having a hard time picking materials

[secretoff]

I am having a hard time picking materials.
I need good materials for lockpicks
I dont have a grinder (elecrical) I need metals that are easy to cut whit metal scizors and can be easyly tempered whit.

Do you know eny good materials that are in stores or can be got not by ordering.

ps. do nor post replies about buyng lockpicks unles they are realy cheap.

[raimundo]

metal strapping, often called brick strap is probably available, and a mechanic can probably find you some windshield wiper stiffener, but that comes in various types, and not all are the best to make picks from, but some is great for it.
plumbing snake is used and works well, sweeper bristle may be available, right on the street.
feeler guage is also good,

none of these can be cut with a sissors for cloth, but I assume you meant the 'tin snips' sort of metalworking sissors. you will need a flat file that is sharp. files that have laid around in tool boxes with a lot of other hardened steel tools pounding the sharp off it and rusting, will not serve well. Some files made in pakistan or china are not good, but are cheap. swiss or swedish files are good. Also austrian bludan (bludanube) are good.

[Eyes_Only]

I've tried "cutting" metals with some snipping tools trying to make lockpicks in the past myself. Believe me, it is mind numbing work. Plus any strips of metal that can be cut with tin snip/scissor type tool would probably be too weak and will bend out of shape easily while in the cutting process or once you put it to use.

Raimundo is right about the files, they're better tools to work with.

[argolor]

the cheapest way to make reasonable picks would be to buy a cheap dremel tool for around 8-10$ american and several very cheap hacksaw blades, preferably no more than 50 cents each.

[New-York-Locksmith]

I've tried "cutting" metals with some snipping tools trying to make lockpicks in the past myself. Believe me, it is mind numbing work. Plus any strips of metal that can be cut with tin snip/scissor type tool would probably be too weak and will bend out of shape easily while in the cutting process or once you put it to use.

Raimundo is right about the files, they're better tools to work with.

Yeah I agree

[ObiWonShinobi]

No power tools needed.
No tin snips.
I'm sure in Lithuania you can find OLD windsheild wipers.
tear them apart and there are metal strips inside that are
PERFECT for making picks.

Make a set of Raimundo's famous "Bogota" picks.
http://www.joshnekrep.com/stuff/raimundo/bogota.html
or
viewtopic.php?t=8205


I havent had time to make mine yet,
but everyone who has loves em.
(I'm suprised Rai didn't say anything... he DID answer this post)
Ray has been known to make em for folks too..

Check the buy/sell/trade section:
viewtopic.php?t=24268

all you need is some wiper blades, a few files and some sandpaper.
A vice would be nice to have, to keep work steady....
but two heavy rocks or cinderblocks pressed close might work.
BETTER YET - Put the metal in a tight fitting door frame and CLOSE IT.
Or... you can just do it by hand

If you wanna buy some.... or if you wanna ask Raimundo for advice:
profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=2542
Try the PM button.

You might even try cutting SMALL hacksaw blades with a file...
but it will take you some time.....
and they wont bend as nicely to make the pretty handles.

---------

Tension tools can also be made from wiper inserts,
or Metal street sweeper bristles.
See These posts:

Kaotik:
viewtopic.php?t=17220
You can use wipers instead... and bend by hand if you cant heat
the metal.... they wont be quite as pretty... but functional.

BlackPowderMan:
viewtopic.php?t=19285
Once again, bend instead of weld, not pretty....but...
Will work better than your finger....

Best of all....... FREE!!!