Home made picks-First attempt

[Pilot2242]

Hello
I'm new here, this is my first post so I’m not sure if this post complies with all the forum rules. Please let me know if i do something wrong.

Ok, Today i brought myself a 150W Bench grinder and some hack-saw blades and I made my first couple of picks.

They need some more work done to them but they do work.

I was thinking about getting a dermel because its too hard trying to make those tiny grooves with the big grinding wheel.

I brought a 20pc Set of Southord picks a while ago. But I thought it would be fun making my own picks and i was right, it’s heaps of fun.

Also the good thing about making you're own picks is you never run out of picks, Because you can make a pick in 15 Minutes or less for next to nothing.

Here's a Picture of my two picks beside two brought ones.

Nathan

[Eyes_Only]

Those are pretty good. I like how your hook pick has a little step down towards the working tip. Nice.

[xboxteen01]

i really like how much detail u got into that rake pick,since u did that with a grinder I'm really impressed

[Gundanium]

Nice job, I never found those extensive rakes to be much help, then again personallizing tools is all about personalization right?

[raimundo]

he did it with a new grinder, so the edges of the wheel were still probably squared, but altogether, thats some pretty good first attempt stuff, think of what he'll be making after that experience.

[Pilot2242]

Thanks guys.

Well the little hook pick was supposed to be a W Rake but the tip of it broke
So i made the hook pick out of it, i didn't want to waste a pick blank, It turned out good anyway.

I've brought some files and fine grade sand paper today so i can finish the picks.

I brought a cheap file and the hacksaw blade cut off the teeth of the file when i was filing a smooth piece of the blade

But i brought a Expensive Chainsaw file and it seems to be working good.

I also made a tension wrench today.

I picked my first lock with my own tools today as well (Great feeling)

When I've finished the picks, I'll post another picture. Shouldn't be too long though.

Nathan

[Pilot2242]

Hello

I Accidentally broke the jigglier pick today
But i made a new one and its a lot Betta than the old one anyway, I have to be more careful when picking with the home made picks.

I also made some tension wrenches today, they work good.

Here's a picture of all my home made picks and wrenches also my practice locks.



Does anyone know what kind of lock the stainless steel one is (Bottom one)?

I think its a standard 4 pin pin tumbler lock but i heard somewhere that this type of lock has mushroom pins in it.

It also requires really light tension, In fact all it needs is for you to hold the tension wrench in place but pretty much not apply no tension to the lock cylinder.

But the key way looks like a pin tumbler lock. Also it's easy to pick. So i guess its a pin tumbler lock. Not sure though. I think its just a cheaper version with normal pins in it.

Nathan

[robert11]

Hi Pilot2242,
Good work on picks and wrenches - I Really appericiate your work out there, and yes, be careful while working with home made tools. I am not sure but I also guess its a pin tumbler lock. If you have more home made picks and wrenches plz do share images and related knowledge with us.

Regards
robert11

[UWSDWF]

the silver one is a knock-off of the abus diskus

[Pilot2242]

Hello

I've been busy the last few days making picks,
Here's what I've got so far.



Some are made from templates i made.

I've got quite a few rakes, That's my preferred way of picking locks.

And 1 special small hook pick(The one with the step in it near the tip), This one is for those tiny locks.

Then there is another normal hook pick.

Also a diamond pick.

I think I'm going to need a dremel soon, Because the grinder wheel is getting a bit rounded, so it makes it hard to do those little grooves.
But dremels are so expensive though.

Thanks for the support guys.

[UWSDWF]

they look nice... though the pictures a little small for me to make specific comments.... just remember to sand and polish all your picks for best results....

Also I suggest making various different hooks... SPP or single pin picking is where the art comes in and how you'll pick more difficult locks.... raking although there is some skill involved is mostly a wish manouver (insert pick, shake it around and hope for the best)....

not saying to discount raking all together but your overall picking skills will improve with SPP much over raking

[Schuyler]

they look nice... though the pictures a little small for me to make specific comments.... just remember to sand and polish all your picks for best results....

Also I suggest making various different hooks... SPP or single pin picking is where the art comes in and how you'll pick more difficult locks.... raking although there is some skill involved is mostly a wish manouver (insert pick, shake it around and hope for the best)....

not saying to discount raking all together but your overall picking skills will improve with SPP much over raking

And really? I've found that the better I get SPPing, the better my raking becomes. But when I go on a raking streak and feel like I'm getting more consistent at that, my SPP is still at the same level.

[Pilot2242]

Hello

I do SPP a lot but my perferred way of picking is rakeing.

And you are right, It is a Wish manouver, unless you really know the lock.
The next picks i make will be various hook picks.

[UWSDWF]

And really? I've found that the better I get SPPing, the better my raking becomes. But when I go on a raking streak and feel like I'm getting more consistent at that, my SPP is still at the same level.

unless I'm going crazier... I'm 99% sure thats what I was saying... worded differently but i'm pretty darn sure the sentiments are same

[Schuyler]

hahaha, yes, yes, just worded more obtusely