Got street sweeper bristles...now what?

[Lando2]

Ok, I just found some good semi-rusted bristles, anyone reading this should know what they look like. So what I want to know is what to do next. I am able to get some files (sculpting type) if needed. Also, could I use one as a tension wrench, and how thick, wide, or high should both wrench and tool be? Any links/tutorials would help.

[tweed]

might be a good idea to have a look at ppls homemade sets or any lockpick site. just view what others have or what is being sold and try to fashion your tools according to whats out there.

[vjbeau]

Now get decent Dremel tool and search this board for making your own. Search google too and you will be good to go!

[krept]

off the bat, you'll want to see how much the rust may have impacted the bristles for two major reasons: 1) you'll want to have the actual pick area where it makes contact with the pins to be as mirror polished as possible. Rust frequently causes pitting, which will lead to a more abraisive surface than it should be. 2) Rust definitely weakens the metal and can cause it to snap very easily. So... before you start working it, you should see if the rust has compromised it.

I have sever different sets of files and in my opinion, the ones that work the best for some reason are the type used specifically to sharpen chainsaw blades. Perhaps it is because the grooves of the file are finer? They work well.

Raimundo, the guy who introduced the Bogota style pick, basically uses chainsaw files and sandpaper along with a bunch of elbow grease. What I'm saying is that apparently powered tools are not necessary and can easily wreck a piece if you do not have finesse with them.

If you are thinking about making the Bogota style picks, there is a tutorial on this site, just search for "Bogota how to documents" or something like that. With those, the handle of each pick is a tension wrench.

[Lando2]

Well, the rust on em doesn't affect malability, It's really hard to bend them, but can be done with a vice or something. It has a coat of rust that I'm trying to polish/get rid of but theya re pretty good. I guess I'll search, but I haven't really seen exact length or anything, if anyone could help of gimme a direct link to a Guide with precise measurements or something. I'm practising on a normal (About 5 pin) lock, I haven't really gotten in there yet.

[krept]

ok, i'm super new to this but perhaps my comments can help... a little...

as far as an overall length, i'd go off of two things. one being "where do you want to keep them" and the other being what your preference is. If you are going to keep them in a particular location, for example, the pocket of a wallet like I do mine, then the maximum length will be dictated by this.

If you don't have an overall limit, then look at the distance you would normally pick at. For example, take a paper clip and bend it into the shape of a pick that you are thinking... i.e. make a rough equivalent of the distance from the tip of the pick to what forms the handle. That you can use as a rough template for the overall length of your pick.

In my opinion, the critical part is the height of the ridge that forms the working surface of the pick... on a skeletonized half diamond or a hook. For a rake, it will be the same, plus the distance between the peaks of the diamonds. I used a Southord "M" shaped rake to gauge the distance between the peaks when i made mine. The true Bogota rake has a greater distance between the peaks and blows mine away. Perhaps you should look at the distance between the pins on the lock you are trying to pick and use that as a base distance to make a rake, if that's what you intend to do.

in all honesty, i feel it is best to purchase a pick or set of picks made by someone who knows what they are doing, just so you can get an idea of the scale and then find out a) what works for you and b) if something works but is too tough to make, you will at least know where to put good money towards a high quality pick.

Definitely look for the how-to Bogota guide... that's where the effectiveness of a street sweeper bristle is truly maximized.

again, i started literally when i registered here so there are many who know a lot more than i do.

cheers

[mckutzy]

ahhh young padiwan, u too will becom a jedi master.....

[vjbeau]

Lando2

Hello and glad to see you attempting to make your own picks...cool!
Don't take this the wrong way..I'm trying to help.
You really have to learn how to search for yourself. Don't be impatient and you will find anything you want.

I went to google and typed in "making lock picks". Guess what I found?

[warlockx]

congratulations looks awesome

[bonez]

what loks awesome

[illusion]

I look awesome!

[EGOOT247]

The picks that he hasn't yet made look awesome.

I think .

[triman247]

I just took a walk around the block and found ten 1 foot street sweeper bristles, and I have to just point out that it seems like their easier to find on steeperstreets because when it snows those are the ones that they put sand on. So in the spring, those are the ones they sweep.

So if anyone is looking for any, try the steeper streets in your neighborhood.


triman

[jordyh]

So if anyone is looking for any, try the steeper streets in your neighborhood.

Holland is flat.

[undeadspacehippie]

This morning I awoke fairly early considering it was my day off. Nobody else was home and I decided I would go out into the garage and check out some new metal I picked up last night. While grinding down a pick I heard this amazing noise, I could not believe it. I had never heard it before in my life but it was instantly recognizable - it was our beloved street sweeper. This is the first time I have ever seen one operating within the City of Windsor. I followed it for about 2 blocks, but I could not find any bristles - I plan on taking another walk later on to see if I can find any strays that it may have deposited.

QUESTION - If the machine is right off the lot new will the bristles break off and fall into the streets? This machine was extremely new, the enamel finish was glistening, but that could have been the love in my eyes when I saw those huge brushes with all those picks, err ummm bristles.