Better idea than the fake credit card lockpicks set...

[dirtymoney]

I came up with a better idea than the lockpicks-hidden-in-a-fake-credit-card thing you see sold online.

The credit card is too thick to pass any real scrutiny. So how about this idea? ....

Remember those credit card-sized solar calculators that were popular/novel years ago? Like this... Why not make a non-functional one that opens up to reveal a small set of lockpicks?

[BIGORNEX]

Why a "non-functional" ???

[scriptguru]

I like your idea! Small calculator looks much more natural than 3mm thick "credit card", and it is possible to buy one for just couple bucks.
Definitely I'll try to implement it.

[dirtymoney]

Why a "non-functional" ???

Well, because I dont think it is possible to be functional AND hold lockpicks.

[clearmoon247]

yea, but its worth the challenge

[scriptguru]

I did it

Here are few main steps:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1016 ... 3674500594
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1016 ... 5299530674
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1016 ... 4988734418

Calculator is still working and is not modified in any way. There are 4 picks + 1 two-sided tension wrench inside.

Currently the bad side of this "case" is that you have to use screwdriver to get picks out of it (or just break it if it's really needed - calculator costs $1.50). I am planning to cut screws heads off and glue them to the case to make it look assembled, but I am still not sure how to make calculator keep closed, but still easy to open without tools.

[atticRR]

maybe try to use small rare earth magnet disks, epoxied into each side with a metal tab on the opposite side. For max strength use a total of 8 magnets, 2 on each corner (4 on the inside of the front, 4 on the inside of the back)

[scriptguru]

Actually I planned to use magnets (I have at least 8 of them handy), but it's still not clear how to make calculator easy to open.
It's not clear from picture, but in this model of calculator the green part is inserted into white part, so when it's inserted it can be not easy to extract without tools. I think I can make some sort of notches to make it easier to extract using only fingernails.