Homemade Tubular Pick

by **Exodus5000** » 16 Jun 2004 0:02

I've searched and read up on how to make one of these, I know pyro1234321 has attempted it a few times but I have not heard much recently on how it turned out. I am posed with the same problem he has had, and that is how do I connect the feeler picks around the perimeter of my pick so that they won't cross over each other, and will only move in a linear motion. Rubber bands are worthless, my other idea was maybe a rubber washer, but I expect it to be equally as worthless. This is my construction so that someone could provide some insight:

I have a blank tubular key I ground down on a bit so that the feelers picks should fit past it, I ground off the handle and epoxied it inside a 3 inch length of copper tubing (with a handle on the opposite end.) I'm using 7 bobbie pins with the jagged end cut off so i have an "L" shape that seems to work beautifully for feeler picks.

The final stage is I just need to connect the feeler pins so they'll work properly!

by **frollard** » 16 Jun 2004 1:30

I dont have one, but it seems they fit in a slight groove milled into the pick shaft.

by **benzy2** » 16 Jun 2004 2:27

Yes a groove would be a must. You could eithe run a groove down the body and let the pins sit a little lower or you could use two orings and notch them slightly. This would keep your pins at the same height and should hold them still. The only problem i see with the orings is that over time they do expand and that would ruin the entire pick when an oring goes. If you can do it i would go with the grooved body over the orings.

by **Hojo** » 16 Jun 2004 4:53

Mabey you cound get a metal washer and file in little groves and file the center hole so it fits ofer the pipe, I have also heard that when you buy tubular picks they are very sticky and heavly greased, so mabey keep it greased up well and that should make it a more solid hold of the feelers of course I havent tryed to make a tubular pick nor do I own one so if it doesnt work Sorry its just an idea....Well good luck and when you finish I would like to host some pictures for you....

by **Exodus5000** » 16 Jun 2004 15:11

Good news, went out to the hardware store and bought 2 O-rings that would fit snugly on the pick. It holds the feeler picks very well. Now I need to try it out, unfortunately since i've never had this kind of pick before i'm unsure of one part of the procedure. How far do i insert the pick, should the feeler picks be the only thing touching it? If so, how do i turn the plug once i have the pins set to the right height.

My original plan was to insert it so that the key blank is in just far enough to create tension after i set the pins, but not far enough to acctually be touching the pins.

PS: I'll take pictures when i get a means of doing so.

by **Hojo** » 16 Jun 2004 19:00

Ok so if you dont know how to pick them I downloaded a video of how to do it so search the formus for it (sorry I cant get the link im on a VERY slow internet so Its taking to long.....

by **technik** » 17 Jun 2004 7:41

make sure you post some pics exodus when its done

by **Exodus5000** » 17 Jun 2004 11:17

technik wrote:make sure you post some pics exodus when its done

I'm going to make sure it functions before I take pics

but then you can expect to see them popping up in here.

by **WhiskeyTango** » 23 Jul 2004 18:43

hey exodous does it work did you take a pic?i want to make a tube also

by **Exodus5000** » 23 Jul 2004 22:36

Worked mediocre at best. I find i can pick tubular lock single pin relatively quikly.

by **quazimodo** » 24 Jul 2004 3:59

the only feasible option for a proper pick that you can use constantly and consistanty is to get one machined out of stainless or spring steel

the whole oring idea is alright, but if there is one thing that i have learnt from computer modding and constructing watercoolers for my cpus, etc, is that its best to spend a whole $200 and have the perfect thing rather then $20 here, $30 there and so on for a half arsed object

anyway just my 0.02

by **Retrovertigo** » 24 Jul 2004 20:10

Yea.. I agree with you on that. But for those who cannot afford it or are just starting out in the industry, or just a hobby Ace picks are spendy little suckers.

These are the ones I own:

Southord picks are more expensive than most but... you get what you pay for.

by **Luke** » 24 Jul 2004 20:49

Southords seem to be the same price as most of the other ones actually.

by **LOCKITIS** » 27 Oct 2004 19:03

ive made several of these picks i like using pro-poxy for a handle it also works as the tension, if you need it tighter bend the pin.

by **skold** » 29 Oct 2004 2:38

i'm making one as we speak, lathed to correct size and adding an o - ring for the feelers

Homemade Tubular Pick

Homemade Tubular Pick

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Ok well

tubular pick

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