Can you buy a tension wrench set?

[JoeLansing]

I'm a n00b, and have a PXS-14, but I find the tension wrenches limiting. It only comes with 3, 2 fat ones and 1 skinny one. I want a medium one, and each of them with shorter arms. (part that goes in the keyway?)

I see all manner of pick sets for sale. I think my current set has enough picks for my level of pick-fu, but I'd love a flat out 10pc tension wrench set!

To explain my current level I have:
KwikSet POS: too easy
Master padlock clone: Fun not too easy, till it died...lol
Yale: Much smaller keyway than KwikSet only been able to rake it. No SPP yet.
SafeHouse paddleock: Was fun, now too easy
Franklin replacement cylinder: My current favorite. It's 5 pin and smaller keyway like Yale. But I can SPP it, just got it tonight and will probably get bored with it fast. But it was only $3 at ACO hardware..

I also want a thinner small hook than the SPX-14 came with. I get into small keyways it binds too much to use right. I end up having to use a half diamond to feel things in the keyway.

Maybe I've reached the point I should start grinding on the hacksaw blades and little tablesaw blades I bought, using my grinder and Black and Decker Wizard dremel tool? Is this normal progression in Pick-Fu? - Joe

[JoeLansing]

I thought wards were the sideways things in the keyway? But then I see other special picks for warded locks? Duh? What is a ward? I bitched about wanting a smaller hook in the last post because some of the wards? in skinny keyways make the small hook in the PXS-14 hard to use. - Joe

[Gordon Airporte]

No need to buy wrenches - you should get yourself some old (used) windshield wiper blades and make your own out of the metal strips in them. That way you have control over the proportions, and you have enough material that you can experiment some. There are actually several sizes of wiper insert, so if you get enough blades your bound to have different sizes.
Likewise, making your own picks is a step up if you have the right gear. The dremel tool is great, also some needle files and a selection of sandpaper are good to have.

[JoeLansing]

Can I go to like the Instant Oil Change places here in town and get some used free wiper inserts?

And how about smaller hook picks? Should I just grind at the PSX-14 ones I have? If I ruin them, then I'll be forced to make some of my own cuz I'm a cheap old SOB... - Joe

[blake1803]

I also want a thinner small hook than the SPX-14 came with. I get into small keyways it binds too much to use right. I end up having to use a half diamond to feel things in the keyway.

If you're adverse to trying to make one of your own, maybe consider the Peterson slender gem or an HPC 2000 series hook.

As for the tension wrenches, if you want something in between making your own and buying a set, the Peterson U-BEND-IT would be perfect.

Finally, if you do just go ahead and buy some new tension wrenches, there's really no need for a set -- design your own set by buying what you specifically need. That said, I'm fairly certain that Southern Specialties sells a set of tension wrenches, though I can't vouch for them as I've never used them.

Good luck!

[JoeLansing]

Ok, I'll start making my own stuff. Give you guys some pics to laugh at. But if it opens my locks I'll still be happy with my babies. I've got a cheapo grinder from like 8 years ago with coarse and fine wheels. More important my corded Black & Decker Wizard 160pc kit I got 5? years ago hasn't been used exept for a bit of grinding on an SKS. Its probably got 80 cut off wheels.. - Joe

[JoeLansing]

As for the tension wrenches, if you want something in between making your own and buying a set, the Peterson U-BEND-IT would be perfect.

I saw those things!!!! Do I bend them, and then heat treat them? How can a bendable thing work as a tension wrench? Is it just really hard to bend? I wish they had put real info about them on the ad I saw for them. If the assortment is of different widths and thicknesses they might be sweet. The bendable part scares me is all. - Joe

[dsdayl]

read this

viewtopic.php?t=14100&highlight=flat+five

I don't have it yet but gonna get it soon.

DoubleShot Dayl

[freakparade3]

The Foley-Belsaw website has a tool catalog that you can order. The catalog is free and they have many tension wrenches and picks for sale. It's a good deal for anyone who can't afford or does not need a set.