My first picks (advice appreciated)

[Unsightly Picks]

I have several picks i acquired from a friend who attended Defcon but i found them a tad too flexible and thin for my tastes and so this were my solution. I also have a half diamond but the finish is drying on it in the vice. The handles were as thin as i could make them and still have them comfortable. The two on the left will be fitted with matching handles, i just thought i would fish for any alternate suggestions before i did so. The hook half diamond actually started longer and thicker, but the more i used it the more i liked the way i changed it. Is there anything i could do in terms of shape to make them more effective? I find i rather like the hacksaw blades thus far but any other material suggestions would be appreciated. The pick farthest to the right is a file retainer (filing cabinet file) and while it is a tad more flexible than i would like it works well enough also. And the Brinks lock there is my current project unfortunately i have only successfully picked it twice and both times it was luck rather than skill >.< I plan on running down to the local lock shop in the next day or so a buddy suggested i see if they have broken locks i can inspect.

[Schuyler]

Seeing some close ups would help with advice a lot, but first impression is that they look really great for your first attempt.

[Unsightly Picks]

When i get to the house i should be able to get a better picture but here is a closer view of one of the above photos. Thank you for the prompt reply and the praise is much appreciate

[Unsightly Picks]

Well i got some more photos all the picks need a fair bit of cleaning up and so on but so far just playing with them i am rather content. By the way my hands arent entirely filthy i just have varnish and ebony dust on them from grinding a violin nut. Give me your thoughts please

[Schuyler]

Well, you're going to have to wait for the real tool makers to get in here and offer you solid advice, but again, I'm just blown away that these are the first picks you've made. Can't wait to see how you improve from here.

[Unsightly Picks]

I really appreciate the the compliments! i made two others from wiper blades but i just didn't care for them, so i suppose those were technically the first. I am rather frustrated at the moment since i don't have files. I just use a bench grinder then touch them up with sand paper. I have had some fun taking apart doorknobs today and getting a hands on feel for their innards. If i had the tools i would love to disassemble decent padlock like that high security brinks in the photo.

[tjweaver84]

ooo pretty. You did a very good job. Are you sure those are your first picks? How is the feedback with the wooden handles? If you don't mind me asking what type of wood did you use and how did you attach it?

[nostromo]

Nicely done! No shame in 'just a grinder and sandpaper'!!! It's how it is (and been) done by lots of lockies.

May I ask how the wood handles are attached to the metal bodies?

[Unsightly Picks]

Thank you for the feedback! the wood is vine maple, i sanded the picks themselves with a course sandpaper then put on some gorilla glue and clamped them. After they were dry i soaked them in a bit of sealer so they would be a bit more solid and give me a better feel when picking. I still need to clean them up, the smudginess is sealer remnants once i sand them a bit more i think they will look better. I have found that super glue can work for handles like this, but eventually they will come apart, gorilla glue though i have used to much success on steal to wood.