DIY electric pick

[lockstar5000]

I am going to try to build a homemade electric pick, went to the science surplus store and bought 8 little DC motors ranging in price from 35 cents to 2.75. What is the optimal range of motion (up and down) that the pick will travel? I am thinking about 1/16" to 1/8", but does anyone know what the ideal distance is?

[Altashot]

There is no ideal range of motion. It depends on the lock and how you use the pick. That is why most electric pick guns have a screw to limit the up and down movement of the needle so you can set it for optimal movement for a particular lock or your technique or your preference. I think 1/8" would be enough but if you could adjust the motion, I would go maybe with 3/16" to a 1/4". Then you could turn it down from there.

M.

[lockstar5000]

ok that makes sense. The principle is that the pick "bounces" the pins up into the chamber with tension applied so that the pin sets at the shear line, right? Just like regular picking but really quickly?

[Altashot]

Pretty much. It's like a Newton's cradle or playing pool. When the queue ball hits another ball it transfers it's energy to the other ball. The queue stops and the other ball starts moving. It's not exactly like that but it's a good way to explain and visualize it.

M.

[LockDocWa]

I think the term you are looking for is KINETIC energy