Skip to Content

July 1, 1983 · TAP

TAP No. 86 - The Burglar's Tool Box

TAP No. 86 - The Burglar's Tool Box

Opens a new series on making lock-opening tools at home, arguing that automotive feeler-gauge sets provide the same spring steel sold in overpriced commercial pick sets. Walks through shaping tension wrenches in a few thicknesses to fit different keyway widths and heat-tempering them to the right hardness using color as a visual guide, plus general notes on why smoother pick curves and a ‘snake’ style rake work better on higher-pin-count cylinders with mushroom-style security drivers. Closes by diagramming how a warded padlock’s internal plates and shackle springs work, explaining the general principle behind cutting a key to clear the wards rather than reproducing exact key-cutting instructions.

Project Page Open Link

Latest Posts