Rakes made from...rakes

[Task Force K]

Hi, I'm new to this great site but I've been a hobbyist/lockpicker for several years. I'm a graduate of a military surreptitious entry school (long story...don't ask). The instructor was incredible, pioneered several techniques and patented several tools. I've picked locks as a hobby and tried to explain to people that it's like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, really challenges the analytical and mechanical skills. My ex-wife threw away my picks and tools several years ago, saying they were illegal and she didn't want to get in trouble. I'd been building this set for nearly ten years. Does everybody understand why she's an EX?

To the subject then. I've had great success making picks and tension wrenches from the flexible tines of leaf rakes. They're narrow and you don't get as much lift from them (but they scrub like a dream), they're fat and difficult to get into narrow keyways ( I thin them once I've cut a tool to shape ), but they're hell-for-stout and I've never had to replace one because it was worn or broken. They make great feelers because they are so narrow and strong that you get a good bit of leverage on tight pins and the tips are fat so you connect very positively with pins.

They make great tension wrenches, too. I'm a little heavy-handed on tension so I heat them and bend a "z" into them. This makes them very forgiving of my heavy-handedness.

One last thought. Look at the whole lock before you start. I can't count the number of times I've seen a good, high-security lock coupled to a door with a bolt so exposed that it could be forced with a coat hanger or fingernail file. It's sad, really.

Happy Pickin's,
TFK

[Grudge]

My significant other has to put up with piles of locks, picks and safe parts in the living room, and I know that is tough. But to throw a guy's picks away, that's just not right.

Anyway, thanks for your rake input. I know a few other LP101er who are big on rake tines (search for 'tines'). Some others swear by windshield wiper parts, street cleaner bristles, feeler guages, etc. Lots of grinder talk here too, and a really good info on making your own (viewtopic.php?t=2465)

Personaly I get into using office supplies and household items with minimal modification. You can't do high security stuff (or at least I can't ), but its convient to be able to buy your picks at Staples .

Good to have you!

[Task Force K]

Thanks, Grudge. Geez, I thought my rake tines idea was rather original but I did a search and...nothing new under the sun I guess.

About on par with my first ex-wife who hocked all my rock climbing gear to pay tuition, got reimbursed and partied on the money rather than unhocking them. That's what happens when you're overseas or in the field ten months out of a year.

[Grudge]

LP101 is all about standing on the next guy's (and girl's) shoulders so even a small tip/technique or just help to a newbie is always welcome.

P.S. Sorry you had such a rocky marriage, I hope they never find the body , errr I mean I hope everybody is happier now

[Task Force K]

Actually, those were the first TWO marriages and if you think they were bad, you should have seen the divorces.

Third times a charm, though, number three is the reason I found this site. She wants me to teach her how to LP. I wanted to look over any changes and new techniques. You should see her shoot a .45.

Hey, I used to live over in Hurst-Euless-Bedford. I ran what had to be the largest gun store in Texas. Lived in San Antonio for a couplathree years before that.

[raimundo]

flat tines for leaf rakes are thick and very hard metal, most suitable for making picks for lever locks, or tensioners for the same. also picks for warded padlocks. Everyone should have some rake tines in there materials box, along with selected parts from umbrellas, cheap headphones, windshieldwipers, feeler gauges, ss bristles, piano wire, plumbing snake, etc.