣. This is a wonder as to why companies dont make say this reaper set or standard set like this in bigger handles. Sure market is small. But its a neash market to begin with. And to guess i’d say 30% of pickers have large/xl/xxl sized hands. So one would think enough to make attempt at meeting it with product. Interesting to me why they dont.
I got mine today
@Sandman_locksport - Id love to see an uncut video of you learning to use this set and even potentially throwing your own mods/handles on em.
I already put some adhesive lined shrink tubing on them. They are great. A little short and small for my hands but great design overall.
If I get the reaper set, would it be a good idea to get the 2 in 1 turn set, and the top of key turning set, or would buying those turning sets be redundant?
pretty much redundant. but definitely buy some of the ergo top of keyway tensioners, they are amazing, you'll thank me later.
@@sandman_locksport thank you very much!
If we’re not getting any more steel handle set, does that mean that we’re not gonna be able to buy the echelon set for example if mine breaks or I lose a piece I’m not gonna buy a replacement for it because they’re not using steel metal anymore
It just means all NEW tools will have handles, and nothing more.
Ok ty
So. Jealous haha
Sandman COVERTINSTRUMENTS needs to slow their roll, I'm running out of loot.
@Sandman hope your good man gets ahold of me I'd like to send you some stuff
22:14 Sandman..... I did not know you are apart of the illuminati . I see you are part of the awaken few knowing our hand sign.