Looking to make copper grips for my Mad Bob picks

[Deja vu]

I am looking to make some removable grips for my mad bob picks. A4x40 screw fits in the holes perfectly. My question is: I'm drilling copper and there is a slight chance I could mess up the lockpick in the process. I love these picks and don't want to damage them. What should I do?

My current idea is to get a dangerfield set. Are they the same only not as polished? If they are where should I get them? I found a praxis set on lockpick world. Are they a reputable dealer?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm still pretty new to this.

P.s. The dangerfield set would likely go to my son once I'm done. He has been asking for picks and his birthday is in a few months.

[femurat]

I understand you're going to use a pick as a template to drill the holes. Why don't you just mark the holes position and then drill them? This way you don't risk to ruin the pick.

It's been a long time since I last opened a chemistry book, but if I remember correctly, copper in contact with your hands humidity produces sulphate that is toxic. Dunno if it's a good idea to use it as a handle.

God luck with your project

[Deja vu]

Thanks for the advise!

I was planning on using clear heat shrink wrap to protect the polished finish I was going to use.

Any on know if lockpick world is reputable? The down side of our hobby (for me) is that most Of the stuff other than the locks have to be bought online.

[DaWolfMan]

Hello,

One more easy solution may be to lay your picks out on a copy machine and make a copy, then cut out your copies and use then as templates to allow you to make your handles without risking damage to your picks. You can still order a nice set of picks for your son and then have a wonderful time bonding over locks together with him like i do with my son. It is up to us to pass the art of Lockpicking / Locksport on to the next generation along with the proper ethics. I have used the copier many times for things like this in the past and it works great.

DaWolfMan

[Jacob Morgan]

I understand you're going to use a pick as a template to drill the holes. Why don't you just mark the holes position and then drill them? This way you don't risk to ruin the pick.

Could use a transfer punch. That would perfectly locate a center punch hole from the pick. C.S. Osborne makes a set of transfer punches that are top notch, but there are cheap imports if you might not use them again anyway.

Might want to practice drilling on some scrap copper first if you have not done it before. It is not hard, but it likes to grab cutting tools.

[Um5]

Copper is an easy metal to drill, I woul scribe the locations for the holes, center punch the locations, then drill the holes using a relatively slow speed (this is to prevent the drill from moving out of location as well as to keep things from happening too fast). A flat piece of scrap wood should be used as a backer, no need to drill into your finger. Should you choose to do so the outside of each pick Handel could be flared using a larger drill then a copper wire inserted and riveted in place rather than using the screws you mentioned. Brass or aluminum would make for a nice contrasting rivet if desired.