Tension wrench

[Timsatx]

During lunchtime here at work I made myself one pick from a hacksaw blade and a tension wrench (after viewing the popluar video listed on this site). I used an old allen wrench for the tension wrench and ground it down on both sides at a 90 degree angle from the handle.

I have used it to successfully pick a Masterlock #3 padlock I use for my locker, and my toolbox. I am curious as to one thing. Is the width on my tension wrench too wide making it more difficult to get it into some locks? I measured it at 0.140 inches wide. The thickness does not seem to be a problem. It seemed as if it might have been a little wide on the locks I mentioned but it worked.

I ask because I did try it on a Schlage door lock and it was considerably more difficult to get it in the knob along with my pick. When I get a chance I will try tro take a pic to show you what I have.

Tim

[Romstar]

I personally can't stand allen keys for tension tools. Yeah, it does work as you have seen, but they tend to be bigger then needed, and take a fair amount of time on the grinder.

Grab some wiper splines, and bend them up, then grind to the proper width and thickness required.

Romstar

[Hojo]

Romstar
I personally can't stand allen keys for tension tools. Yeah, it does work as you have seen, but they tend to be bigger then needed, and take a fair amount of time on the grinder.

Grab some wiper splines, and bend them up, then grind to the proper width and thickness required.

Romstar

I saw the subject for this thread and I read about you planning a 3 pager....I had to see

[Timsatx]

That's why I am going to buy a set, because I don't truly know what size any of these things should be. I am a very visual person so once I see them I will know. In the meantime it seems to work okay for most things. I tried it on my Kwikset beadbolt just a few minutes ago and was able to open it.

Tim

[Romstar]

Deadbolt.

You meant deadbolt right?

Please tell me you meant deadbolt.

Onto other things. I know what you mean about sizes for the wrenches. If you have a decent ruler, this is what I can tell you.

The average tension wrench is 3mm wide, 0.5mm thick. The head, or part that goes into the lock is about 13mm long, and the twist (if there is one) is about 15mm down the shaft.

So, make an L shape with the small part 13mm long, and the shaft between 8 and 12 cm. Then decide if you want a twist or not.

Also, depending on the lock, you may want to make them wider, or thicker. Those measurements are for a plain old HPC tension wrench. Medium wrenches are made from a slightly heavier material, or they are hardened differently. In your case this would mean a different metal.
Rigid tension is made from a variety of metals, but the common feature is that there is no bend.

Good luck,
Romstar

[Luke]

kwikset bedbolt! Guarenteed to restrain your partner quick.... Very Kinky Very Cheap...

[Romstar]

And probably used knowing you.

Romstar

[Timsatx]

LOL, you are correct sir

Sometimes I just don't quite see the mistakes in time.

That is some good info on the size. It looks like mine is about twice that thickness and about 4.5mm wide.

I just took the time out and reworked the dimensions. Now I need to practice. It took me about 30 seconds to open my Masterlock. Now if I can just make the time consistent.

Thanks

Tim

[Cypherninja]

I just made myself a tension wrench. That video was excellant, BTW. It works pretty well, but its a little different from my SouthOrd so I'm still getting used to it. My SouthOrd may be better overall, though. Maybe, my second attempt will yield better results.