Reading time: 4 minutes / Lars Buchwald / 17/05/2025
ELITE HILO Grips
– Redefining precision and comfort in lockpicking.
What may seem like a small detail at first glance is, for us lockpickers, the true heart of the tool: the handle. Whether round or angular, thick or slim – it’s not just a matter of personal taste, but also of handling. After all, the shape and material of a pick are crucial for comfort, control, and that all-important “fits-well-in-the-hand” feeling. And since we lockpickers are known for our creativity, we often like to take matters into our own hands – quite literally. Handles are crafted from wood, epoxy resin, old toothbrushes or – in more modern fashion – straight from our own 3D printers. If it doesn’t fit, it gets filed, cast, sanded and perfected with dedication until everything sits just right. Yes, we’re creative, and if it doesn’t fit, we make it fit.
Why control and sensitivity don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
You might think that control and sensitivity are opposites – especially when it comes to lockpicking. But that’s where it gets interesting. Anyone who’s spent time using a pick knows: you need both. Without control, there’s no precise pressure. Without sensitivity, no feedback from the pins. And that’s exactly where the handle comes into play. Many opt for covers – like heat shrink tubing. And yes, it makes sense at first: better grip, no pressure marks, less slippage. But: these softer materials come with a downside. They often dampen a good bit of tactile feedback – exactly what you actually need to feel what’s going on inside the lock cylinder.
Getting the grip right – why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in lockpicking.
If there’s one golden rule in lockpicking, it’s this: what works perfectly for one person might be completely unsuitable for another. And nowhere is this more evident than in the handle. Because the handle is more than just a piece of material at the end of the pick – it’s the crucial link between your hand and what’s happening inside the cylinder. Everyone has a different feel in their fingers. Some prefer a slim, direct connection to the metal – to sense even the slightest movement. Others need more volume or texture to guide the pick more confidently and keep it steadier. That’s not a luxury – it’s a proper working tool. And just like any quality tool, it has to fit your hand. But it’s not just the user that makes a difference – the type of cylinder matters too. A basic Euro profile cylinder behaves very differently from a high-security cylinder with spool pins or tolerance pins. Some require an extremely delicate touch, others allow for a bit more pressure. That means you also need a handle that either provides maximum feedback or enables greater control under firm counter-pressure. In short: the grip affects how you guide the pick, how much you feel – and how well you can respond. There’s no universal solution. Anyone who picks regularly will quickly notice: depending on the situation, the lock, and even the day, the “right grip” can change.
| Feature | with HILO Grips | without HILO Grips |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment | Magnetic | -- |
| Comfort | Non-slip Secure Touch Zone | Metal |
| Interchangeable | Yes | Not possible |
What makes the ELITE HILO Grips so special?
In short: they provide excellent grip without killing sensitivity. The material is chosen to ensure a secure hold on the pick, while still allowing you to feel exactly what’s happening inside the cylinder – nothing gets “padded away”, and no feedback is lost. Also practical: the grip can be mounted or removed easily without any tools. Depending on whether you need more control or more direct contact – just adjust it. That makes it especially versatile, even when working with different cylinder types or techniques.
Conclusion
The handle might seem like a minor detail at first – but for us lockpickers, it’s often the deciding factor. It connects hand and tool, feel and control, technique and style. Whether DIY or cleverly designed: there’s no such thing as the perfect handle, but there is the right one – for you, for the situation, for the lock. And if it doesn’t quite fit? Then we file it, swap it, or rethink it. After all, we lockpickers are not just sensitive, but also a bit stubborn – in the best possible way. Because what feels right in the hand not only feels better, but ultimately gets us to our goal faster. And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
What is the HILO Grip?
The HILO Grip is an innovative magnetic grip attachment for our Multipick Elite series. It provides better handling, enhanced comfort, and improved control during lockpicking – all without screws or modifications.
Does the HILO Grip fit all picks in the Elite series?
Yes, the HILO Grip is universally designed for all picks of the Multipick Elite series and can be easily attached and removed.
How is the HILO Grip attached?
Quick and simple: Thanks to its integrated magnetic function, the grip securely adheres to the pick. No tools, no screws – it stays firmly in place and can be removed just as easily.
What is the “Secure Touch Zone”?
This is our specially developed anti-slip zone. It ensures maximum grip, even with moist or sweaty hands – ideal for precise work.
What material is the HILO Grip made of?
The grip is made of a durable special plastic that is especially robust, lightweight, and long-lasting.
Are there different colors or sizes of the HILO Grip?
Currently, the HILO Grip is available in elegant black. Further variants may follow.
Does the grip affect sensitivity during lockpicking?
Using the HILO Grip does not affect sensitivity during lockpicking. Tactile feedback remains intact, so even the slightest signals during the picking process are still clearly perceptible.
Is the HILO Grip suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The improved grip makes it easier for newcomers to get started with the technique – and professionals benefit equally from the precision and ergonomics.
Can I use the HILO Grip with picks from other manufacturers?
The grip is specifically designed for the Multipick Elite series. While use with other picks is not technically excluded, it cannot be guaranteed.
How do I clean the HILO Grip?
Simply wipe it with a damp cloth. Please avoid aggressive cleaning agents to prevent damage to the surface.
About the Author
Lars Buchwald has been an integral part of the Multipick team since 2006, where he dedicates his passion and expertise to marketing and graphics. As a trained graphic designer and copywriter, he brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his work, which enables him to convey the messages of the ingenious tools in an appealing and convincing way. With a keen sense for the needs of the target group, he steers Multipick's marketing fortunes. His commitment is characterized by a high degree of sensitivity and the right richer at the right time.
As a native of Bonn, Lars not only has close ties to the region, but has also firmly integrated his passion for marketing spear tools into his professional work. His attachment to the city is reflected in his work and gives his marketing campaigns an authentic, Bonn touch.
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About Multipick
Multipick was established here in Bonn in 1997 and has had its headquarters and production facilities here on the Rhine ever since.
Why should we leave here? Anyone who has been here before will agree that it is a very beautiful place and that the people are ‘typically Rhineland’, open-minded and friendly. From an early stage, we began to occupy ourselves with a wide variety of entry tools. We tried out lock snappers and core extractors such as the Bell and gathered a wealth of experience with a wide variety of tools. Whether it was a lock pick set or special tools for fire brigades and locksmiths, in the end the door or window had to be opened. In line with the motto, you got the problem and we got the solution.
Many tools, irrespective of hobby or professional, are dispatched from our warehouse to destinations throughout the world.
Opening tool kits for caretakers and locksmiths, pick sets and lock picking accessories for Locksport enthusiasts and Hobbs hooks for specialists to unlock locked safes. There are thousands of different ways to deploy our specialised tools. Our TFG latch plates and key turners allow a closed door to be reopened. QA Pro 2 and our V-Pro core pulling screws can be used to open a locked door. We also offer milling burrs and drill bits for those situations where there really is no other way. Many useful aids such as MICA opening cards, wedges, door latch spatulas, door handle catches and spiral openers, which are all useful tools to help you get the job done. But even if things get a bit complicated, you are in good hands with us. Products such as the Kronos and Artemis electric picks are our top highlights. Anyone who likes to open dimple locks or disc locks will be delighted with the ARES system. For opening windows, we offer you a range of top products from Kipp-Blitz. Favoured by emergency services such as the fire brigade, THW (Federal Agency for Technical Relief) and police. Many of our tools are manufactured in-house. This gives us the liberty to manufacture quickly and in a customer-orientated manner. No lengthy supply chains and subcontractor dependencies. This has a number of advantages both for you and, of course, for our environment. One big advantage is that you get everything from a single source, enabling us to offer you consistent quality. This is also our promise to you, all from a single source, Made in Germany, Made in Bonn - promised.
