Tension tool woes...

by **Viper168** » 4 May 2004 0:02

I've made several picks from hacksaw blades as that seemily famous video by pyro suggested. My only problem is tension tools.... I made a twist-flex that can't seem to give me enough tension, and the various non-twist-flex wrenches I have made seem to enjoy breaking. I've tried letting them cool a bit before dunking them but nothing really different happens.

Anyone have any tips for me?

by **CaptHook** » 4 May 2004 0:15

A good source for thin strips of stainless is windshield wiper blades. Find the wider strips(usually on longer blades), and bend gently with no heat. Makes a decent wrench. Try a basic "L" wrench, or a double ended "L". I think you may be better off with a stiff wrench, it will let you know how much force you are using better.
Chuck

by **maldotcom2** » 4 May 2004 3:09

do what i did:
take a 4 in nail, bend it to the length you want it and grind or file it down untill it fits snuggly in the key hole

works great!

by **Chucklz** » 4 May 2004 5:48

If you have wrenches that can't give you enough tension, or break while your picking the lock, You are using far too much tension to pick!

by **LittlePeaceful** » 4 May 2004 8:45

I experienced the same problem.

Lots of twisted handle tension wrenches "PYRO" style I made after having seen the video were too brittle and broke in a while. I like twisted "PYRO" style tension wrenches because they have a light touch that helps me a lot when raking (for single pin picking I like much stiffer tension wrenches I make out of bycycle spokes), so usually I don't apply much tension using them but they broke anyway. After that I tried to let them cooling until the red color was fading out then dunk. Two of them are ok, but others loose elasticity and soon went bent.

In this thread there are some interesting advices about how to avoid brittleness:

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=1023&highlight=brittle

Pick-It

Joined: 14 Feb 2004
Posts: 11

Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 12:46 am Post subject: Hardening Materials

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Most metals have a tendency to become brittle after they have been heat-treated. The metal can be relieved of this embrittlement by baking it in a regular oven at about 300 degrees for about 4 hours. (It depends on the metal you are using and its carbon content).

I think it's worth trying but unfortunately I don't have any oven available.

by **PYRO1234321** » 4 May 2004 10:09

Even I agree that there are far easier and often better materials to make tension tools with. Its true that hacksaw tension tools have their own particular feel, but most of my current wrenchs are made from wiper blade inserts these days. If you find them to narrow for some keyways, then a well placed smack with a hammer will flatten out the tip a mm or two.

by **Viper168** » 4 May 2004 13:20

How would some welding rod do? I was going to try making a tension tool with that but got a bit tired of grinding (I only have a dremel). I guess I could invest in a nice grinder but I have other projects that have priority over this.

by **CaptHook** » 4 May 2004 13:34

Check out your local plumbing supply store for Harris brand brazing rods. They are already flat with proper width, you just need to make your bends then sand the thickness down on whatever you want to enter the keyway.
Chuck

by **cageydragon** » 1 Jun 2004 23:33

I made mine out of allen wrenches with the L Ground thin on both sides. The only problem with them is that I always find myself using way too much pressure to pick. One with some flex in it would probably be better

by **cageydragon** » 1 Jun 2004 23:43

I'm not reall too good at making small delicate stuff yet. All I have is this Foley Belsaw thing that i've had for a while. I just use it like a regular grinder since I don't really know how to use it

by **CaptHook** » 2 Jun 2004 0:22

Please tell me you are not "grinding" on allen wrenches with a key duplicator.... please
Chuck

by **Romstar** » 2 Jun 2004 1:51

cageydragon wrote:I'm not reall too good at making small delicate stuff yet. All I have is this Foley Belsaw thing that i've had for a while. I just use it like a regular grinder since I don't really know how to use it

Dear lord I think I am going to be sick.

That sure sounds like a key cutter to me.

As for your wrenchs, you are making them too brittle by overheating the steel. Use two pairs of pliers, and bend gently while in the flame. Once you reach your bend, count to 5 slowly as the red cools, and then dunk. They should not be too brittle.

If that still doesn't work, use wiper blade inserts. This is a great material for tension wrenches.

Romstar

by **David_Parker** » 2 Jun 2004 17:19

cageydragon Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 12:43 pm Post subject:

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I'm not reall too good at making small delicate stuff yet. All I have is this Foley Belsaw thing that i've had for a while. I just use it like a regular grinder since I don't really know how to use it

*starts banging head against desk*

Two words CageyDragon: BAD IDEA.

-Dave.

by **cageydragon** » 2 Jun 2004 18:21

No it's not a key cutter, it looks kind of like a normal bench grinder that's mounted on a stand. It has a 1/4" thick grinding wheel on one side and a bell-shaped wheel on the other. I got the book for it finally and I guess it's for sharpening saw blades.

by **Romstar** » 3 Jun 2004 17:21

Well, it's a relief to know that you aren't making picks on a key cutter.

Good luck with your efforts.

Romstar

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