Brand new hot material for DIY picks ;)

by **wtf|pickproof?** » 15 Jun 2005 17:02

Hehe, well i did some research and found noone talking about measuring tape as material for picks.

To be true this isn't my idea, i stole it

I came across it when i was reading the newpaper some years ago, which reported some thiefs got cought. One of the pictures presented some evidence which included a set of DIY picks found on the suspects, which were, you guess it, made from measure tape. They even had some of the markings on them.

This was times before i got into lockpicking, but came back into my mind when fiddeling in some small z-shaped keyways. I still have to give it a try as i have none of those flying around, but wanted to share the idea.

If they work well they woud make perfect picks to carry with you, and one even might be able to cut them into shape with strong scissors.

I'm not sure if they are too flexible, but if the "pros" use them, they shouldn't work to bad either.
Has anyone tried this before, have i missed any posts/threads on this topic (i found some talking about making shims out of measuring tape).

wtf|pickproof?

by **Chrispy** » 15 Jun 2005 17:45

I bought a measuring tape specifically to make shims, so I'll churn out some picks and see if they work. BRB. Might be too flimsy....

by **digital_blue** » 15 Jun 2005 20:00

I use the FatMax measuring tape (I think it's Stanley brand) for my work and it just so happens I snapped one last week. These tapes are pretty high quality and pretty thick so I suspect if any tape will work well for picks, this will be the one. I'll whip up a small hook tonight and post pictures and comments tonight or tomorrow.

Cheers!

db

by **Shrub** » 16 Jun 2005 5:26

Db,
Get the spring from the middle, great for padlock shims :wink:

the narrower tapes dont have very wide springs in them but can still be used,

Isnt a tape measure a little soft for picks? thieves arent the shapest tools in the box afterall, the most common use over here in those circles is to use the tape to get cash cards from machines (im not stateing how before i get 100 pm's asking)

by **Geek142** » 16 Jun 2005 6:17

I agree aswell. Same with brick strap some people use them for picks or have tried lol. I find that its to thin and is hard to get past the first pin and feels flimsy... Just a thought...

Geek

by **digital_blue** » 16 Jun 2005 8:50

Well, here it is....

I found that it is, in fact WAY too thin to be of much use. It bends very easily when trying to apply just a little bit of pressure, and it offers almost no feedback at all.

But hey, it was fun to try.

db

by **Shrub** » 16 Jun 2005 10:53

Just an idea but you could strengthen it!!

Cut a piece of hacksaw blade the same shape and size and then spot weld the pick to it, hey presto a strengthened pick :wink:

Ok, ok ill go :roll:

by **wtf|pickproof?** » 16 Jun 2005 11:28

Shrub, i thing I'll try to reinforce it with some bristles. :wink:

Shame, it didn't work out, but im still wondering why thifes would carry around crap that screems "catch me, I'm a thief". Are there thicker types of measuring bands, a way to harden them. Maybe the profile of the pick should be higher and a rake/snake/bogota.

I think i'll do some tests in my summerhollidays. Ofcourse I'll keep you informed on this "not so hot, brand new shitty material for DIY picks"

wtf|pickproof?

by **digital_blue** » 16 Jun 2005 16:21

There may be thicker (probably is somewhere) but the FatMax tape is a pretty darned good tape. Has an 11' reach. If there's a better one, I don't want to know what it costs.

db

by **Chucklz** » 16 Jun 2005 20:12

I bet the thieves were attempting to use the measuring tape to slip latches, not actually pick.

by **Chrispy** » 16 Jun 2005 21:08

Or using them to work back bolts. Chucklz, maybe that's what you meant and I've just said it again.

Either way, the measuring tape I have was WAY too thin to make picks out of.... I'll just make shims and leave the picks to the hacksaw blades. :lol:

by **Shrub** » 17 Jun 2005 5:22

wtf|pickproof? wrote:Are there thicker types of measuring bands, a way to harden them. Maybe the profile of the pick should be higher and a rake/snake/bogota.

No its differing thicknesses of thief,

It doesnt say they were succesful in breaking in just that they were caught carrying them, the police will show all tools found in a job as it makes them look good, a local paper once showed a sweet holder (one of these plastic model things) that looked like a spanner, the local police said it was a special tool the local theives were making, the black and white pic in the paper didnt show that it was luminous orange and made from .5mm thick blow moulded plastic :lol:

it turned out that the police found it on the road where they arrested the suspects and though they had dropped it :roll:

by **Chrispy** » 17 Jun 2005 5:32

the local police said it was a special tool the local theives were making, the black and white pic in the paper didnt show that it was luminous orange and made from .5mm thick blow moulded plastic it turned out that the police found it on the road where they arrested the suspects and though they had dropped it

Hahahahahahahahahahah!!! Hahahahahahahahahah!!!! Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!! Hahahahhahhaha!!!!!

*Sigh*

Hehe.... hahhahhahahaha!!!

*Sighs and holds sides to keep from splitting.....*

Ahhhh..... :

by **Mad Mick** » 17 Jun 2005 19:45

^^ LOL. (seriously, I spat some beer!!)

by **Shrub** » 18 Jun 2005 4:50

I would laugh but its my local police force

They race the boy racers down the local bypass in there patrol cars :lol:

and use the blue lights and sirens to get to the chippy before it closes :lol:

The whole force are well known for incompetance and it is just a way of life, any trouble gets sorted out by the public (usually a big street brawl) the police wait until its over and then arrest the ones left lying on the floor after its finished :lol:

Sorry i didnt meen for you to loose valuble beer reading it

Brand new hot material for DIY picks ;)

Brand new hot material for DIY picks ;)

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