Tried my best, need help..

[SonnyForelli]

Hey,

This is my first post here. I post a lot on other forums, but never here. Anyway, I have been browsing these forums for a few hours now, periodically stopping to try out a new technique.. but I just can't pick any locks. I can pick those real cheapo locks that you get on like secret diaries and stuff but not 'proper' locks.

I have very limited resources. I do not even have a file. I am moving house so it is all on a tanker halfway across the atlantic. Anyway, I have a few medium sized paperclips, a couple of thumbtack things, some glass paper, but that's about it. I probably have more household items that may be useful that I dont even think could be useful.

Basically, I need a good guide on picking with the materials I have . Yes, I understand it is not easy with what I have... but please help. I understand the principle of locks, with the pins and etc and I have read through the MIT guide.

Please also do not say "Buy a good set of picks", that is not an option until I have moved and I do not think I would be allowed anyway (I am 14). Also dont say 'use search' as I have been searching for about an hour and found nothing that has helped me. Pictures are always good as well... maybe some pictures of paperclip picks that have been shaped?

Thanks for your help, even if you cannot help :p.

Sonny

[digital_blue]

Sonny, as far as picking technique, you have all you really need to get started in the MIT Guide. Obviously your biggest obstacle right now is proper tools.

Paper clips are less than ideal because the bend too easy. Try and find a large safetly pin (diaper pin) and use that. A tension wrench can be made out of a hair pin, or the small metal clip on some pens. IMO, these tools make about the best makeshift tools you're apt to find.

Other than that, practice. There is no substitute for practice.

db

[SFGOON]

Paperclips ain't gonna cut it buddy, you need picks made of proper steel. You're going to have to wait until you have access to proper materiels before you proceed.

[SonnyForelli]

OK, thanks. I'll have a look for a hairpin. Any other ideas?

[Romstar]

The clip from a variety of pens can make an excellent tension tool. The more familiar you are with the tools, the easier it is to imagine something that could be improvised.

Hair pins, safety pins, and sewing needles are all good choices. If you are in a terrible pinch, and have nothing to bend the material with, you can wedge the end of the metal into something, and leverage it into a proper hook.

Bear in mind that much of what you improvise will only work for a certain period of time before it fatiques and needs to be replaced. This is the problem you are having with the paper clips.

Take a good hard look at the things around you and visualize what you need, and how to make it with what you have.

Romstar

[Chucklz]

I would go to the local auto store and pick up a windscreen wiper blade out of the rubbish bin. This will provide for your tension tool needs. I would cut about a 5 inch length from the metal insert that stiffens the rubber. Now, If you don't have a pair of sturdy pliers that can cut this steel, bend it back and forth until it fractures from stress. Now, on the OTHER end, bend a 1 inch 90 degree bend. Now watch out for the fractured end, it may be very sharp. A bit of sand paper, or an emory board will help you clean up that end.

Now about picks, really the best are ground or filed. You may want to try some 80 grid sandpaper wrapped around a pen to make a hook from another longer piece of windscreen blade insert. If this isn't feasible, try to find a paperclip that is made from square wire.... this is usually a much stronger steel than your average paperclip.

[SonnyForelli]

OK, cool, I will have a look around. I know a couple of pens (Parkers) have a great metal part that I could use for my tension wrench. I will have a look this week at school, bet I can find something.

[Chucklz]

For the love of all that is written, don't destroy a fine pen for a tension tool. Bic Rollerballs okay....... but a Parker?

[noctaeon]

lol... ummm i reccomend asking an auto store to save some wiper blades for ya when people come in to have em replaced then use a really course sandpaper or file...u must know someone with a file....but iprovised tools i think are best to start out with anyways...i learned with paperclips and bobby pins and T pins and whatever else i could get ahold of to pick with then i made some picks and now i need to buy a set...a good progression...however you will find if you learn with regular improvised materials you will have a "pick" in hand and all of a sudden rather have a paperclip ahah...i make my picks out of JUMBO bobby pins i purchased from Family Fare in michigan...however Walgreens sells em Target Sells em lots of places sell em call em if you need but those make GREAT picks....hope it helped

[jongir]

I always found the best thing to make picks was old hacksaw blades.

[noctaeon]

I always found the best thing to make picks was old hacksaw blades.

He said he didnt have a grinder at all and those are a bit tedious to make from a hacksaw blade and jsut a file man may take weeks

[cracksman]

Not to overstate the obvious but if u could find a file, and a large key (6 pins) and file down all but the last hook (and shorten that one into a half diamond or hook) and a screwdriver, u should have a shot. U would also have to thin the key- I've done it and it works but a vice, hacksaw blade and the same file would be more helpful. However, I can't imagine at 14 not being able to find an "abondoned" car with a winshield wiper, and something to work as a file. If anything, use your ingenuity, if your succesful you will be heads and tails over a lot of us who were double your age before they even got interested.
Good Luck, and remember: "Necessity is the mother of invention"-Edison or Franklin, or one of those smart guys

[Geek142]

Hehehehe, i remember back to the day i started, i went and got some paper clips and bobby pin and started trying to pick, they are NOTHING like the proper things and i would say put it on hold until you get some proper picks because they really speed up the learning process.

Geek

[skold]

Not to overstate the obvious but if u could find a file, and a large key (6 pins) and file down all but the last hook (and shorten that one into a half diamond or hook) and a screwdriver, u should have a shot. U would also have to thin the key- I've done it and it works but a vice, hacksaw blade and the same file would be more helpful. However, I can't imagine at 14 not being able to find an "abondoned" car with a winshield wiper, and something to work as a file. If anything, use your ingenuity, if your succesful you will be heads and tails over a lot of us who were double your age before they even got interested.
Good Luck, and remember: "Necessity is the mother of invention"-Edison or Franklin, or one of those smart guys

The fact is that keys do bend, especially when filed down. I reccomend going to the local hardware store and purchasing a chainsaw file or a saw sharpening file. Then find some abandoned cars and take the windshield wiper spines. File them down to the desired pick shape and leave one for a few tension tools.

[wtf|pickproof?]

obviously you should take a walk to the next hardwarestore to buy a chainsaw file. While you are on the way have a look for some streetsweeper bristles, if you can't find some of those i'd suggest going after wiperblade inserts. Even better, spend your valuable time reading LP101 'till you get proper tools. This will teach you alot so you will be able to learn actual picking faster. Anyways, have fun!

wtf|pickproof?