Mini picks

[sentientsentinel]

Does anyone know of a place that sells mini picks for smaller padlocks? I have a padlock from china thats called a tru-bolt 1 1/2 and its still giving me fits.I'm thinking about getting some bolt cutters just so I can say a baby padlock can't beat me.

[deralian]

Jut make a turning wrench that will fit. There are tons of posts on how to make your own tools in the hombrew section.

[GWiens2001]

Make yourself a set using thick bobby pins (hair pins). Then even the tiniest locks can be picked.





Gordon

[deralian]

That would definitely save you some time filling down material to get it the right size. Most of the work is already done for you.

[nite0wl]

Slim euro-profile picks with low rise tips or bogotas often fit better. Copies of the Falle jagged lifter trio also work well.
As for tensioning, Peterson's Flat 5 set or the Lockpickshop's STT-3 (unknown manufacturer) have worked well for me on very small locks. There are also the socalled "mailbox" tension tools which are basically slightly flattened wires of similar thickness to a thick paper clip which occasionally work in very tight keyways. I have also just improvised wishbone style tension tools out of paper clips with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

[KPick]

Tired of those pesty little locks? Try TOK tension and jam a short hook on the space left in the keyway, then feel your pins in. You can also rake these, and don't be afraid to use plenty of good tension.

[smokingman]

Just stick a short hook pick all the way in it and turn it like a key,
if you are in the right spot it will open.
Never failed me yet, at least on the little brass paddies or single dog models.

[sentientsentinel]

Thanks man you guys are great!

[smokingman]

If you are determined to pick the tiny terrors, Rytan makes the "mini blue" picks.
I had some many years ago and they are for tiny keyways , and pretty strong too.
I have not seen many sources for them lately though.
You could use some of the thinner wiper strips to make some diminutive tools
so there would not be so much metal to remove.
Just have to beef up the handles a little to get a good purchase on them.
This is how I made my "mini's" that I use now.

[YouLuckyFox]

Raimundo makes "slight hooks" that are specifically for small locks like eagle and some American padlocks. They work pretty well!

[nickmannnxx]

niteOwl, when you say copies of the falle picks do you mean someone makes similar picks, or do you mean try to homebrew some? Ive wanted some of their picks for a while, but I dont want to spend that much. So if there is a cheaper manufacturer or a template you know of that would be awesome!

[nite0wl]

niteOwl, when you say copies of the falle picks do you mean someone makes similar picks, or do you mean try to homebrew some? Ive wanted some of their picks for a while, but I dont want to spend that much. So if there is a cheaper manufacturer or a template you know of that would be awesome!

I was referring to other manufactrers copying the original Falle designs, specifically Falle's Slope, Valley, and Hump. Peterson makes some good copies of all three under the name "Mini Ripple" and TOOOL includes a Falle Hump in their Emergency Pick Card.

These tools are pretty intricate and seem to depend on very close dimensions so I have great respect for someone who could homebrew one.

Most Bogotas (and fau-gotas) that I have seen can also fit the keyways of smaller locks.