Homebrew pick set

[pick_maker]

Some recent experiments and the business end of the snake. Note the blue temper on the edges. People have asked if this will work for slim line style picks- yes, all you need to do is grind down the end that fits in the keyway and you have it.

[zeke79]

by far the best homemade picks I have seen. Keep up the good work!!!!!

[Romstar]

Some recent experiments and the business end of the snake. Note the blue temper on the edges. People have asked if this will work for slim line style picks- yes, all you need to do is grind down the end that fits in the keyway and you have it.

I believe I talked about the slim line style picks when I described, and showed my original pick set, made from this same material.

I just got done comparing thicknesses of materials. 1 Ilco lifter pick, 1 hacksaw lifter pick, 1 plumbing snake lifter pick. The plumbing snake I used absolutely didn't need any sanding or grinding on the side to make it thinner. The hacksaw blade appeared to be the smae thickness as the Ilco lifter pick. Tomorrow when I go down to the shop, I'll take the micrometer to the stocks I use and give you exact measurements.

At this stage, I'd hazard to say that the flat plumbing snake is already the proper thickness for the slimline style picks.

Romstar

[Romstar]

Before this becomes a pile of pick blanks... You will need a pliers to pull the end out it's wound so tight. Pretty amazing this stuff is so flexible.

Jea-sus!

No wonder I'm getting reports of $6.00 and $9.00 plumbing snakes. Mine come in a little plastic thing that looks like a cross with the ends folded over to hold the snake.

Could you take the time to measure the width of yours? I discovered that one of the snakes I am using is more narrow than one from before. I'd like to know how wide yours is.

Thanks,
Romstar

[raimundo]

beautifully done, and sanded too, I can see that from the light flashing on the edges of some of the picks, Grinder or files?, I would be suprised if this is possible without files. Did you say what your metal stock was, other than coathanger? I also see that you are a designer. some of those are unique. Next project, think about the handles, straight popsicle handles are an ergonomic flaw of all commercial picks. Don't quit making them, you are off to a good start, It can only get better. Try some of the high security lock forms as well. Congradulations. Well Done.

[pick_maker]

Thanks Raimundo, kind words. I have your tutorial saved- you can see your own sanding tips were very helpful. Would fish tape be an acceptable substitute stock for the sweeper bristles you used? I agree on the ergonomics issue you raised. My winter gloves are size XL and thats a snug fit so these picks are puny in my hands yet useful. For this project I wanted to see how many picks could be fit in the case so ergonomics went out the door. My very first homemade set of hacksaw picks- pre-Pyro- I pop riveted sheet aluminum handles. Nice fit in the hand but even six are bulky and couldn't fit many in a case.

[Chucklz]

My Fishtape is 7mm wide spring steel. I only paid 5 dollars for it, but as I actually do run cable occasionally, I havent given into the temptation of making picks....yet.

[Still Learning]

Just out of curiosity, and Chucklz this probably applies most to you since you are closest to me geographically, but where did you buy your fish tape? All the places like Home Depot and the like around here want over $30 for either Flat Plumbing snake or Fish Tape. Somewhat frustrating for the aspiring pick maker.
I have so much inspiration from you guys and your pick sets, and only a very limited supply of material to cannibalize for my meager attempts to emulate the skills of the many pick makers in this community.

[Chucklz]

I got mine , a 20 foot model made by Gardner Bender in a place called Ollie's Discount Warehouse in Allentown PA. Next time I am there, Im definately going to have to pick another one up.

[Exodus5000]

Could you take the time to measure the width of yours? I discovered that one of the snakes I am using is more narrow than one from before. I'd like to know how wide yours is.

Thanks,
Romstar

I went out and bought this product today. The spring steel snake I have is 1/4 an inch in width.

[pick_maker]

I recently made a wafer pick out of .062 thick brass. Picking goes even faster but it does feel softer compared to my brass padlock keys and I'm sure over time, some cut wear or bending would happen from regular use. If anyone could share what typical key composition is that would be great.

[kuefler]

Hey man, how much would you charge a guy if you were to make him a full set of those picks?

something like http://lockpicks.com/index.asp?PageActi ... ProdID=285 minus the sesane decoder, plug spinner, tubular pics, etc... y'know, just the stuff you can produce the way you do.

Although, I dunno about you but IMO producing a set like that would be.... tedious at best. Probably best to just buy the actually factory made kit eh?

nice picks man, nice.

[pick_maker]

Thanks. This was not my first DIY set and it takes some hand finishing after the pick shape is finalized- those double and triple ball rakes were the most difficult to get the proportions right. But after I watched pyro1234321's pick making video it seemed not as difficult as imagined and the satisfaction of making a working pick propels you to try experiments.

[pick_maker]

My first DIY set made from hacksaw blades. Handles are 1/8 inch pop riveted sheet aluminum. The case is a cheap nylon billfold sewn into a $6.00 zippered edge address organizer. Tension wrenches are tempered fish tape. If you are going to use fish tape steel stock, tempering is required as it is not made to bend at extreme angles.

[WhiteHat]

stop it man! you're putting us all to shame!