First DIY torsion wrench

[hda7]

My second attempt at a torsion wrench (in my first attempt, I found out that tungsten hacksaw blades don't bend; they break). The bend could have been made better (the blade cracked slightly), but overall I think this is a good first attempt. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

[nsquidc]

Have you tried windshield wiper inserts? Much easier to work with, and around the right thickness for most US keyways.

[hda7]

I have head about windshield wiper inserts, but I do not have any available yet. My dad gave me four old hacksaw blades, so I figured I'd try to make something. It's my first successfully made lock-picking tool (if you don't count paper-clips ), and I'll try to make a pick or two later. I'll post pictures if it turns out well.

[MrScruff]

Just the fact that it works is something to be proud of.

My only comment is that as someone whose luck with sharp objects is not so great, I get a little freaked out by the fact your tool still appears to have teeth. Maybe you could tape it or something.

[hda7]

I did it on a Dremel-tool with a cutoff wheel, and I didn't want to try to cut all of the teeth off. I probably will wrap it in electrical tape.

[nsquidc]

I did it on a Dremel-tool with a cutoff wheel, and I didn't want to try to cut all of the teeth off. I probably will wrap it in electrical tape.

My first tools were hacksaw blades dremeled and taped too.

Heck, even with a variety "proper" tools now, I still use one of those on wafer locks

[hda7]

My first pick (other half of the blade):

[femurat]

Congrats for your first pick, I like it Did you sand it? Round off all the sharp edges with fine grit sand paper

Cheers

[Sormano]

hey, I recommendjust like many others to use windshield wipers, I made 6 tension wrenches out of a half windshield wiper and they work good for most locks.

I also made a tension wrench out of a reading glass frame (2 pair of reading glasses for 0.88 euro cents so i can make 3 more ).
On most cilinder locks this one works better cuz its slightly fatter so it won't get diagonal in the lock.

[Sormano]

BTW here's an photo:



The lefty is the one from the reading glasses the rest is from windshield wipers.

[hda7]

Congrats for your first pick, I like it Did you sand it? Round off all the sharp edges with fine grit sand paper

Cheers

Yes, I did spend some time on it with 400 grit sandpaper.
It works great for my Kwikset cylinders.

[hda7]

My next attempt:


I'll probably make one out of a windshield-wiper insert next; I should be getting some soon.

[hda7]

I finally got some made of windshield-wiper inserts. I'll post pictures soon.

[hda7]

First attempt (didn't bend well):




Second (my new favorite; bent between two pairs of pliers):