Materials for DIY picks

[mrnico]

We used hacksaw blades, but another, better material was stripper clips from SKS ammo. It is a harder steel, and makes for nice long-wearing picks with the bonus of an integral handle with rolled edges vs the sharp edge of a flat hacksaw blade.

[Anero]

do you have pictures of the material?

[mrnico]

Yes, I do have a few pics I just took.

http://cards.webshots.com/invite/myphot ... 8244lhDaxK

Nick

[mrnico]

oops, that is the wrong link. Try:

http://community.webshots.com/user/nickjandrews

Nick

[Anero]

very nice.

and nice find on the material that is different

[raimundo]

its been quite a while since a "new pickmaking material" thead has actually come up with something new. You got a few extras for me? I'd like to see what other designs could be made from those.

Let me see if I can list the common materials,
hacksawblades more material to waste, can have temper issues
mini hacksawblades less to waste out, but still temper issues
sweeper bristle prefered for having the least to remove
wiper stiffener exellent stainless
feeler guage 12 inch FG is excellent tool steel
bladed bike spokes, very good but a lot of work, stainless
electricians fish tape sometimes a bit thick but you can do it
plumbing snake execellent choice for lots of picks cheap

add stripper clips to the list. temperd spring steel,rolled edges.

Ok what else? Im sure I forgot something, by the way, those filecabinet folder hangers are not such good steel by comparison to the other materials. but adequate especially for warded lock picks.

[freakparade3]

You forgot the underwire from a bra Ray!!!

[mrnico]

I only have those three left. They have become a bit less common since they outlawed import of some ammo types. Next time there is a gun show I will see if I can pick some up. You can sometimes buy them by themselves without the ammo on them.

I have not made any new picks in years, since I got some commercial ones. But maybe I should try again for some of the more exotic rakes...

[MacGyver101]

If you're working on tools with larger dimensions, "cabinet scrapers" (used in wood (re)finishing) are excellent -- they come in sheets about 6"x3", in various thicknesses, and have a good combination of hardness and flexibility.

[Everett]

I tried nearly all of those listed materials until I found car oil dip-sticks. They are the best material (and shape) for making picks by a huge margin. Has anyone else ever used them? Go pick up a few at a junkyard--they are amazing.

[Anero]

I've thought about using an Oil dip stick before but i havn't been to the junk yard lately, can't find many of my car there

[raimundo]

I also forgot the stainless headband from cheap walkman earfones, and the flat steel coil spring from a wind up type of lawnmower starter, you can buy the spring at a small engine repair shop.

[raimundo]

I also forgot that some people grind them from allen wrenchs, I do not reccommend this method, but really cheap stainless steak knifes are good material, but require a lot of wasting on a grinder.

[muskratt]

ive used putty knifes and i find that if you can find a thin strong one, they can be excellent.

[raimundo]

I watched a show called "How its made" about making putty knives, I love that show, and I learned from the one on putty knives that they are thinned a bit toward the tip of the blade, for flexibility. Its a great show on the Discovery Channel. they even have one on the Dudley combo locks.