Am I the only one?

[le.nutzman]

Just wanted to get a feel out there if i'm the only person this has happened to or not. Over a year ago, when I first bought my lockpicks, one of the "must have" tools was a feather touch tension wrench. Man, I was estatic when I got this tool, the ability to basically "self adjust tension" due to security pins was a great idea............or so i thought.

Then I found out that it didn't fit into very many if any keyways, so after some very light modifications, I got it to the point where I could use it as a top keyway tensioner. Thought I was doing pretty good so far.

I have YET to open a lock using this tool. Is it me? Is it the fact that I modified its design to seat better in the locks? For whatever reason it is, this is definitely one tension tool that is a NO when it comes to "must haves" in the carry along kit. Anyone else have this kind of trouble with this tool or am just that big of a bonehead that I can't figure out how to use this tool properly?

Le

[freakparade3]

When I first started I was looking into this tool. I sent a PM to Shrub about it and he ssid it's just a gimmick and was not a necrssary tool. I never bought it. Guess it's a good thing.

[Afisch]

I always presumed they were just for raking locks, I can't see how you can get good tension control or any feedback with a tool like that. I use a tool with a 1/2 twist for raking, and a solid one for SPP. Definately not worth buying then?

[LeeNo]

I voted "headache". I can see what they are used for and how it would help a person to not over-tension, but I use a very light tension and don't see how it would help.

I'd love to hear stories from more experienced pickers that would counter this but I am of the opinion that if you are very aware of what you are doing and have a steady, soft touch then you don't need one.

[JackNco]

I have heard they are great for security pins, but I'm yet to find a key way where it fits well. hell the thing doesn't even really fit in my case right.

For 5.00 euros I would probably replace it if i lost/damaged it just in case but its not something I would recommend anyone starting out to include in a list of tools. I'm sure one day it will, even is just because im making something and need a small piece of wire and the poor thing is to hand.

I wouldnt bother if I was in the states, the only Prices I have seen are $10 (or there abouts) and you are better off getting a few locks or spare picks.

Put the cash towards a bogota set. thats nearly half a set and they are way more use.

John

[ilmr]

I did vote for head-ache, but what they really are is harmless.
With a decent design they could be of some use, I imagine.
But at the moment it's just a random part off an mormusk-ice fishing pole.
(anyone icefish here btw?:)

[LockDFTR]

I voted "Headache"

JackNco said it all. It doesn't fit right in a case, much less a lock! I am still waiting for that magical day when my feather touch opens a lock. I was also going to modify it, but there was no point. I just use the couple wrenches that are my bread and butter.

[FFVison]

Ok, so I guess I was one of the 4 people that voted great idea, though I only think it's a good idea. I can also see why it might be a bad idea also. It doesn't give you as much feedback as a regular wrench. I like using it in the top of the keyway, in front of the first pinstack. The problem with using a regular tension wrench here is that it seems more difficult to apply tension directly to the side of the wrench, and when you try, it seems to like to rotate the wrench and pop out of the top of the keyway. So, I use the feathertouch wrench to apply an even pressure to the direct side of the wrench, and it seems to work better. This is especially handy with restricted keyways where I need the extra room that putting the wrench in the top of the keyway provides. I can also see how it might be useful for raking, though, I suck at raking anyway, so I couldn't even tell you if it helps. But it seems to make sense that it would help. Incidentally, does anyone know if there's a good technique to raking in a restricted keyway?

[JackNco]

Dude cut a wrench down for top tension.



if its still slipping you can push the wrench away from the body of the lock or even cut small teeth in to it.

hope that helps

John

[gstrendkill]

i voted great idea . it is in theory a good idea but the functionality of the tool proves otherwise.