newbie has a problem

[singfadamoment]

i got this video on how to make my own picks and ive been following it pretty well. however i dont have a dremel tool, so i went to use a file but my files wont file my pick.

i am using 1/3 of a hacksaw blade and i grinded it down on my grinder. because of the setup of my grinder i can not grind a tip of any sort. the video says to use a dremel tool for the tips but i dont have one. files wont work because they are both stainless steel. so...

what can i do to make the tip of my pick?
if needed i can include pictures of anything that might be needed.

Thanks,
Erix

[SolidAnchor]

If you have metal cutters you could probably carve out the tips for your picking tools and then use some sand paper to smoothen out the ruff edges you'll get from cutting the metal.

[plot]

probably not an option for everyone, but you could buy a cordless dremel for around 40$ at home depot or lowes or even walmart now...

[frollard]

hand-filing has a trick to it...try putting your pick in a vise, tang level with the top, and the blank/cutting area sticking out. hand filing gets a lot easier when what you're filing doesnt move.

[PYRO1234321]

Use the grinder to make a hook using the edge/side of the grinding wheel. A good wheel edge can also be used to put small "U" shaped grooves in the head to make a simple rake. Excessive grinding on a wheel edge will round out the wheel, which is not really a wanted thing, so you can dress it (grind/wear down the wheel back to shape) with a dressing stone (material harder than the wheel) or a big peice of metal. Any basic pick can be made on just a grinder. you really only need a dremel to do fine work. Try some simple picks first.

[begginerlockpicker]

what picks whould work best on a tubular lock?

[Chucklz]

I am going to attempt to answer a bit for both questions in this thread.

First, about Filing. Take it easy, and be sure you are using a good file, and using it correctly. Assume that your files cut only on the foward stroke (a small small number cut on both strokes) Use a file that hasnt been bashed aroudn in a tool box for years, and clean your file(with a file card) regularly

For files, try a chainsaw sharpening file. I see them at about 8 dollars US at most hardware stores. For specifics, see the pdf by Raimundo. It is currently hosted at yahoo locksports, and if you get really stuck, you may want to pm him. My GPL picture thread has some pictures of Raimundo's work I beleive. Truly works of art.


About tubular picks. In my opinion the most versatile tubular pick is the Peterson Pro 1. But, its very very pricey. A NEW version SouthOrd tubular pick will be very serviceable and open pretty much everything you will throw at it. But, the cheapest option, is to get a tubular key, and Grind it down along the outside, You should grind away the stump on the outside of the key. Grind the key down so that when you insert it, iit does not push any pins up. Then pick the pins with a paperclip or any similar instrument.

[benzy2]

When i made my tools i used a grinder to make two different shaped hooks, two different rakes, two different shaped half diamonds, and a half circle. it really isnt hard to do at all if you take your time. I found that if you just go slow and make small grinds at a time you have a lot of control and you dont need a dremal at all.

[singfadamoment]

1.the hacksaw blade i am using is sharper than all my files so filing doesnt work at all no matter how i try it.
2.im trying not to buy anything if at all possible.
3. the grinding wheel is in a position that i cannot get close enough to make my tip; (if you need a picture i can post one)
4. i do have a chainsaw sharpening files but is that sharper than the stainless steel hacksaw blade?

[Chucklz]

You will be fine if you work slowly.

[pick_maker]

I would spend .78 cents for a two pack of Great Neck hacksaw blades. Continue dullng your files or violate your no spending rule? Gotta be some change under the cushions or carseats.