7 Best Pick and Hook Sets for Precision Work
Interestingly enough, the best pick and hook set is usually the set which has a special tool that you need right now. To that end, you should look for a complete set that includes all of the commonly used items.
The length of the shaft and feel of the handle are going to be important, especially when working in confined areas. Hardened alloys will provide you with less flexibility and higher tensile strength, and be sure that each tool is long enough to to get into areas where your fingers can’t reach.
These tools are easy to overlook when building a complete tool collection, but nothing will take their place when you need one. You won’t see Snap-on or Matco pick sets on this list (along with their prices). While great tools, they’re overkill for 99% of individuals.
Our 7 Favorite Hook and Pick Sets
| Product | Pieces | Made In | Storage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gearwrench 84000D | 7 | Taiwan | Plastic Tray |
 | Grace USA HP6 | 6 | USA | Vinyl Pouch |
 | Channellock HP-4A | 4 | USA | None |
 | Tekton 6943 | 4 | China | None |
 | ATD Tools 8424 | 9 | Taiwan | Plastic Tray |
 | Ullman CHP8-L | 8 | USA | Vinyl Pouch |
 | MayhewSelect Cat's Paw | 4 | Taiwan | None |
Pick and Hook Set Reviews
#1 – Gearwrench 84000D 7-Piece Hook and Pick Set
We’re big fans of GearWrench tools and their 8400D pick and hook set is no exception. This seven piece set includes a 5″ Cotter Pin Puller, 4″ Hose Puller Pick, 4-1/2″ Awl, 3-1/8″ Mini Full Hook, 3-1/8″ 90° Mini Hook, 3-1/8″ Straight Mini Hook, and 3-1/8″ Mini Offset Hook.
The included blow molded case keeps everything nice and organized and fits well in most toolboxes. Manufactured in Taiwan, the set just feels much higher quality than your typical made in China set. If you prefer US-made, check out the Grace USA set below.
The dual-material handles are comfortable to hold and don’t allow much slippage. Not quite as “grippy” as Snap-On, but definitely more affordable. Great for removing seals, O-rings, cotter pins, clamps, hooking up springs, scribing, or as a hole punch.
While heavy duty for what they are, don’t try to use these as pry tools as that’s not what they’re intended for. A couple users have reported that the smaller picks actually came out of their handles but admittedly, they were using them for things they probably shouldn’t have.
The larger picks on the other hand, will put up with more abuse. Great value overall making it obvious why this is such a popular set.
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#2 – Grace USA HP6 6-Piece Hook and Pick Set
This company isn’t well-known outside of gunsmithing enthusiasts, but their 6-piece hook and pick set is a great introduction.
Made in the USA, these picks are made of chromium-vanadium 8650 alloy steel with a black oxide coating for durability and resistance to corrosion.
The handles are hardwood and have been hot stamped with the size and angle for easy reference. Included in the set are a 1/8-inch small scribe, 30 degree bent pick, 90 degree bent pick, 180 degree hook pick, 180 degree loop pick, and double bend pick all in a vinyl carrying pouch.
An optional bench block holder made out of neoprene rubber is also available made to fit this exact hook/pick set.
No tool set is perfect, but the HP6 comes pretty close. In fact, the single biggest complaint has been that the tools can be a little too sharp upon arrival.
The tools are perfect for precision work and can be used for everything from removing O-rings to cleaning guns. Note that the tools are small for a reason and may be damaged or even break when used improperly.
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#3 – Channellock HP-4A 4- Piece Hook and Pick Set
When most people hear the name Channellock, they only think of pliers, yet this quality four-piece set is proof that they’re capable of far more.
Heat-treated alloy steel construction, zinc plating, and high torque acetate handles give these tools excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
Included in this USA made set are the A180A small 180 hook, A902A small 90 hook, APRBA small complex probe, and AWL2A two-inch round awl screwdriver. There is no pouch or holder included so plan keeping them loose in your tool chest drawers.
For the price and the fact that the set is made in America, it’s one of the best values around. While only four tools are included, they are the most commonly used.
Even though these tools have excellent, durable tips, one issue has come up. A few users have complained of the tools showing signs of rust after a while. The circumstances behind these rust reports are unknown and this doesn’t happen to everyone, so use extra care when storing.
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#4 – Tekton 6943 4-Piece Pick and Hook Set
Speaking of good values, this is what Tekton tools are known for; good quality at an affordable price. Made of heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, this four-piece set has knurled shaft grips cushioned, non-slip coating for improved control and comfort.
They’re perfect for precision work and won’t bend under (reasonable) stress. The set includes a full hook, straight pick, 45-degree pick, and 90-degree pick. Like the set Channellocks, there is no included pouch or case so you’ll need to find your own storage method.
As is often the case with precision tools, the majority of users describe the strength and effectiveness of these tools while a percentage complain that they bend or break easily. This is quite often due to individuals using the tools for things they’re not designed for.
Overall, the small size of these picks allow them to get into places larger tools can’t and they’ll last a long time if not treated as a universal fix-all tool.
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#5 – ATD Tools 8424 9-Piece Hook and Pick Set
ATD Tools has been a recognized leader in automotive tools since the late 70’s, and has an excellent track record among professional and amateur mechanics alike.
Since a good pick and hook set has to meet a variety of demands, the 8424 includes 4 mini tools for precision work and 5 full size tools, all manufactured with chrome plated vanadium steel shafts for high durability. The included plastic tray holds everything in place.
The smaller tools are about 6 inches long, while the larger ones measure close to 10 inches. Be prepared to allocate a substantial amount of tool box space, as this set will definitely take up a bit of storage space.
Keep in mind that these tools, especially the hooks and picks, are designed for light to medium use work, and the tips will break if you attempt to do any major prying. Similarly, the molded plastic handles may split if the tools are used for chiseling.
As long as you use these tools for the purposes they are designed for, the ATD 8424 tool set will serve you for many years to come. For the wide variety of tools and shaft sizes, you will have a hard time finding a better selection in a single kit.
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#6 – Ullman CHP8-L 8-Piece Hook and Pick Set
Ullman has been making quality precision and specialty tools since the Great Depression, and one of the best pick and hook sets today is still made at their facilities in Connecticut.
Each tool is made of high carbon polished heat-treated steel, measures 9-3/4 inches long, and has a comfort grip that will give you more leverage and a better grip.
The large selection of hooks are great for retrieving dropped nuts and washers, and the picks are perfect for cleaning around fasteners, placing nuts, and more.
The set comes in a clear vinyl pouch, but you will probably want to store them in your tool chest for easier, more convenient access.
On the downside, the pick shafts and handles are not a single piece, but you can correct that with a drop of Gorilla Glue or metal adhesive. This will prevent the tips from unscrewing from the handles as some have noted.
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#7 – MayhewSelect 60003 Cat’s Paw 4-Piece Mini Hook & Pick Set
With chrome-plated, fixed blades made of heat-treated alloy steel, this four-piece set is a great addition to your precision tool collection.
The complex hook, curved hook, 90 degree hook, and straight hook’s blades all extend completely through the ABS plastic handles to ensure they won’t come loose. The handles themselves are well-crafted to provide a non-slip grip without extra coating.
When used as intended, these tools will last a long time and are quite sharp upon arrival. They’re also backed by a limited warranty against defects. Be warned that these tools can bend or break when used improperly, just as with any hook and pick set.
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