Fitted tension tool

[pickin]

Here is a link to a tension tool idea I had.

http://www.geocities.com/cjsplapp/tension.html

This one was just a basic L shape for Master Locks #1,5 and 40 that I own.

I didn't like the way the tension tool I have seemed to slip every now and then so I thought why not make one that fits the key ways shape so it would be a very positive feel.

I chose a master lock key way first because of its simplicity but I would think this would work for most locks out there wouldn't take long to get a collection going.

I have yet to polish this tool up just some 120 grit sanding to get it fairly smooth.

As for performance I love this it doesn't slip in the slightest and gives a real positive feedback from the lock. So far I have picked all 3 of the locks mentioned above with it several times with no sign of the metal getting brittle.

Made this one out of brick strap(seem to have found a never ending supply of it ) took about 2 hrs from concept to the piece seen in the photos.


I do apologize for the blurriness of the photos, no macro on my digital camera, Ill try to take some with my SLR but I think the general idea is seen in these photos.

[pickin]

Seems noone finds this interesting or new. Must have been talked about in someother thread that I couldnt find. Oh well.

[Gordon Airporte]

Seems noone finds this interesting or new. Must have been talked about in someother thread that I couldnt find. Oh well.

Um, that would probably be me .
viewtopic.php?t=9447&highlight=mildly+inovative
The double-ended one there. (Nice to see the images are still hosted.)

The downside is that you can only really apply torque in one direction (at least that's the case with mine.)
FWIW, I don't use mine anymore, instead I have a couple of wiper blade wrenches that I like.

[vector40]

Your Geocities account keeps going down due to bandwidth overrun.

[master in training]

Your Geocities account keeps going down due to bandwidth overrun.

Exactly, I got a glimpse of it just then, saw 1 picture, but its tiny.

[pickin]

ahh the problem with geocities as usual.

Didnt think about that Ill try and host them elswhere.

[pickin]

ok heres some better pics I hope

[illusion]

Oh man, I'd forgotten about this thread!

Your idea is basicaly what I had found out... in order to function effectively I needed to cut the key away untill it was little more than L shaped, so you may as well simply not bother using the key.

Thanks a lot for posting the photos

[pickin]

I also thought about using keys for this. just cut it down so there is not trace of teeth on it then cut off the head and braze it to another piece of metal at a 90 degree so you could easily get in there with the pick.

[Dartan]

I REALLY like that idea of cutting down a key and using that for a tension wrench. On this Brinks padlock I have, the spring is way to stiff to open it with anything but a really heafty tension wrench. I think using this key idea would be ideal for this padlock. After grinding down the head of the key, you could even attach some spring steel to it so you could have the feeling of a twist-flex wrench, and then just switch to the head when you need more grunt to open the lock.

Hmm...will Walmart (or anyplace that cuts keys for that matter) sell you just blank keys? I can see myself screwing a few keys up before getting this right.

Dave

[devnill]

Hmm...will Walmart (or anyplace that cuts keys for that matter) sell you just blank keys? I can see myself screwing a few keys up before getting this right.

Dave

yeah, i got a few before. even if they for some reason refuse, let them dupe your key, and grind it down further

[stlbolt]

I also thought about using keys for this. just cut it down so there is not trace of teeth on it then cut off the head and braze it to another piece of metal at a 90 degree so you could easily get in there with the pick.

You know, Ive actually thought about the before, Have been to lazy to try and make it but yeah thats a great idea Great mind think alike eh?

[pickin]

one of these days when I get my oxygen tank replaced on my torches Ill give it a try.

[SFGOON]

The gum-chewing, eye rolling, bespecticaled and bepimpeled teenage girl who is the Wal-Mart locksmith will sell you blank keys, trust me.

[pickin]

heh Ive just got to find out when she works... the guy who usually is there at my walmart is one of those old codgers who thinks everyone is out to steal everything!!

Ive got plenty of old master lock keys laying around that I plan on trying this on but first I have to get the "O" tank refilled on my torches so I can braze it right.

Ill let ya all know when I do it and what the outcome was