My very own clam kit

[freakparade3]

This thread has got me interested in making a clam kit. Would Sterno work as a heat source? I have never used sterno for anything, i just saw it at the store yesterday and thought of this thread.

[Emrys]

eh, I think it should. I've been able to use one of those torch lighters, it just takes a long time. That's why I prefer the propane torch Does it in a few seconds.

-Rob

[kodierer]

I've been tempted to try this ever since I got the PDF book on it. That suggested using a bullet casing. I wonder if I filled the thing with glue instead of metal maybe I could make a key. I would have to try many different glues, but that doesn't sound implausible.

[kodierer]

err scratch that. That does sound implausible on second thought.
I think wax would work though. Wouldn't be able to use it to open a lock but you could use it to duplicate a key though. I'm just trying to think of other things you could use if you didn't have solder on hand. There has to be more things you could try..

[Deathadder]

Also, what is a stationary box?

i think he meant stationery

[raimundo]

I gotta buy another pack of doublemint gum, the impressions in the foil over the gum are the most readily available clamkit possible, the two sticks of gum should be marked with alignment groove along the sides so that they are correctly replaced into alignment. with rubber bands holding the mold together, you could pour hot candle wax, (get it all hot at once in a spoon, drip wont work) for a positive, and use it for a lost wax process. (wax burns out of ceramic cavity in kiln, leaving perfect casting mold, you need a centrifugal caster though. The concept of making the key between two foil wrapped impressed sticks of gum, with jbweld or some such substance between them.

[Trip Doctor]

Sooo...as cool as that is, how often will a clam kit be more useful than a caliper ?

[raimundo]

Its just a great idea for a movie plot. It has visual appeal.

[raimundo]

more on the clam kit movie plot,
There is even more here that lends itself to a movie, think of how one would obtain a clamkit impression, you have to get the key. If its a jason bourne story, Franka Potente could be a hot picara who uses her female 'social engineering' to get get close enough to do it, that would be a whole 5 minutes of a 90 minute movie right there, and as long as the woman is hot and the story line tracks without being ridiculous, we'll all watch and love it.

Another type of move that would work well in movies, would be the one where a key is copied from a photograph, the photo is taken, enlarged the cuts are determined as well as the blank, (you could have the picara go back and find out the blank if you want to drag out the suspense)

Somebody hire me for consultant on a movie, I can make this stuff up all day long.

[freakparade3]

I made a clam kit out of modeling clay and an altoids tin. It's alot of fun to play with. Do not forget to put cornstarch or baby powder on the modeling clay before you press the sides together of you will have a problem!!!

[Havoc]

Nice three month bump Raimundo

I'm glad you did though, this is a simple, cheap idea that made me want to smack myself upside the head... I was trying to think of something that would work like this, only I was thinking of sand for the mould, maybe cement, wax or fun-tac for the positive...

Why didn't I think to use play-doh as a mould?

Brilliance!

[dougfarre]

I do not recommend play-doh! Play-do is much to rubbery and does not hold a mold very well. I know the starter of this thread said he used play-doh for his clam kit, but after trying over 10 times with play-doh out locksport group could not get any results. Clay is a much, much better material. With clay our results came out perfect every time.

[vitti]

haven't tried this yet but...

Epoxy putty of the sort that comes in a stick that you pinch off a piece and knead it together to activate it could make a nice impression.

You would need longer access to the key so as to prepare the putty (you only get about 3 minutes working time till it sets). Roll two pieces out flat, coat them with a powder or petroleum jelly and make your impression.

Once cured, about 10-15 minutes later, you could then make a positive again out of the putty as well. This stuff cures hard as a rock and is grinder/file friendly.

I'll try it tonight with one of my padlocks and see if the positive is strong enough to turn the cylinder without snapping.

For now it's just an idea.

[vitti]

ok, tried it. the putty shrinks slightly when it cures. doesn't work.

[dougfarre]

Good try, but use clay, clay is a winner.