lock pick set without power tools

[zoukai]

Hey
I was just wondering... is there a way to make lock picks without using power tools?
I don't exactly have a bench grinder or anything of the sort and if i was to buy one... it would be more expensive then the pick set... so does anybody have any recommendations?
and please no paper clips...

Thanks

[jor2daje]

You can make really good picksets with just files.

[barbarian]

If you can find some sweeper bristles, or maybe wiper inserts, files and fine sandpaper work very well.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8205

[ToolyMcgee]

All you really need is some bristle, locking pliers, files, a solid bench/stump and your meathooks. Raimundo's documents:
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8205

He does it old school, but he is a greater man than most. I've done it a handful of times out of necessity, but in front of the grinder is where I want to be if I'm making picks. Files within arms reach in my toolbox.

-Tooly

[Olson Burry]

That is where I'm happiest too, grinder first then files to finish. It can be done with just files but you'll be wanting good quality ones and they can be more expensive than you think.

Really a bench grinder shouldn't cost much more than a medium sized set of picks, I would be surprised if you couldn't find one for $30 or so, and it will last nearly forever if you look after it.

That said, if you're going to file picks, you'll want a suitably sized bit of material to begin with so you don't have to file too much. As stated, sweeper bristles if you can find them (our sweepers have nylon brushes :\ ) or wiper inserts. Another choice would be feeler gauge stock maybe.

[Legion303]

You can do it by hand with files, but eventually you'll realize a $20 Dremel is worth the reduction in time you'll spend hunched over a vise. :P

-steve

[tballard]

The more tools I make, the less time I spend on the bench grinder and the dremel. I obviously still use them, but a good 10-inch bastard (wonder if the filter will allow that...) mill file will take phenomenal amount of steel away when the workpiece is secured properly. Proper clamping is key. When you hold a workpiece by hand, the amount of cutting power eaten up by vibration is significant.

[tballard]

... a good 10-inch dog (wonder if the filter will allow that...)

In what world is "dog" a valid substitution for b@stard? The type of file you want is called a b@stard-cut, this is the real name of the cut and it is pretty much the most aggressive cut there is. (Actually there is one more, called Dreadnought, which is used for aluminum and other soft materials. I've always wanted one just cuz the name is cool.) Fortunately, it is the most common type. (In fact, it can be hard to find anything other in hardware stores)

[unlisted]

... a good 10-inch dog (wonder if the filter will allow that...)

In what world is "dog" a valid substitution for b@stard? The type of file you want is called a b@stard-cut, this is the real name of the cut and it is pretty much the most aggressive cut there is. (Actually there is one more, called Dreadnought, which is used for aluminum and other soft materials. I've always wanted one just cuz the name is cool.) Fortunately, it is the most common type. (In fact, it can be hard to find anything other in hardware stores)

Well you can "Thank" the automatic language filter for that one..

Normally a mod is supposed to give you trouble for "byp@ss!ng" that filter, but I'll let this one slide, as your using it in "good faith" context to describe a tool by the proper name.

Heh, could you imagine if this was a site on "Breeding B!tches" for animal lovers? (you know, a female dog?) I bet most of the context would be blocked by that filter..

[vap0r]

A bench grinder only costs $20-$30. A decent set of files costs about the same. Then again, a dremel tool starts at $40. If you want quality picks, it's worth the expense and trouble of making them yourself.

[raimundo]

look for my name under tutorials, there is some information there,

go to a jewelers shop and look at his work bench, there is a piece there that is called a bench pin, this is a piece of wood that has various cuts on it that can be use to hold a piece of metal while filing, this is very convenient for making picks as you can lift the workpiece after every stroke and examine it quickly to see where to concentrate the next stroke of the file.

do not rub files rapidly back and forth on the work piece, this simply friction heats the file and then bends the thin sharp edges down while back stroking makeing the file less effective and dull sooner as well as producing hooks that hold metal into the groves of the file. be patient, stroke the file and look then stroke it again always forward never resetting it by dragging it across the work piece.

patient is the key to good work.

[averagejoe]

umm, I actually think that's a spam bot that forgot to make a product link. There was one saying that exact same thing. Think it was for pills.

[MrScruff]

Some spammers are a little more clever than the average, leaving the link out for now was probably deliberate. They have their bot make one or two innocuous posts to get by automated filters and make it harder for mods to determine whether they're a legitimate person or a bot. Once they pass the suspicion test they kick into high gear and start posting links, sometimes with stories so tailored to the site they're on you have a hard time realizing they're trying to sell you something until you've read six paragraphs.

(This is where I have an overwhelming urge to post an ad for Viagra but I like it here and don't want to get banned. )

[Moosekace]

There are several used and new bench grinders under $25 on ebay. Even one from harbor freight or somewhere similar will probably last forever as long as you don't abuse it.

[Squelchtone]

you're all replying to a 2 year old dead thread... just sayin.

I noticed too many people who are new to this and interested in picking are flat out some of the cheapest people I've ever encountered.

Everyone wants a full pickset for $5, and those who want to make their own pick sets would rather spend 100 man hours with a hand file rather than pony up $35 dollars for something like this http://www.harborfreight.com/bench-grin ... 43533.html

Stop being so F'in cheap people. I don't care if you "don't want to invest a lot in a new hobby I'm not sure I'm gonna like."

Also, if you can afford high speed internet to ask questions here about how to make picks on the cheap, you can afford to either just buy a basic Southord set already, or go to Harbor Freight and spend some cash on some tools.

/rant

Squelchtone