Hex/Allen Key Tension Wrenches

[Dogrocket]

When I first started making my own tools, I started with some smaller hex wrenches ground down into the traditional flat "L" pattern. I found I tended to use far too much pressure on the wrench, and had difficulty getting the wrench not to slip in larger keyways (I started mostly on relatively large cheap padlocks).

One variation I tried was to grind a 1/8 wrench tip into a "U" shape, by grinding the edges flat to a square, then adding a groove down the center with a Dremel cutting wheel. The result was a wrench that engages the horizontal wards in the keyway rather then the bottom or top of the keyway. (apologies for the pic in advance)



The resulting wrench is a bit bulkier then normal, is limited in which locks it can be used in (based on the orientation of the groove and key way size) and obstructs more of the keyway (depending on the lock type). It maintains a hands-free grip on the lock without slipping or binding against the cylinder wall and the weight of the handle maintains tension on the lock (which helped me get over my over-tensioning before I moved to the more versatile L shaped wrenches).

I've looked around and haven't seen any examples of this type of wrench (presumably because of the limitations above). Anyone have any experience with this approach?

[femurat]

Well done. If you want more room in the keyway you should thin out the upper part of the wrench (the one towards the pins).
I've tried something similar with bicycle spokes: profile wrenches.

Cheers

[Dogrocket]

Thanks. I like the spoke approach better though, it looks more professional, a lot lighter and easier to store multiple profiles (I only have two of the "U" profile Allen keys cut, on on the inside for Kwikset and one on the outside for Schlage).

I'm starting to get more tension wrenches then picks - now to scrounge for bike wheels.

[MrWizard]

One variation I tried was to grind a 1/8 wrench tip into a "U" shape, by grinding the edges flat to a square, then adding a groove down the center with a Dremel cutting wheel.

I've looked around and haven't seen any examples of this type of wrench (presumably because of the limitations above). Anyone have any experience with this approach?

This type of tension wrench has bee around since mid 1980's made by Vince Vigil from New Mexico called the VV-6. "Vince Vigil 6"

He sold the rights to HPC to manufacture it. It is double ended, one end shorter that the other both with the grove ground into it.

http://www.hpcworld.com/px/tensiontools/standard/

Richard

[Dogrocket]

Awesome, thanks - I'll definitely look at adding one of the HPC versions to the toolkit (I imagine it's going to be a lot lighter then a modified allen key).

[MrWizard]

It's a thick rigid type wrench so in thin small key ways it is not applicable.

[Dogrocket]

Well done. If you want more room in the keyway you should thin out the upper part of the wrench (the one towards the pins).
I've tried something similar with bicycle spokes: profile wrenches.

Cheers

Thanks for the tip Femurat - Just made a SC4 and a Kwikset profile wrench from bicycle spokes and I'm really happy with the results. Little more finesse, and they don't look as clunky in the tool roll.

[Key 2 Success]

If you have a harbor freight locally they have a lot of things you can make half decent to almost perfect tension wrenches. I have pictures but do not know how to post them from my phone or the computer for that matter. But i can explain and maybe text a pic to someone that would post it for us. I am not sure who tried this but its almost like a dentist tool. One side lets the tool hang straight down from the bottom of the keyway. If you dont prefer that then switch ends and apply tension from the side. I personally like that if kept in one 7 inch long double sided wrench it weighs almost 5 ounces. I cut them in half and fell in love. Its good to have multiples so u can file ( is a must.) It to your own liking. pm me for a pic or if you want one. I got a buddy or 3 working there so they can hook us up.
Mike

[cuttinedge1]

Try putting serrations on the sides so it grips even better. I use the cutters on pliers which works well.

[IndigoChild]

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=56464&p=411763#p411763

I would like to make a cheap, fast process in making these. They work well and I want to make them in bulk. Thank you for sharing.

[Drifty Flintlock]

I messed around with Allens myself in an attempt to get some different tensioners. They didn't pan out too well, basically for the reasons stated.

I have seen something similar done on Youtube with music wire where you grind it to fit your lock perfectly, which is supposed to give extremely fine tension control. I haven't tried it myself though.