Serrated non-flat wrenches

[Gordon Airporte]

I realized the other day that you can cut teeth like on the Peterson Flat wrenches into regular non-flat wrenches (bent over wiper blades). I tried it with a short-bladed wrench designed for the top of the keyway and I think it's an improvement - particularly where the blade has to reach down to a slightly recessed keyway so the handle can't be flush with the plug face. The wrench isn't as prone to twisting, or slipping out when you let off tension.
I don't think this treatment makes much sense for wrenches made for the bottom of the keyway, where the extra length keeps the wrench from slipping.
To cut the teeth I used a triangular needle file and a magnifying lamp, counting strokes with the file to help keep things regular. They may not be quite as even as on a Peterson, but they do the job.

While I was fine-tuning the length of the blade with a heavy file I also realized that if you leave the burr the filing creates it will help to grip the keyway, so that might be a good treatment for your wrenches too.

[Eyes_Only]

I think the Peterson serrated wrenches were designed with it to be used at the top of the keyway like you've noticed.

A lot of keyways (even non-high security locks) have some degree of complex warding patterns that makes it real hard for the wrench and the pick to share the same area of entrance to the lock. I personally always place my wrench at the top to allow maximum working room for my picks.

[Ermis]

placing the tension at the top of the key way approach works great for tight locks, especially certain padlocks which will remain anonymous, mailbox locks and file cabinets. There is just no way to work my picks normally in those conditions with my favorite tension wrench.

[Eyes_Only]

Actually I think Peterson already makes the type of serrated tension wrenches Gordon fashioned himself, http://www.peterson-international.com/tensiontools.htm

[JackNco]

$24! at those prices I think ill be modding some cheapy SO tools to try the idea out.

[Gordon Airporte]

Actually I think Peterson already makes the type of serrated tension wrenches Gordon fashioned himself, http://www.peterson-international.com/tensiontools.htm

Aw, well I guess I saw that coming. Probably subconscious influence.
But those blades all look pretty long... and the bend isn't very sharp... Nope, I like mine .
The burr thing is new, I think. Chances are that's what's doing most of the work for me. You can see it reflecting along the tip of the blade here:



(This is made for a specific lock, so there are only teeth on the bit that actually enters the keyway.)

I forgot to mention another fine point - the edge of the wiper blade is slightly rounded, so the teeth will bite better if it's filed down square to the sides before the teeth are cut. You can see how in the picture.