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Curiosity has got the better of me, so I'm gonna pass this by you guys.

I keep coming across pick retailers selling Letter Box-Type Tension Tools
http://www.hpcworld.com/mobile/px/tensiontools/letterbox/index.html
http://absupply.net/hpc-ten-5-tension-tool-letterbox-1-12.aspx

Lever-Type Letter Box Lock Tension Tool x4 (scroll to near bottom of the page)
http://www.zieh-fix.com/shop/contents/en-us/d38_Spannwerkzeuge.html

Letter Box Tension Tools for Letter Box Locks
http://www.southord.com/Lock-Picking-Tools/Letter-Box-Tension-Tool-Set-TW-400.html

Tension Tool for Letter Box Locks (3/4")
http://www.lockpickshop.com/TW-41.html

All I've managed to understand so far is that these tools are for tensioning a lever-type lock known as a letter box type lock. I don't believe we're talking about letter box locks, but a type of lever lock.

The thing that's bugging me is that I've never heard of them, and I'd love to understand why these tools are so widely sold, but above all, how they are used.

I found this, but I still don't get it: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=12578

Any help much appreciated.

Many thanks.

Designed mainly for tension on bolt on various lever locks with different gauges and keyways in mind !

Cool, many thanks.

Any chance of a couple of examples of the lever locks these tools would be used for? I feel sure I'm in for a eureka moment pretty soon, but for now, I just can't see exactly how these are used.

I know nothing about using them, but the very first link you
give shows the tool passing through the cylinder and engaging the bolt at the back.
This would explain the different lengths.

This link was in the Withoutakey email newsletter on 28.2.14 www.youtube.com/watch?v=GavD8Yo7Rso

Thanks for the responses guys

Still no closer to seeing a demo of one of these tension tools being used. Hopefully, someone will pop up some time with that.

Many thanks.

I'm guessing "letter box locks" is an American term for padlocks like the Squire Old Fashioned. You know, the 220, 440 and 660. Here's a link to a post by Solomon on lp101 which shows how these tools are used. I tried typing the entire link in, but when I hit Preview, the middle of the link was missing and replaced by an ellipsis - ... I think you'll have to type it in yourself. This is the link: www.lockpicking101.com/ viewtopic.php?f+10&t=56842&p=413826&hilit=Squire+padlock#p413826 If you enter this without the space before viewtopic it should take you to the page.

Doh! I'd remembered that page on lp101, turns out Solomon's posted the info on here too... www.keypicking.com/ viewtopic.php?f=58&t=7850&p=68580&hilit=Squire#p68580 Getting same problem with link though. Why? Same again, type the link in without the space before viewtopic.

Thanks, Deadlock.

If future you can get around the issue of broken links by using the URL tags in the reply/compose window.

I have someone that wants me to open an old desk with a lever lock on it. Having never picked a lever lock I have been watching this thread....thinking this may be one of the tools I need.

Any videos of this tool in action?

Thanks

found this, not what I was looking for but might help others.

http://youtu.be/bbEz4q293zI

This is even hard to open with the key royal mail letter box !

you are looking for the lowe and fletcher slam lock original you can visit there site and download there pdf on there locks

interesting as the lever lock progressed into safe locks with more levers of course ! BUT kept the same gauge key ( see photo )

the smaller the gauge of key used the better as its hard to get your tools in keyway ! hence the tension wires designed for picking... leaving room

enough for your lever pick wire

Wouldn't it be great if that post box was real? Sadly not though: http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=1343832

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f+10&t=56842&p=413826&hilit+Squire+padlock#p413826

http://www.keypicking.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=7850&p=68580&hilit+Squire#p68580

It works! Thanks, MrAnybody.

Anyone confirm or deny my guess on "letter box locks"? Educate a newb, here.

Here's a picture of the typical lever lock these tools are for:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-lKIU ... sp=sharing

Broken link I'm afraid... However! The answer lies above ^^