my pick set (would like some feedback)

[kspec]

hello all, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has put time and effort to putting there experiences and information on this site. I also waned to show everyone my first set of picks that ive have made and that i use. all of them are honed to a mirror finish.

I plan on posting exactly how I hone my tools, I have some experience as a carpenter, and i use the same technique that i use on my chisles and planes on my picks and wrenches. if you need to take a closer look at my picks i can put a more detailed picture up... what i am looking for is some feedback on which tools that might be useful.

thanks

[cracksman]

Nice job

looks like you put in some real effort, I wonder if you could dip the ends in rubber like the Peterson slim set? I'm not sure what material you would use though. In any case, they look great-keep it up

[digital_blue]

Those look like a great set! Nice work!

db

[MeRZHiN]

really looking great, you should add some shrinking foam on the handles like i did on mine

[rayman452]

I suggest grinding down the teeth on the hacksaw.


Good Job...

[stick]

I don't really compliment people on their homemade sets (other than raimundo ) but that's the best first set I've ever seen.

My only gripe is that the handles aren't also sanded, but that's just a personal thing. The important parts of the picks are incredibly well done. The dimensions on the picks that I use most, the hook and half diamond, are perfect. The spacing on the first sawtooth rake seems a bit small, but whatever works.

I'd suggest making a Peterson gem style pick. Basically, make a hook about the size of the one with the blue handle, but instead of making the tip flat or rounded, make it pointy. Link to Peterson's pick.

As for tension wrenches, I'd suggest making some similar to the ones HPC produces.



The first is just a tension wrench, with both blades of the same thickness, but of different lengths. The longer one allows for tension at the bottom of the keyway, while the shorter end allows you to put tension at the top of the keyway from the side.

The second one has two blades of the same thickness, but of different lengths also. Again, the longer blade for the bottom of the keyway, and the shorter blade, twisted 90 degrees, which allows you to put tension at the top, straight up. This one is often easier to use without having the tension wrench slip out, than the shorter blade on the first tension wrench.

[cracksman]

I'd suggest using the Peterson "U-Bend-It" tool- You can custom make tension wrenches in seconds. The steel is good and Peterson claims they can be bent past 45 degrees, i've snapped more than a few though

Here's a link http://www.peterson-international.com/tensiontools.htm

[kspec]

thanks for the replys! Im can say that i did spend some time on the honing part. as for the shrink foam, can i see a pic of your tools? cause im thinking...can you be talking about heat shrink tubing?

[pick_maker]

you put a lot of work into your set and it shows. Well done.

[Mad Mick]

Ah, that's better!
Those are nice, good work.

[Geek142]

Nice job at the tension wrenchs and picks, i cant really make homemade tension wrenchs

Goodwork

[The Wanderer]

That's a fine looking set of picks. Better than anything I've done. (To be truthful I've never made any picks.... I just buy mine. )
The real test will be in the picking though. You'll likely refine them over time, depending on your success rate, till you get something that really works well. I would imagine that since your handy, you'll be able to come up with something even better than this fine offering. I'm no good at making things. I do okay putting stuff together, but I couldn't/build make something (like picks) if my life depended on it. I envy people with this ability/gift. Once again, nice job.

[kspec]

actually what i used was NOT a standard torch, what i used was a small torch costs me about 6 bucks canadian. I got it from my local hardware store.. works good. takes a little longer to heat up the metal but i dont mind for the cost.. it uses butane, which is cheap for the amount that gets used. its fully adjustable and has a lock to keep it on. it gets a little hot , but i using anything to flick the switch will work.


here is a pic

[kspec]

well im still new to picking locks.. im up to 14 or so locks, havent had any that i havent been able to beat with a little time... the best so far is a couple of abus 60/35 i think, one of them might of been a 60/40 not sure... i think they have masterkeys so that helps... but i think that to be able to do a couple of 6 pin locks within my first few weeks of picking seems to be a great accomplishment for me... i was gonna try to learn a medeco then i researched them using the search function! and its a little over my head...for now..i might go after an american lock..not sure yet. i will be making some more picks and stuff, if anyone has anyideas for tools for picking that you think i might need for my set any information would be great. and thanks again for the information... also i would like to say that im 24 years of age. just so i dont seem like an old man lol

[Kaellman]

Very nice set. They seem smooth and not too brittle. However, the handles could use a lite sandpaper.