My pocket set

[blade_runner]

True, the key ring can be a bit uncomfortable, but it's so convenient for picking and just being able to reach into my pocket and have my picks right there. What I might do instead of a case is a kind of sheath to fit over my picks and maybe snap around the ring so it doesn't fall off. I do a bit of leather work, so it'd be really easy to do.

[Greyflex]

Hey, Blade_runner

Lookie at this...



It holds my pick case. It also snaps on the back, so you don't have to take off your belt. Here is a pic of the back..



The case slides out of the holster... I already showed you the case.



Maybe I will learn to make this stuff out of leather, someday.

Where do you get your leather? Post that pick sheath, if you ever make it!

[blade_runner]

Ok, you definately beat me to the punch there. Nice design, I like the snap on the belt loop, very convenient.

I get leather from a couple of places depending on how much and what quality I need. There's a saddle repairer who will give me scraps, another saddle shop that sells scraps, but has more variety, then sometimes I have to buy it new from Tandy or some place. The scrap stuff turns out to be perfect most of the time, its usually very good quality since its left over from jobs they do. As soon as I get some time to work on it, I'll bang something out and post pictures.

[bitpusher]

Nice set. I recently made my first deep hook, and it works great. Gotta get around to taking some pics and posting sometime.

[blade_runner]

Hey, I made a leather sheath for my picks to fit into and posted pictures on my site. I also posted a picture of my modified picks. I added a couple I got from southord and modified, and I took a couple off that weren't really working for me.

[Bent_Nael,PICKS]

Hey, I've very new to the lock picking scene, and I've only managed to pick twolocks with teh tools I've got and believe me they suck. I was wondering how any of you make your picks. I've been hammering and grinding nails and things to try to get a decent set. Turns out my tension wrench kills wards and basically grinds away the sides of the plug.

[SFGOON]

You're gonna have to do a search, but there's SO MUCH info here on what you're looking for - even a short video I think.

[Greyflex]

I have looked and looked, and I stil haven't been able to download pyro's video anywhere, or the one on the TOOOL site, neither... So I will tell this noob how to make some basic stuff.

My first tension wrench was the clip from a pen. The second and third were both nails, and I still use them. If you are jacking up keyways, I am pretty sure your nails are too small in diameter. Try starting with a fatter nail, and grinding it down so it fits tightly. Also, I have read that a safety pin, bent into a U is a great tension wrench, but I haven't tried it.

If you want a more standard wrench, that will fit a wider variety of locks, try using windshield wiper insert. Just go to your local autoparts store and look in the waste bin for old wiper blades. Ask an employee before you take anything.

For picks, I don't think a nail is strong enough. It will bend. If you had a dremel tool, i don't think you would be asking this question.. cuz then you would just make some sweet picks out of hacksaw blades or feeler gauge. I take it you have some hand tools. Well, with nothing other than a chainsaw file (a small round file), a flat file, some sandpaper, and a pair of pliers, you should be able to make some pretty decent picks out of the wiper inserts. They are pretty much pick-height already, so you don't have to remove anywhere near as much material. Also, the wider, softer steel is much easier to file than a hacksaw blade.
Have fun.

[karl]

Here's my solution to the jack knife pick set. Rather then invest the effort into something that could prove difficult and heavy to use I just made a mini set of picks complete with handles and put them on a key ring. With your finger through the ring they make a comfortable set of tools to use, plus they're light and you can change tools easily one handed (while the other continues to apply tension).

I apologize for the picture quality I'll replace it with something better as soon as I'm able.

http://www.geocities.com/kodiakrun/Charms.html

hey man!nice set!might make myself one of those badboys !

where did you get the leather for the case?and did you have to buy like alot of it,or could you buy small pieces?

[blade_runner]

Thanks, They've served me well so far. I get leather as scrape from various places, saddle shops usually. You can also get leather from shoe repair shops, though usually too thick for this kind of project. Since its scrap you can buy what ever size pieces they happen to have that match what you want, and someplaces will just give the leather to you.

[karl]

cooool,thanks bud!im gonna look for some this weekend