European tension wrench

[zikmik]

Hi, I had a lot of trouble with positioning standard tension wrench on Euro profile locks mounted on doors because
didn`t have much space where to put fingers. This is because standard tension wrench is mostly made for deadbolt locks.
Space between door and deadbolt is longer than door and euro profile lock



so I decided to modify it a bit...



Now I have much more space for my fingers and wrist is in less fatigue position so I can pick longer without resting my hand.



I hope this could help someone!
Cheers

[globallockytoo]

HPC make tension wrenches that have a
twist at the end allowing easier access to the keyway

[raimundo]

you can also make flat tensors that fit nicely in a wallet and the handle goes up or down, rather than to the side.

[Eyes_Only]

This is kind of the reason why I switched from using standard tension wrenches to the Flat Five and the Pry Bar wrenches from Peterson.

[rontgens]

This is kind of the reason why I switched from using standard tension wrenches to the Flat Five and the Pry Bar wrenches from Peterson.

Amen to that, I have the Pry Bars and plan on getting the Flat Five set next. Prior to that I always used a tension wrench that came with a Lockaid pick gun.

[Josh K]

This is kind of the reason why I switched from using standard tension wrenches to the Flat Five and the Pry Bar wrenches from Peterson.

I have both pry bars and between them they handle just about any SPP application perfectly.

I also have a couple of standard bent ones if I decide I should just rake it though.

[cyrus104]

I have both of the prybars on the way but was wondering what noticable advantages / disadvantages the flat five offer. I know a decent amount is going to be based on personal preference but has anyone noticed locks that work better than others.

Thanks

[Josh K]

I have both of the prybars on the way but was wondering what noticable advantages / disadvantages the flat five offer. I know a decent amount is going to be based on personal preference but has anyone noticed locks that work better than others.

Thanks

Considering how happy I am with my prybars I haven't been looking at the flat five much at all. I suppose they would help for bottom of keyway tensioning.

[Schuyler]

Love the prybar, hate the flat 5. And it is wholly a matter of personal preference for me. I love the pry bar because, as implied by it's name, it's heavier and allows for more torque. I don't need it often, but I was nearly put out of the last American competition for lack of it. The competition locks are set into tiny door frames that sit on a table. Well, the frames didn't even last a year without falling apart, warping, etc. and we were having all sorts of problems. 1 would open without even picking the lock, the frame was so loose, and mine was so cockeyed that the bolt stuck tight even when the cylinder turned. The wrench I was using was fairly heavy, but just getting bent, and time was nearly up (they run timers off a switch attached to the door, so the only way to stop your timer is to open the door). I grabbed the prybar, jammed it in there and was able to retract the bolt just in time.

Anyway, I like it for stuck bolts & sprung cylinders, where you need a little firmer tension to overcome the spring.

The flat 5, however? Just never enjoyed using whatsoever. No real negatives about them, I just find that format to be flimsy at those thicknesses.

[cyrus104]

Schuyler, thanks for the input. that's good to know about the flat 5 and the prybar.

[Eyes_Only]

I use the Flat 5 when I need a wrench that can flex a little bit or for keyways thats really restrictive at the top.

[akmw44]

Hi ,
The best tool for tight spots is the new circular wrenches, there expensive but what a tool -you can set bthe tension and leave it alone to concentrate on picking,
Ive also landed a part time job in auto entry and the chap showed me a trick for auto which ile post when I fully understand and try it out a few times .