A Better Tension Tool!

by **Bud Wiser** » 23 Sep 2006 23:26

Hi all, not sure if any one has tried this before, most likely some on has and if so pardon me but it wouldn't hurt to discuss it again!

I found a way to reduce the number of tension tools for all my locks. Rather then using 6 or 10 different tension tools, I've come up with a great way to use one tension tool for about 80% of my locks. All I need is to make one more and will be able to use just two *universial* tension tools for all my locks.

I have a large selection of tension tools commercial and home made. I'm not a fan of using tension tools on top of the key way. I prefer the bottom with a snug fit that won't slip and also provide the absolute most room for a pick.

Here it is...

this double end tension tool has two tips that I filed to a point or cone shape.

This allows me to use the same tip for may different size key ways and still have maximum room for the pick.

Making them is very easy. Try it and you will see why I call them "universial" tension tools! Right now I'm just working on the actual design, and not the cosmetics of it. I plan on making one more to fill the gaps I can't do yet. Then I will make them look pretty

All I will need is two tension tools, a small hook, S rake, and a jag rake and I can pick most locks. A 5 pc travelers set.

Give it a try!

by **Romstar** » 23 Sep 2006 23:41

My "euro" tension tools have been this way for about 15 years. Try using a step design rather than a cone and you might be surprised.

I used to make the "euro" tension tools out of round stock, and they were quite comfortable.

Romstar

by **devildog** » 23 Sep 2006 23:43

Yeah, I've seen that stair-step pattern you're talking about, Romstar--doesn't somebody make those? HPC or Peterson or Rytan or someone like that? Anyone have a picture? I swear I've seen pics of them posted on here before...

by **Romstar** » 23 Sep 2006 23:50

devildog wrote:Yeah, I've seen that stair-step pattern you're talking about, Romstar--doesn't somebody make those? HPC or Peterson or Rytan or someone like that? Anyone have a picture? I swear I've seen pics of them posted on here before...

Outside of my own, I do not think that I have ever seen them made by any major pick maker. I am not aware of anything like them in the HPC or Peterson catalogues. SouthOrd is all pretty basic, and Southern Specialties big claim is their ripple handles as far as I can tell.

If anyone DOES know where they have seen them, please provide a link. I will put up apicture or two of mine tomorrow.

Romstar

by **Shrub** » 23 Sep 2006 23:55

I think it was someone on here who posted them but i cant remember who,
I am not aware of any commercial ones either,

by **Bud Wiser** » 23 Sep 2006 23:58

I never seen any thing like mine or the tair stepped ones you and DD mentioned. I would like to see pics of yours.

I've had amazing results so far with mine! I keep the bottom of the tip flat and file down the top so that it can fit more kwyways and stay out of the picks way. I used two widths on this double end tension.

I got the idea from the schlage key blank tension which I tried to make but couldn't do it. During that period I tried various ways to simulate that and in the works came up with this idea.

I actually bought the schlage tension, but my home made tension actually provides me even more pick room then the commercial schlage tension!

by **Shrub** » 23 Sep 2006 23:59

I tell a lie, try This thread :wink:

by **Bud Wiser** » 24 Sep 2006 0:04

thx Shrub! Mine does not slip at all. By using a cone it fits in more different sizes and locks in place.

by **Shrub** » 24 Sep 2006 0:06

Yes ive got a tapered one but rarely use it to be honest but its handy for those small padlocks,

by **Buzzzy** » 24 Sep 2006 0:36

I posted these a while back.

viewtopic.php?t=13573&highlight=

Regards

Buddy

by **Bud Wiser** » 24 Sep 2006 0:51

Buzzzy wrote:I posted these a while back.

viewtopic.php?t=13573&highlight=

Regards

Buddy

cool, thanks! I can't believe that you also tried fishing sinkers! Your not going to believe this, but I'm still working on some thing that uses sinkers! I wanted to come up with a way to be able to measure the amount of tension accurately and be able to repeat it. I sort of scrapped the idea though.

I will try a stepped version, you should also try a non stepped cone version and see what you think. The advantage of no steps is it can fit in more different keyways and locks in place snug.

BTW, Shrub, I used a larger width tapered which works good for larger locks.

by **SFGOON** » 24 Sep 2006 1:04

I file the edges of all my tension wrenches down as if I was trying to sharpen them. I find this helps them fit into more keyways without being too small for others. It also places more surface area against the inner wall of the plug, resulting in greater control and feedback.

by **Schuyler** » 24 Sep 2006 3:55

STEPS!

i ghhate my tension wrenches

i'n egtting more. mayb ethere in boston by now, i'm stoked.

by **Buzzzy** » 24 Sep 2006 10:49

"I will try a stepped version, you should also try a non stepped cone version and see what you think. The advantage of no steps is it can fit in more different keyways and locks in place snug."

Bud, I made a set of wrenches such as you have demonstrated some years ago. On my keyring set I have one of these, and a step design, I do find it usefull or I wouldn't carry it. They each have advantages, on certain locks.

I haven't posted a lot lately, let's just say that my life has been full and challenging for a while.

I will contibute more in the near future, sure have missed it!

Hope everyone has been doing well.

Buddy

A Better Tension Tool!

A Better Tension Tool!

wrenches

Re: wrenches

Wrenches

Who is online