Looking for odd trash picked material recommendations

[CanIChangeThisLater]

I made this Z bar out of a peace of metal that had been removed from a circuit breaker. I've also tried to make tension tools from the metal frame from windshield wiper blades and of course the metal inserts from windshield wiper blades. Now I'm wondering what odd ball repurposed materials other people have used to make tension tools and picks from. Other than the more common windshield wiper blade inserts, hacksaw blades, piano wire, and under wires from bras since I've heard about all of those before.

[GWiens2001]

Key rings, brake springs, wires from my sister’s braces (years ago) expired credit cards. Use your imagination.

Gordon

[Safecrackin Sammy]

Electricians fish tape is good. Metal banding from shipping material is excellent. I have a stock of CB radio antennas from the 1970's that is fantastic for making safe probes and car unlock tools.

Maybe this is one reason I never throw anything away...

(except for my sisters braces)

[mastersmith]

If you want to make some heavier pry bar type tensioners, tell your construction friends to save their old reciprocating saw blades for you. They come in a variety of thicknesses and many sizes. I have found them to work very well. I generally try my experimental stuff with repurposed materials! I keep a bin full of potential parts for picks, turning tools and handles.

[Squelchtone]

Is your username just for fun or are you actually asking if you can change it later? because the answer is.. no after you have more than a handful of posts. If you want it to be something else, tell us now.

Thanks
Squelchtone

[femurat]

Maybe this is one reason I never throw anything away...

(except for my sisters braces)

The steel wire used in braces is actually very good to make picking or bypassing tools. I have a couple almost empty rolls of different diameter and shaped wire that I use from time to time.

Cheers

[demux]

If you want to make some heavier pry bar type tensioners, tell your construction friends to save their old reciprocating saw blades for you. They come in a variety of thicknesses and many sizes. I have found them to work very well.

Along those same lines, I've got a drawer with several pieces of the metal strapping they use to bind up pallets of bricks and other heavy construction materials. It's good for all sorts of fun things.

[Peter Martin]

I have metal strapping from crates. I havent found it useful yet. It seems too thin and it not rigid enough for most tools.
Can others post images of things they've made with this?
Pete

[demux]

The "general purpose" banding is indeed pretty flimsy, the stuff I have seems to be a bit more heavy duty and measures about 20 thousandths in thickness. I think they do make them even thicker than that.

[Squelchtone]

just a heads up, this member has not logged onto forum since March 4.