POLL: Preferred tension tool

[p1ckf1sh]

As illusion suggested in this thread I am starting a poll regarding tension tools. I am also very interested in the outcome.

Personally, I use bent wiper blade inserts mostly, but with no flexturn in the handle. So, basicaly I am resting my finger on the thin side if the blade, not the wide one. I get better response doing so, and when using the flex-type I had the problem of coordinating my motoricals... whenever one pin clicked into place and the plug turned a tad bit I subconsciously raised the pressure on the tension tool. I could not get over it, and for some weird reason it won't happen to me when using them without flex.

I have also made some nice ones from coat hanger wire (with the tips filed to give a flat surface). Generally, the less flex my tension tool has, the less problems I have with using too much torque.
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[p1ckf1sh]

I screwed the URL tags. Maybe someone can fix this.

The thread I was referring to is this one:
viewtopic.php?t=11212

[illusion]

I find I pick equaly as well with twist-flex standard wrenches as I do with straight standard wrenches. The single difference between the two is that the twist-flex is just more comfortable to use, but that's really a matter of opinion.

For double sided wafer locks I'd choose a wishbone wrench any day, but it's not of huge use on pin cylinders.

Cheers.

[Jason13]

Sometimes i like to use the none twist flex then it lets me know when im using to much tension by making my finger hurt

[Shrub]

Depends on lock, the keyway decides it, comm ercial ones normally for me but wiper inserts for the modified ones, i tend to modify home made stuff and keep commercial products standard.

It depends on if the lock needs a heavy or light tension, if it requires an evenly distrubuted tension on the plug or if its a tight keyway.

You need a wrench that isnt going to slip but will not hinder picking, it needs to fit the lock but not rub on the cylinder case.

If i had a lock and any wrench could be used to the same effect then i would use a normal wrench i have that is a commercial one but a bit longer than normal and is also a twisted one, an equal 'first choice' is the double pronged wrench and the only one i would even consider for a wafer lock.

[nhughz]

I prefer to use dental picks.

[illusion]

I prefer to use dental picks.

We are talking about wrenches... not picks mate.

[devildog]

Adjustable two prong. Has anyone who's voted and has Falle-Safe's really NOT prefer them?

[Shrub]

Yes me, i dont like them but that said i dont like the full set but again that said ive not tried them much.

I havent actually voted either so i guess this is a pretty pointless post lol

[devildog]

i dont like the full set but again that said ive not tried them much

Wow, really? I've never heard anyone say they just plain didn't like them before. I'd sure be interested in hearing why and also what you generall prefer and why (if it's homemade some pics might be nice also).

[Shrub]

Hmm well ive not a lot to base that assumption on to be honest due to the practise ive had with them but here it goes,

I only got the Falle set recently, it was a good price and i bought them for the sake of it.

I wrote a long post on my dislikes of the falle set then remembered it was about the tension wrenches.

The falle set comes with around 16 normal wrenches, 8 all the same straight ones and 8 all the same twist ones.

There are also 4 adjustable ones which are designated A and B 1 and 2, they are ok but at the moment due to so little use feel strange to use, being right handed i put a normal wrench on the right hand side of the lock and bend my left arm around the top or bottom to use it and pick with my right hand, ive got used to this and it works well, with the Falles i cant do that, you then get 6 set distance wrenches that are double ended, these are the same as the adjustables but one piece, again the same problem arises.

Now im sure with practice they are great and will get used but i dont have the time nor inclanation to practice with them, the picks put me off even trying somewhat as well, they are poorly finished in that they are badly burred (Think of SO's and double it) and even still have the little pips on the edges where they were removed from the sheet when manufatured and far too thin, at 0.65mm thick i will need some sort of handle like the SO's before my big hands will find them comfortable to use.

At the moment i use a mix of the SO wrenches, souber tools double pronged wrenches and home mades, ill sort a pic out tomorrow of some of the wrneches i have, the home mades are simply wiper inserts as they are perfect for such a use.

Ive tried piano wire and other things but wiper inserts are the better ive found.

[zeke79]

My favorite tension tools by far are the Peterson flat 5's.

[nhughz]

I am aware we are talking tension wrenches, i prefer to use dental picks as tension wrenches they give you excellent control when picking.

[reactive]

The one I like at the moment is a piece of hacksaw blade cut down the middle, it's basically a wiper blade. I heated it up to give it a bend with my blowtorch and let it cool naturally so it has a bit of flex... too much pressure and it bends though

[illusion]

I am aware we are talking tension wrenches, i prefer to use dental picks as tension wrenches they give you excellent control when picking.

Ohhh... I had thre HPC Dental style picks confused with what you were suggesting.

I REAAALLLY don't like the way the Falle set was so rough when I got it, and had to sand like a demon to get them smooth. Perhaps paying over £100 for a set of picks and expecting them to be properly finished was asking too much? I think it's a great set of picks however once you sand them down, and they are nice to use, but the price is excessive IMHO.