These are fun locks and are frequently available on Ebay for $10-15.
A unique aspect of picking these locks is that you cannot use normal tension tools: the plug doesn't rotate open, so applying rotational force doesn't really bind the pins properly and, even if it did, you'd be hard-pressed to know when the lock was picked open.
I tried a number of methods, including cleverly-inserted fingers, pry bars, etc., but eventually found the following pretty effective and super-cheap option:
1. Find a medium- or large- sized binder clip (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binder_clip). You probably have some in a drawer somewhere. If not, you may be able to "borrow" one from the supply closet at work
2. Remove one of the silver wire handles. You'll find that they are shaped a bit like a capital omega... a "U" or "V" shape with little legs sticking out.
3. With a couple pairs of pliers or vice grips, rotate each of the legs about 60-70 degrees. You want them to stick out to the sides relative to the plane of the "U" portion of the wire.
4. Using your pliers again, adjust the "U" part of the wire such that the legs are spaced appropriately for your lock.
5. Optionally, file or grind the tips of the wire so that they don't tend to lacerate your hands
To use the tool, squeeze the "U" and insert the legs into the shackle of the lock, roughly perpendicular to the plug and as close as possible to the plug-side of the lock. Start picking. If the tension seems too high, you can either squeeze the spring a bit to let off tension and/or remove and adjust the tension per step (4), above.
I've found the same type of tool to be helpful when picking certain old/antique locks, such as the dual-bitted "6-lever" padlocks made by the likes of Abus. Again, these locks require applying tension directly to the shackle (to set the levers, in this case) and the binder clip tensioner is a nice alternative to prying up on the shackle (which tends to leave unpleasant marks on the lock).
Forgive me if this post duplicates someone else's past post... hopefully, someone will find it useful
Happy picking!
