DIY Picks with a file?

[telekenetix]

Just wondering if anyone has made picks out of hacksaw blades only using a file before? And if so, how long did it take?

[zeke79]

I started doing this a couple years ago. I'll let you know when I finish...

[Romstar]

I started doing this a couple years ago. I'll let you know when I finish...

Geez! You took the words right out of my mouth.

Dude, beg, borrow or steal a grinder or a Dremel for a day. You will be really glad you had the assistance.

Romstar

[Schuyler]

heh @ zeke

I've made 2 working keys out of hacksaw blades, so I would say making picks out of them is entirely possible, though I used some other methods to remove the bulk of the metal. If you have a vice, I got the teeth off of mine by securing it in the vice, with only a bit on the top sticking up, then smashed that bit at the top with a hammer over and over until it snapped away.

When I needed to remove a more precise section I took one hacksaw and cut at the one I was working on. So, I was hacksawing my hacksaw blade. Odd situation. However, it works. So you can saw down a little ways on one side of the gap you need removed, then again on the other side, then line it up in the vice and use the hammer trick.

This is all a little primative, but with some clever thinking around the shop to remove the bulk of the metal, you can absolutely make it work in a reasonable amount of time. Best of luck to you!

[zeke79]

Oh, it is definately possible indeed. A grinder is well worth the cash though if you are going to be doing much pick making at all. You can find some great deals on grinders too if you look around your local stores and also if you keep an eye out at harbor freight and places of that nature.

[burchlockkey]

I have made 4 homemade picks using just a file. I used a vise to hold the hacksaw blade and started with a fairly coarse file to remove alot of blade quickly, then go to a finer file to finish with.

I got a set of HPC picks when I was in locksmith class and bought a set of Southord picks after I started making money as a locksmith. But I still like the ones I made better than the store bought ones and I use them more than the store bought ones. I also got ahold of some windshield wiper blade metal and made a couple of torque wrenches that have become my favorites.

How long did it take to make 4 picks? About 2 hours and, yes, they look really rough, but they are the best picks I have.

[Schuyler]

Oh, it is definately possible indeed. A grinder is well worth the cash though if you are going to be doing much pick making at all. You can find some great deals on grinders too if you look around your local stores and also if you keep an eye out at harbor freight and places of that nature.

ah, yeah, I should have ammended my post to say:

"And then I went out and bought a grinder"

it was only 10 bucks, 15 bucks shipped. 1/2 HP and takes a full minute to get up to speed, but it works, man. And it saves a LOT of time.

BUT!

I still say, go ahead and make them with the file. Be clever about it and have some fun. If you're not having any fun? Well, cut it out

[flaming jag]

i have been making picks with a hacksaw being used to cut a hacksaw and a couple of files. For me it takes about 2 hours just to make one pick. Although it takes ages to make a set but it's really rewarding when you do finish.

[telekenetix]

Man a grinder for $25? That is a good deal. I would definitely do that, if it weren't for that fact that I'm in a dorm room and that sound might arouse some suspicions... haha

[telekenetix]

Just took a look at Harbor Freight and was wondering if this would do:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... umber=3150

As I said though, I am in a dorm room. So if its gonna be really loud...I dunno drown it out with louder music? But also, could I use that because I would probably want something mounted and I don't know how I could hold that in one hand and grind in the other.

[darrel.h]

I have tried using one of those and I still have the large scrape on my leg because of it. If you want to get scraped, cut or possibly maimed, go ahead and use one. If not, go for a bench grinder.

[Bittersweet]

We use those in Set Construction to cut off screws that are sticking out, seriously, usless what you're working on is well secured, don't try it! Like darrel.h said

If you want to get scraped, cut or possibly maimed, go ahead and use one. If not, go for a bench grinder.

[parapilot]

I still have the large scrape on my leg because of it.

How did you manage to cut your leg!! I agree though, bench grinder is the way to go. My last one i got for £9 and it works fine, in fact i was only planning it to last for a few months then chuck it and buy another one, but if keeps going!

[flaming jag]

i suggest a bench grinder with a course and fine wheel. Although the second wheel isn't nessessary its really good for a more detailed finish.

[darrel.h]

How did you manage to cut your leg!! I agree though, bench grinder is the way to go. My last one i got for £9 and it works fine, in fact i was only planning it to last for a few months then chuck it and buy another one, but if keeps going!

Well, when you have a angle grinder upside-down on you knee with the wheel inches from your leg, I think you will learn to correct a bad habit quickly.