Most ghetto picks you ever seen :)

[Deceptiones]

My picks that I made from hacksaw blades using a video on this forum (I think it was Pyro's but im not sure). The middle one really sucks, it's not even usable . The tension wrench took some fine tuning (I think I went through like 4 hacksaw blades before I made it right), but it works great now and hasn't even bent even after a lot of use. I've been trying to get a door knob lock opened (an old one recently replaced on my shop door) for a couple hours, and yet I've made little progress . I know the basics, but I have trouble understanding how to know which pin to pick first. If anyone has any suggestions on how to shape picks better or techniques for picking, please post.

[sivlogkart]

I would not make the torsion tool out of a hacksaw blade.

I normally make picks out of bicycle spokes that are quicker to make
and easier to adjust. And you when you find a really good shape you
might then make it out of something that would be stronger or last
longer, like a hacksaw blade, though the spoke picks do very well.

Picking is much easier if the pick is just the right size for the job,
but this depends on the job, so most of us have a few different picks
that we can try to see which works best.

[Shrub]

Youve done right with the hacksaw blades by far the best material, spokes arent that good at all,

Theres no easy way, make sure you dont get the material too hot,

A good source of tension wrench material is the steel inserts of windsheild wiper blades, they just need bending and cutting to length,

The first pin to pick is always differant from lock to lock, put some tension on (not too much) and the first pin to pick is the first one that stays up when you push it up with your pick,

Have a good read of the FAQ section, in particular the MIT guide and then Matt Blazes paper on tumbler picking

[sivlogkart]

I was not saying that hacksaw blades were bad, as you say they are extremely good, but that is when you know exactly what shape and size they should be. If you don't it is easier to experiment with wire, and when you know what you want convert them to hacksaw blades.

That is all I was saying.

[Gordon Airporte]

You might make things easier for yourself if you didn't make the tangs so long. That way you can choke up more for control. They only need to be able to reach the back pin on a six pin lock, typically, so that's maybe and inch and a quarter from the tip before it really starts sloping up wide into the handle. That's how most of mine are anyway.

[digital_blue]

Yes, I agree with Gordon on the length of the tang. Also, the are in some serious need of sanding. Smooth picks make for smooth picking.

db

[Deceptiones]

Thanks for the advice, I'll certainly try the spokes and wiper inserts . I've read a lot of guides, but I guess I just need to practice picking. The locksmith that came recently to replace the afore mentioned door handle said that it was really up to how much I practiced (he also said it needed some sanding down because it was too rough ).

[sivlogkart]

After PMing Shrub I take back what I said a spokes for a beginner.

[Deceptiones]

Ok then, maybe I won't try spokes . Also, another question, how do I know if the pin has reached the shear line or if it has been overset?

[treboR]

how do I know if the pin has reached the shear line or if it has been overset?

If you are using the correct tension, the the rest of the pins will feel springy until the binding pin is set. Once it is set, you will be able to locate the next binding pin.

[Deceptiones]

Exactly how much tension is needed? Do I need to vary the tension, or is there just a good amount of pressure?(like: Oh yes, always put x amount of pounds of pressure on it) So far the most pins I've done is 3 before I give up (at least I think its 3, I hear 3 clicks, sometimes 2 and sometimes 1)

[skold]

Exactly how much tension is needed? Do I need to vary the tension, or is there just a good amount of pressure?(like: Oh yes, always put x amount of pounds of pressure on it) So far the most pins I've done is 3 before I give up (at least I think its 3, I hear 3 clicks, sometimes 2 and sometimes 1)

As much pressure as you need to flick a light switch.

[Deceptiones]

Ah, okay then, I was putting wayyyyy too much tension .

[cdn]

I had a pair given to me. I dont know if i would spend the time making them only if i was in a jam. Maybe out of a bicycle spoke just because it iis faster than a hack saw.

[bitpusher]

"As much pressure as you need to flick a light switch."

Good comparison, good advice. Over tension was my first mistake, too.