1st Homebrew picks what do you think

[trirunning]

1st post and 1st attempt at homebrew picks.

These were all cut by hand, no power tools, handles are Sculpy. I made the mistake on the short one of not making the steel long enough and the handle broke when shaping.

These were made using wiper insets, have one other to add a handle to. So far I have managed to pick 2 differant ABUS 60/30 padlocks, an Asec security padlock and a Squire with all three picks. Unfortunatly have not got any other locks that I don't use so need to get some.

Although I like these I have to admit that no matter what I try I can't SPP any of these locks, so the next chalenge is making a Diamond and a Hook to try and crack it.

Interested to hear your thoughts.

[LocksmithArmy]

nice craftsmanship for your first attempt...i really like those handles they look great.

keep up the good work, Im looking forward to seeing more of your work

[Solomon]

Very nicely done, far better than anything I've made so far. They're well finished and look nice and smooth, handles are funky too! If I make any more picks in future I'm definately using sculpy for handles, seems like pretty awesome stuff. You really do want to make yourself a half diamond and some kind of hook next; you'll find SPP much harder the longer you leave it. You can trust me on that one.

[femurat]

Well done! I like specially the handles. Keep up the good work.

Cheers

[trirunning]

The handles were quite easy to make, only real tip is to make sure the steel is almost the full length of the Sculpy, you can see the bottom one where the Sculpy broke where there was no steel to support it. I don't think it helped that I wanted small sleek handles.

Once cooked in the oven I roughed them out with a file then used wet and dry with water up to 1200 grit. The water really helps stopping the sandpaper getting clogged up.

Next up will be a hook and 1/2 diamond, try and get on to it tonight, might take me the weekend to finish.

I have never managed to get the hang of single pin picking, but now I am going to challenge myself as it really frustrates me.

[Legion303]

Those look great. I like the mottled look of the handles. I've only seen the "transparent" Sculpey do that before, but it looks nice from this blue as well.

-steve

[trirunning]

So as promised here is the hook, working on the Diamond over the weekend.

First impressions are that the "feel" in the lock is much better than a Southard Hook, probably because of the sanding. I seem to be able to feel the individual pins better.

As for the mottled look on the handles, it's purely accidental but I like it.

Hope you enjoy.

[Legion303]

FYI, if you don't want mottling in the future, put the clay in the oven while it's heating up (no pre-heat), and keep them in until it's cool (adjust baking time down to compensate). The shock of sudden heat differences is what makes some of the plasticizer pool up like that.

-steve

[TheSkyer]

Looking good! You can be proud of yourself

[Kaotik]

Those are very nice. I like the shape and the look of them.

Short handles aren't too bad, it just changes the feedback a bit and produces less leverage if you pry off of the tension wrench or plug.

I use a lift rather than pry movement as it gives a better sense of tension control. I have noticed some pickers use a bit more tension and pry the pins to shear. This promotes pick damage such as the common bend or break.

Keep up the good work on the picks!