What is this for?

[JB]

Hi Everyone. This is my first post here, and I'm sorry if this has been asked before. A while ago I purchsed a pick set from southord and have been practicing on wafer locks, padlocks, etc, but I'm still pretty new.
On to my question... The set came with a few tension tools and one mysterious bit of metal that looks somewhat like a regular L-shaped tension wrench except that the bit that would go into the lock has another almost 90 degree crook in it; so it ends up being shaped like a cane or the handle of an old-fashioned umbrella (excpet angled, not curvy).
It is also thinner and more springy than the other tension wrenches. Can anyone tell me what this is used for?
Thanks All,
JB

[Chucklz]

This ?

[master in training]

shaped like a cane or the handle of an old-fashioned umbrella (excpet angled, not curvy)

It almost sounds like

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I've not seen a wrench like this though and it wouldn't make any sense to have one like it, so you're probably right chucklz!

Unless its a twist-flex tension wrench

[Romstar]

If that is indeed the wrench in question, it is called a "tulip" wrench.

It is meant for key in knob locks where the knob is not a ball or other convex shape.

In a typical tulip knob, the keyway is at the middle of the concave depression, so standard tension tools are hard to get a grip with.

This tool allows you to get the working end into the keyway and pick the lock properly.

Romstar

[vector40]

The description does sound like what MiT sketched, which I've never seen, either. Maybe it's bent, JB? (Only half-kidding.)

[Romstar]

Dear god,

I really have to get the problems fixed with the new lock picking guide, and get it posted.

People, you need an education.

[Mad Mick]

What's an edumacation, and where can I get one? Do I get a 10% discount at Red's store, and can I pick Medeco's with it?

[digital_blue]

Rom baby, you are our education!

db

[vector40]

Sheeit, Rom, a tensionator shaped like a hook? What's it for? Dragging tiny mice off stage?

[Vek]

Oh! So THAT'S what that thingy is.

I've been meaning to ask, heh.

[JB]

Thanks for the replies. MiT's illustration is right on the money, perfect actually. Romstar, does your reply about the tulip wrench refer to Chucklz' picture or MiT's illustration? I can see how both might be used for tulip knobs.
I can tell that I'm going to learn a lot here.

[WhiteHat]

the tulip wrench is the same as the photo above.

if it is indeed like MIT's diagram, then for the life of me I have no Idea what it is or what it would be used for....

can you give us a link to the Southord set that you bought?

[WhiteHat]

a second thought is that because you said it's slimmer than the rest, it could be a standard slimline wrench (that comes sometimes with non-slimline sets) that has been accidentally bent somehow.

[Romstar]

Thanks for the replies. MiT's illustration is right on the money, perfect actually. Romstar, does your reply about the tulip wrench refer to Chucklz' picture or MiT's illustration? I can see how both might be used for tulip knobs.
I can tell that I'm going to learn a lot here.

I was directly refering to Chuck's photo.

If you have a tool bent like M.i.T.'s diagram, there must be a problem. If you can manage a picture that would be excellent.

Although I think you probably have a tulip tension wrench.

Romstar

[Romstar]

What's an edumacation, and where can I get one? Do I get a 10% discount at Red's store, and can I pick Medeco's with it?

That was terrible.

Rom baby, you are our education!

db

Well thanks, but I still think it would be nice to finally get this guide out of my hair so that I can get back to my own book. I have been putting it off for far too long. Not only that, but this guide gets closer and closer to being my book all the time. It just keeps getting bigger.

Romstar