by raimundo » 12 Apr 2009 10:19
First, does the lock say ACE II ? Thats not an easy lock to start on.
If it just says ACE, your on the right track.
These type of picks can take some learning, the things are twitchy, even when a tubular pick has been stored with its rubber on the sliders, this can cause some problems like sticking to the rubber or the rubber gets hard and no longer creates drag.
These tools always need a bit of tuneing/tweaking if they are not used on a regular basis.
what you are doing is learning and also tuning the pick. this involves making sure the sliders all have approximately the same drag on them, test simply by feeling it. If one is stuck or one slides way too easily, this can be adjusted, often with minimal lube. if its too easy, take the slider out and dry any lube off it, and put it back, there will still be some lube in the track and this may need to be done again.
If the rubber O rings are hard and old, you can buy replacements at hardware store, some are fat O rings others are thin, they are cheap and you should get both kinds, and do your own experiments.
When I make one of these, it usually takes a few days to work out the kinks, I pick some locks and figure out what needs adjustment while doing this.
These types of picks have screwdriver handles, you only need thumb and forefinger force. Though Im sure there are always those who use the whole fist to grip it.
Work with your pick, you may need to do some fine sanding on the part that enters the keyway, friction here against turning can complicate things.
Wake up and smell the Kafka!!!