What can I use for a tension wrench?

[CougarElite]

Hello,

I still haven't picked a lock before, but I've been trying recently. The only thing holding me back is my lack of tools. I don't really want to buy a set or anything until I pick a couple. I bent a metal bobby pin so its straight, and it works pretty well for scrubbing the pins. Or raking them.. whatever its called. I just don't have a tension wrench, and I don't know what I can use as one. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Oh, and is there a way to determine which way the plug has to turn?

Thanks,
CougarElite

[Vek]

You could try filling down an Allen Key. Or, failing that, see if you can find a really small flat headed screwdriver.

That would probably be the easiest. Barring that, you could always grab another bobby pin, bend it, and stick it in the bottom of the lock and use it as a tension wrench. Experiment with different things, see if you find something you like.

[Geek142]

Hey

There are plenty of posts regarding Tension wrenchs and all you have to to do is search around alittle.

If you had the tools required you could make a tension wrench out of hacksaw blades using a rotary and a blow torch or gas stove. I would recommend seeing pyros video which tells you how to make your own tools aswell as tension wrenchs it can be found here http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=6269

Hope that helps

Geek

[chunk]

Wiper blade inserts are perfect for tension wrenches, they're ok for picks too.

Chunk

[Geek142]

Hey

There some nice tools you got there chunk, the tension wrenchs look as if they are from southord or something that you made them that good.

Geek

[hzatorsk]

Oh, and is there a way to determine which way the plug has to turn?

Thanks,
CougarElite

Clockwise... unless that didn't work. Then, the answer is counter-clockwise. Most likely it will be one of the two.

Seriously, most of us don't give it any thought. Usually, it is 'away' from the door jamb for deadbolts... many padlocks are clockwise (or either way).

There is a device know as a plug spinner that'll spin the plug very quickly back the other direction (past the pins) in the case you picked the lock in the wrong direction. You wind it up and stick it in the plug... it turns the plug so fast that the pins don't have time to relock the plug.

Myself... I just pick the lock again in the other direction and grumble under my breath.

Some will tell you that locks are easier to pick one way than the other... even if it is the wrong way. In those cases... a plug spinner is very handy.

Bottom line... unless you 'know' the lock... it's sometimes a crap shoot.

hz

[Spectrum]

I think that not knowing which way the lock turns is one of the reasons why newbies get so frustated. most dont know he right feel of a lock, and they may pick it right, but do it the wrong way, and they keep trying to open it the wrong way.

[lockpickingnewb]

I tried picking with a bobby pin and it was extremely frustrating, so unless you make real picks, i would just bite the bullet and buy some.
~Ryan~
PS I know noone care, but i got my picks today. YAY!