Methods for making a t-o-k wrench out of whiper inserts?

[hellslave]

I'd really like a top-of-keyway wrench, but the onle materials I've got are whiper inserts. I tried making one when I first made my other wrenches but failed greatly. I've looked around but can't seem to find any good tutorials anywhere. I don't need them to mimic a prybar in form or anything; just something that works consistantly.

Any advice?

[LockManipulator]

I just bend the metal into an L shape and grind it down to be thinner so it can fit. Then I crimp the edges so that it'll bite and stay in the lock better

[escher7]

I'd really like a top-of-keyway wrench, but the onle materials I've got are whiper inserts. I tried making one when I first made my other wrenches but failed greatly. I've looked around but can't seem to find any good tutorials anywhere. I don't need them to mimic a prybar in form or anything; just something that works consistantly.

Any advice?

[escher7]

Here is my version. My browser was acting up so I submitted in two posts. Twist the end first and then bend at a right angle. Cut the notch and probably use the edge of a dremel sanding disk for the serrations. (I used a very thin file, aroung .020" - normally for jewellers to cut slots in tiny screws). Finally, make the second twist in the handle. This is really a combination prybar and tension tool, and it works well.
I have nailed a couple of locks with it that standard b-o-k wrenches would not give feedback for.

[hellslave]

I remember seeing that a couple days ago. My only concern was cutting that notch; I don't have any tools other than pliars, cheap dikes, and an old grinding wheel.

[LockManipulator]

I don't cut mine, I crimp it with one of those sharp clipper thingies. That sharp part on pliers: http://www.hyperclaw.com/pic/products/c ... r-eu-L.jpg . It pushes the material outwards so the thickness increases and thus stay in the lock better.

[GWiens2001]

I don't cut mine, I crimp it with one of those sharp clipper thingies.

The technical jargon is getting a little complex. Can you simplify it a bit?

Gordon

[Mikeh727]

I don't cut mine, I crimp it with one of those sharp clipper thingies.

The technical jargon is getting a little complex. Can you simplify it a bit?

Gordon

I'm glad you asked Gordon...I was feeling pretty stupid. My google search of 'sharp clipper thingies' came up blank. I've got a thingamabob with some sharp thingies on the end of the little whatchamacallit part, but I'm not sure if that's the same tool...

-Mike

[LockManipulator]

They're readily available online on Amazon:

1.png

Haha I wasn't too sure what they were either until I looked them up

[Mikeh727]

They're readily available online on Amazon:

Haha I wasn't too sure what they were either until I looked them up

Okay Jared, you win...that's funny!

-Mike

[Neilau]

Here are some that I made from wiper blades.

http://keypicking.com/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=8878&p=79535#p79535

[escher7]

I remember seeing that a couple days ago. My only concern was cutting that notch; I don't have any tools other than pliars, cheap dikes, and an old grinding wheel.

No need to make the serrations. Any small file will notch the end, although I use a jewellers' saw. Serrations do make the tool grab better though.
There must be a few different ways to make the serrations. Even the edge of a nail file or maybe an old knife hit with a hammer would give enough of an indent to grab. Use your imagination and you will find a way.

[rerun12]

just thought id chime in here with a wiper insert wrench design i found online some time go. i think i saw it on one of locksmitharmys videos, works great for extra light TOK tension and is quite easy to make. certainly not a necessity, but i found it really helpful when i was starting out. i still use it from time to time:



also, i really like eschers design and would advise making one similar to his as well

[jimylongs]

For the last year or so, I've been using metal from a wire snake that is around 0.115" x 0.045". It's right in-between the peterson pry bar set.