Lock Picking Trainer

[pickmonger]

A project that I want to build is the lock pick trainer..





The pin retainer clip is removed and then the upper pins and springs are replaced with rods that simulate the force exerted by the springs.

The rods sticking out of the lock permit one to develop skills in several areas .... learning to lift the individual pins with out touching others and developing a feel for the pins when they hit the shear line . If you mark the rods correctly you will also know the level that they have to be lifted to to open the lock.

Any ideas what would make the best rods and what lenghts of rod will aproximate the force exerted by springs.




FYI its a modification of the system designed by Eddie the wire

[zeke79]

As far as rod material goes, you may have luck with checking out some brazing/welding rods. I have used these for different projects and found varying sizes at my local hardware store.

[digital_blue]

Might be silly, but it seems to me that some coat hangers are about the right diameter. Maybe worth a look.

Good idea pickmonger.

db

[taylorgdl]

You could cut the rods so that only 1 cm is clear of the top of the cylinder, then use some small elastic (rubber) bands around the entire cylinder and over the top of the rods to approximate the tension required. This way you can still see the rods move up and down, but they won't be as long and unstable. (this is not my idea by the way, I saw it during my training, and thought it was very neatly done.)

G.

[Keyring]

Model shops usually stock a range of piano wire in different diameters. Take your micrometer along with you.

[devnill]

Did you check out home improvement stores? I know my local one has a really wide variety of diameters of metal rods