Is this tension wrench okay to learn with?

[heliophobic_]

*I am a complete beginner to lock picking and have decided to take it up as it would be a handy skill to have*

I recently purchased the small kit pictured below (consisting of 9 different half diamond picks and a tension wrench) and I'm wondering whether or not the tension wrench is okay for me to learn with. So far every other tension wrench has been L shaped whereas this one is not. Help would be much appreciated!

Thanks

[MrAnybody]

Welcome to the forum.

What you have will be just fine to begin with, but it will depend on the keyway of the lock you'd like to practice on. The most important things about tension tools is that they fit well in the keyway, the don't interfere with the first pin in the lock or with you using your pick, and they give you good feedback on any movement of the lock plug.

Try and be gentle with applying tension.

You will find that you will need a few more tension tools as you meet other keyways in order for all of the above to happen. You can make some great ones from the metal inserts of windshield wipers. Use the forum 'Search' function to find out exactly what I'm talking about.

Have fun.

[bioggy]

Welcome, the tension tool is fine my advice that I learned the hard way was light tension! every one says it I just didn't read it . I also make my own tension bars with wiper blades just like MrAnyBody recommended. Good luck

[heliophobic_]

Welcome, the tension tool is fine my advice that I learned the hard way was light tension! every one says it I just didn't read it . I also make my own tension bars with wiper blades just like MrAnyBody recommended. Good luck

Thanks for your help! It's nice to see that the people on here are friendly and welcoming

[KPick]

Yes you're on the right track.
You might also want to try out top of the keyway or wishbone tension wrenches, as a tip. An L shape tension bar is great, but finding the best one for you is also great.

[docjon]

You can also find pics and videos on how to make ur own tension wrenches using bicycle spokes. Not hard and they work quite well. In fact, there are a number of things you can use as tension wrenches. Let ur imagination guide u. Jon

[DennisK]

Yes you're on the right track.
You might also want to try out top of the keyway or wishbone tension wrenches, as a tip. An L shape tension bar is great, but finding the best one for you is also great.

Ah yes,but I have found that I need several sizes/thickness of tensioners to account for the various size/widths of keyways.

[KPick]

True. Dont limit yourself with just 1. I keep about 10 different tension wrenches. Some are home made from windshield wiper blades or bobby pins.