My Perfect Spring Steel (Where can I get this?)

[IndigoChild]

I found the perfect spring steel for my custom lockpicks. I used a piece to make two slightly over sized picks (though still functional) and everything about this spring steel is perfect. I found a second piece of it today same length as before so I thought I would measure it and show it to you because it may be readily available as something like windshield wiper blades or street sweeper bristles. If you recognize it or know of a shop where I can order from please share. Here are some pics with measurements.

Raw Material next to Hand Made Lockpicks.


Comparison for size.


Width .253


Thickness .035


Now you might be thinking thats too thick. Well.... It is but when your done sanding the lockpick it will be as thick as you want it. I dont mind investing a little more sanding time to get a better finish free of pits and marks. This metal has a good surface for writing with pencil or fine point markers. It is very ridged for its thickness but strong as well. I find it very tough to break. I get so much feedback in my picks. Anyways if you guys know what this is and where to get it please let me know.

[Altashot]

HPC sells an assortment of spring steel that looks much like what you have.

M.

[IndigoChild]

Yes it does look like some of those. But I cant see my self spending so much for 2-3 pieces per tube.

[Altashot]

Try your local locksmith or machine shop, they may sell you a piece.

M.

[IndigoChild]

Well thats the thing. I am the local locksmith.

[Altashot]

LOL! Ok then! Find yourself a clock spring or a spring that can be found in the recoil mechanisms of vacuum cords. If you want heavier, use a spring used in the recoil mechanism of small engines. Chain saws, mowers, boat engines...It's pretty much the same steel and a coil lasts a long time. Just straighten out what you need with a vice.

M.

[IndigoChild]

Actually I have been doing some searching around and I found in a thread on this site McMaster - Carr and I bet I can get strips the exact size I want from them.

[lockstar5000]

I am also interested in spring steel from McMaster-Carr. I measured my picks at 0.02", but unsure of the grade of spring steel to get. I assume you are talking about the shim stock sheets? I imagine I would order sheets vs. rolls to avoid straightening in a vise as mentioned above.

Spring Steel Shim Stock
Spring steel is cold rolled and magnetic, has good wear resistance, and handles repeated stress well. Grade 1095 is also known as blue-tempered steel; Grade 1075 is also known as scaleless blue steel.

Which is best for pick making, 1095 blue tempered or 1075 scaleless blue? Also do you agree with using 0.02" thickness as optimal pick stock?

[IndigoChild]

Hey Lock Star I am not really sure but in the shop when I am sorting the steel out I toss the blue tinted spring steel to the side. It doesnt really seem good enough to be a pick. Far too flimsy. If its the same stuff I don't know. But .020 seems a bit thin if your planning on sanding it down. You will end up with something much thinner. I am leaning towards ordering sheets of .032 because like you said. avoid the vice.

[lockstar5000]

Yes thank you, I forgot about sanding, .032 would be a better choice. What is your cutting tool/method? I'm thinking a grinding wheel, some other ideas can be found here (mostly tools which I don't have/have access too, i.e. water jet):
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/ge ... el-179615/

[zeke79]

Looks like the spring steel from a small sink drain snake. About $8 for 12' at lowes. They come in a small carry handle that the snake winds into.

[IndigoChild]

Looks like the spring steel from a small sink drain snake. About $8 for 12' at lowes. They come in a small carry handle that the snake winds into.

I think you might be right. I will have to go take a look. If I recall they are bands with a hook at the end. sorta like electrical wiring snakes.

Yes thank you, I forgot about sanding, .032 would be a better choice. What is your cutting tool/method? I'm thinking a grinding wheel, some other ideas can be found here (mostly tools which I don't have/have access too, i.e. water jet):
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/ge ... el-179615/

I prefer this thickness because I am used to it already but if you are used to cutting and filing saw blades maybe try a .025 or somewhere around there. Also I use a variety of chain saw files. they eat through the metal and get you going quick. I do use a grinder though to grind out the rough shape but my hand work is where its all really made. But if you grind like I do make sure to keep the metal cool. then I wrap my sand paper around a chainsaw file and tape it. I throw it in a chuck and use that to grind my edges with. you can go all the way to 2000 grit though I dont know why you would. 800 gets a mirror finish. for the faces.... i spend about an hour per pick (including time lost to customers) and I just sand away at it.

[femurat]

I wrap my sand paper around a chainsaw file and tape it. I throw it in a chuck and use that to grind my edges with.

I'm curios to see a picture of it...

Thanks

[IndigoChild]

To satisfy your curiosity.

[femurat]

Thanks IndigoChild, I'm surprised a piece of tape is enough to hold the sandpaper in place. Well the chuck is helping too, and I think you wrap it the right way. A dremel sanding band is the commercial product, you invented a great alternative.

Cheers