plug spinners, worth it?

[techyguru]

I have been picking locks for a little while, and for most of my locks it is easy one way and hard the other. I was called over to my friends house late one night last week because his friends took his keys to prevent him from driving, it also prevented him from getting into his house. I was able to pick it quickly in the wrong dirrection of coures but the other dirrection took a good 5 min.

My question is two fold. First are plug spinners really worth it? And second is there any decent ones that won't fall apart, any recomendations?

Thanks

[freakparade3]

Yes, they are worth owning. It's one of those tools that if you need it, their is no substitute. Heres a link to make one.

viewtopic.php?t=9096&highlight=plug+spinner

[RodVT]

My A-1 spinner is pretty basic but works just fine, and at under $30 is a good price.

[thubanpete]

I'm using a SouthOrd pocket sized plug spinner (http://www.lockpickshop.com/PLUG-SPINNER-SOP1.html) and have found it pretty handy. As a warning, it can come apart pretty easily. If you go this route, you might want to consider some form of carrying case so you don't lose anything.

-ThubanPete

[paul1982]

I would be lost without mine. This week alone i used it 3 times. It has paid for it's self over and over.

[parapilot]

I really should use a proper plug spinner. i just use an elastic band on the tention wrench atm lol. anyone sellin a spare one PM me!!! ill see what aldridge do on monday, but i remember only seeing one.....

[raimundo]

Just look for tshocks mousetrap spinner, and design yours so that the windup and release dosnet cut a chunk of finger every time, its not hard to dol. cost, between 0 and a buck.

[Bump]

Depends on wether you are a locksmith or hobby picker! For a locksmith they are a boon and save the customer standing in the cold while you try to pick the lock in the correct direction.

For the hobby picker....why bother! Nobody cares if the lock is picked to the left or right except you and you have all the time in the world to do it the hard way.

[greateast]

if working with lock picking as a pro I say yes to must have one..if you just do it for fun then meh not really needed..dyno makes a nice one

[SUBJUGATOR]

I own a Southord pen style plug spinner. I like it because it fits in the case I carry my picks around in. When I've needed to pick a lock for someone I've found it amusing that they can never tell you which way they turn the key to open the lock. The last time they were sure it was one way and I ended up just engaging the deadbolt. Had to use the plug spinner twice to unlock the door.

[h1f1ve]

Hi, I spent a few hours trying to pick a lock the way the lock normally turns. I changed tack and picked it in the opposite direction - it was relatively easy as the other way the pins locked. I was however left with the problem of spinning the lock. I tried a couple of suggestions and making a couple of spring based spinner. I found the best method was to turn the barrel almost back to where it locks. Hold an elastic band around the wrench ie pinch the wrench between the elastic band and your fingers. pull the elastic band in the direction you want the wrench to turn and then let go of the wrench. Works extremely well. I have tried different techniques but this works a treat. H1f1ve