Flying Tension Wrench

[WolfSpring]

So I'm picking a 5200 and I've had several false sets and about 6 times where everything is falling into place and i hit that last pin feel a release and my tension wrench goes flying, does this means that as i hit that last pin I unlocked it and the spring pressure flipped the wrench away? Or is this just me?

[Schuyler]

Likely just you, brother.

[femurat]

I've had exactly the same issue when I was picking my first American (5200, 2100 1100 I don't remember the number). I was wondering exactly the same question. I answered YES.. it made me feel better
Anyway, I tried again and after a few minutes the lock popped open, so I really believe the answer is yes.

To avoid this you can check the wrench position from time to time, and eventually lightly push it inside.

Cheers

[WolfSpring]

Ithought that too, but I've got like the perfect(or I think perfect scenerio) the last pin to set is the first pin in

[Rift]

When I pick my 5200s nothing like that seems to happen to me. There is no reverse tension with this lock. When I set the last pin in the binding order the tension wrench moves forward slightly and then I open the lock. The click is very slight.

What kind of a tension wrench are you using?

Rift

[WolfSpring]

Top keyway with a windhield wiper bent at about 1/4 inch length

[FarmerFreak]

I'm guessing that you are using top tension. I used to have the flying tension wrench problem. After some (or alot of) practice this problem will go away.

A long time ago I made a custom american tension wrench that basically had to be forced into the top of the keyway. It was a very tight fit, but wouldn't ever fly out. If I still have it I don't know where it is, I haven't used it in years.

Of course none of this is a problem if you are using bottom tension. So considering that the last pin you need to pick is the first pin. You could get a second tension wrench, put it in the bottom of the keyway. Then when you are ready to pick the first pin you can use the bottom tension wrench.

[Rift]

Ahh yeah that will happen with top tension. Iv found what works best for me so far is the Southord TW-02 or TW-03 those are the twist flex ones. Or anything similar to that. They fit nicely at the bottom for me and leave plenty of room for picks.

Rift

[WolfSpring]

So is the flipping out of the keyway a sign that the lock was unlocked? Maybe I'm doing something wrong but when I bottom key I can't get the Wrench and hook in there without hitting all the front pins. I like the idea of setting the first four and putting in a tension wrench at the bottom. I need to work on that though everytime I try that I either put to much pressure or lose the current set pins. I've tried setting my wrench at the very bottom of the key way horizantally when lookint at the lock, but as a lot of posters have said it binds itself on the side of the chamber. I just need to keep practicing. I even tried to put two wrenches in the top keyway, or a piece of metal to bind the wrench to the key way, BAD IDEA, flying t wrench okay, flying scrap of metal, bent paper clip, piece of sweeper blade, it's like God put a magnet in your eye I swear!!! I had a suggesting today the thre and Lbend the end of a short tension wrench and top key like this |L| so it would bind on the side as it turnes, sounds like a good idea, but without a vice or vice grips kinda hard to do, all I have to work with is two Gerbers(multi tool pliers like a leatherman). Thanks for the insight. Has given me some dircection on how to procede.

[Rift]

The flipping out could be the lock opening but I really couldn't say for sure because I can't feel whats happening in your particular case.

Heres the way I use my tension wrench and it has given me absolutely no problems whats so ever.



and



This method along with a slimline Southord pick gives me absolutely no issues at all in terms of space for the pick, or the tension wrench binding with the chamber wall.

As far as the tension part I apply almost feather light tension due to the serrated pins in the lock you will hear and feel several clicks as you push down on them and usually when the pin stops moving its been set. Sometimes however this can get the better of you so it takes some practice. Then there's also (at least with my locks) the spool pins which further add to the confusion since there also serrated at the top and bottom.

Definitely takes some practice but so far, as far as the tension tool goes I haven't had any problems with these locks placing it the way I pictured above. As you can see, there should be plenty of room to fit even a none slimline pick in there.

Rift

[WolfSpring]

AHH probably slimline is what I need, I have the basic ones that came with the 20 piece set, think I have a slim line in there. If not can make one. I was going all the way down the bottom of the keyway |_| like that and it was binding. I could never get my tension wrench under the 2nd ward like that. GIves me something to try today. Thank you.

[Rift]

Let us know how it goes!

[WolfSpring]

Well I stuck with the top keyway picking, and was just doing the whole click click sponge, reset, oh wow an article on ancient Roman locks:\

http://www.nokey.com/ankeymus.html

Thats a cool picture POP! just had to stop thinking about the lock and let the hands do the buisness!!! 5200 defeated!

[WolfSpring]

Thanks for all the advice, this had been bugging me for days. Found this 5200 cut burried in the sand cleaned it up and it took me yesterday afternoon 2 hours, plus this moning hour an 1/2 to get it picked. That flying tension wrench is when I hit that last pin and it's opening, what it is is the leverage vs the opening vs the stoping, I just have to be aware of my last pin and take it slow and be ready to move tension with the wrench as it opens.

[Rift]

Glad to see ya got it open. You just have to choose your approach and keep at it, whatever works best for you. Practice practice practice hehe.

Time for a new lock!

Rift