cheaper alternative??

[Rodfather23]

Is there any other sort of file to use for impressioning other than a pippin file. I'm talking about something under $10. When I looked up pippin files online they were all over $30. I saw a small file american square file and walmart last night. And I own a small round chainsaw file. Would either of these work??

[quickpicks]

You can use a chainsaw file but it does not give the results of a finer file. Sometimes you just can't compromise quality for price.

[freakparade3]

Impressioning is something I spend alot of time on and am pretty good at. I have tried many file types and can tell you that a pippin file is your best bet. Yes, the other files work but not as well or as easy.

[kspec]

ive haven't used a pippin file. but I do own alot of tools, and there is some tools that you cannot be cheap on. for me its chisles, saws, files. high grade diamond cutting disks.

I like to get stuff from a store called lee valley. its not a store for lockpicking tools but they do carry alot of stuff.

best thing i guess is to shop around, check out those asian hardware stores if you got any around and see what they have, you will be suprised on how high the quality some of there tools are, for the price.

[jimb]

When I looked up pippin files online they were all over $30.

You might want to read this thread.
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=18535&highlight=

[raimundo]

I learned impressioning the old way before pippin files were mentioned, in those days it was the second cut twelve inch rattail, you cant even find them anymore, and I use a fourth cut (finer than the second cut) ten inch rattail from my jeweler days.
you could look at a jewelry supply catalogue like 'rio grande alburqurque' or some thing, though I don't know if they will have them cheaper,
look locally for a jewelers tool supply shop and ask if they have any rattails on sale.

[Rodfather23]

I've been looking on here...

http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... tegory=297


so would just the #4 rat tail be best and then finding a small fine triangle saw locally, or would it be better to get that key making file set with the wood handles?

[freakparade3]

For occasional use the wood handled file set will be fine.

[Rodfather23]

Thanks for all the replies.......I have a follow up question that deals with the actual process though.

Every where I'm reading it talks about preparing the blank by knifing the edge, and then after you begin filing you will be able to see the difference because of the dullness the file cuts leave. My question is.....couldn't i just use a sharpie on the blade of the blank and use that as a starting point? or I believe someone said they used 1000 grit sand paper somewhere.

[blake1803]

I would highly recommend waiting and buying a pippin file... obviously this will vary from person to person but my personal experience has been that impressioning is one thing that you really can't skimp on.

Well, you can, but your life will be a whole lot easier if you don't

[freakparade3]

Thanks for all the replies.......I have a follow up question that deals with the actual process though.

Every where I'm reading it talks about preparing the blank by knifing the edge, and then after you begin filing you will be able to see the difference because of the dullness the file cuts leave. My question is.....couldn't i just use a sharpie on the blade of the blank and use that as a starting point? or I believe someone said they used 1000 grit sand paper somewhere.

You can use a sharpie or smoke the blank with a candle. I personally prefer to use the knife edge method. I find it to be the easiest way.

[blake1803]

I think the common problem you'll hear with holding the blank to a flame is that the resulting soot is liable to smudge and make things even more complicated if you're not careful.

If you have good light and proper magnification, you might just try smoothing it out before you try any of the other methods. Knife-edging can work wonders if you're having trouble seeing the marks on a particular occasion, but it isn't always necessary.

[freakparade3]

By the way, although I hated the godfather movies your sig is awesome.

[linty]

i use a round file and a warding file most often, cheap but you can make it work if you have to.

[raimundo]

knife edgeing the top of the blank with a flat file will give a thin weak edge that is easy to leave the initial marks on to get started, some do it, others just smooth that edge some other way, sand or file