great adds to your MacGyver kit:
- Hobby file set
- wet-dry finesand paper
- wet-dry super-finesand paper
- rotary tool aka Dremel( get a kit)
- two wheelgrinder
paitence
Things tomake picks and such with.....
- windsheild wiper inserts ( great for tension tools just cut and bend)
- streetsweeper bristles (metal ones... fool)
- hacksaw blades
- metal stock (preferably stainless steel)
- dipsticksfrom junked cars
these will make your pick making expierence so much nicer and pop out some beautiful picks....
Tools There are two manners to making picks by hand or with power tools here are some that may help:
- Various metal hand files
- Rotary tool (common brand being Dremmel) and verious bits
- A bench grinder
- Wet/Dry sand paper or emery cloth, Fine and super fine
- Various peices of wood to use as sandingblocks
Templates Various types of picks are very usefull for different locks and situations. It is best to experiment with the different types and variations of them when making you own picks. Applying a template is as easy as tracing it on to your metal stock, another trick is printing it out and gluing it to the metal its self.
The hand method Using a hand file, although takes longer, can make some of the most beautiful picks around. Using appropriatly sized metal, take various files and shape the metal to the template you are attempting to mimmick, remember perfection is not nessicary.
- While using a file it is important to remember:
- Files only cut on the 'push' and applying pressure on the 'draw' will only dull your file.
- A clean and sharp file works best ( use can clean your file with a 'file card')
- Watch out for metal shards and ALWAYS wash you hands before doing anything else.
Once you are finised the majority of the work by file it is time to use your sand/emery paper (starting with the fine and working up to the super-fine). Polishing you picks is very important, it is what allows smooth movement in the lock and the best feedback. By the time you are done polishing the pick it should have a mirror finish.
Power, POwer, POWER tooling picks…yeah! power! vrrrrroooom Different types of picks will be easier with the Bench grinder, some with the Rotary tool and some it's best with both. Please note that power tools are tools and not toys it is easy to hurt yourself be safe, play smart.
Things you will need:
- Hacksaw blades
- Pick template
- A vice, handy but not nessicary when using a bench ginder
- Power tool (either a bench grinder or a rotary tool)
- COLD and CLEAN water
- Something to put that water in that should be large enough to submerge the pick
- Wet/Dry sand paper or emery cloth, Fine and super fine
- Various peices of wood to use as sandingblocks
- SAFETY glasses, THIS IS A MUST. SAFETY IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT
- A fire extinguisher and first aid kit are extremly reccomended just incase of accidents.
Bench Grinder Method:
- Apply the template of your desire to the hacksaw blade.
- Have all other items and materials ready in a clean and neat work enviroment, free of safety concerns.
- Make sure your PPEs are in place, both on you and your grinder.
- Turn that bad boy on.
- Taking you marked pick start grinding away your negative areas.
- WHENEVER the metal starts to feel warm submerge it in the coldwater ( this process is called Quenching and it allows the metal to keep it metalurgical properties)
- Voila, the Pick is made… atleast the rough work is….
- NOW sand and polish it till it shines
The rotary tool
- Apply the template of your desire to the hacksaw blade.
- Have all other items and materials ready in a clean and neat work enviroment, free of safety concerns.
- Make sure your PPEs are in place.
- Turn that rotary tool on.
- Taking you marked pick, I suggest placing it in a vice, to protect you from missing fingers, start grinding, useing different bits to change the cuts and the grind on the metal shaping it to your liking.
- WHENEVER the metal starts to feel warm submerge it in the coldwater ( this process is called Quenching and it allows the metal to keep it metalurgical properties)
- Voila, the Pick is made… atleast the rough work is….
- NOW sand and polish it till it shines…. this part is starting feel familar..hmmmm
Tension tools. You can make these by grinding ( use the above method) allen keys. The easiest and most effective manner though is using windsheil wiper blades, bending them with pliers and then cutting to length.
Summary No matter if; you are buying, making, or customizing picks it is best to experiment with the different types until you find the ones you like best.
