Disclaimer: I enjoy lock picking as a hobby. It is great a pass-time, especially if you like puzzles, but should be used only for recreational purposes unless you are a locksmith. I do not encourage using lockpicking skills illegally. Additionally, be sure to check your local laws regarding carrying lockpicks. Also, this is not my original idea, just my take on it.
I live in a city where street-sweepers cruise down particular roads once a week on a schedule. These street sweepers’ brushes are comprised of many long, thin tines of a springy, high-carbon steel. Throughout their lifespans, these tines will break off and distribute themselves around town. I find them most often right along the curb next to the gutter.
![[IMG]](https://i0.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/ScreenShot2013-12-21at61618PM.png)
They are usually rusty and dark, so before turning them into picks, I’ll clean them up as shown by the tine at the bottom of the following picture.
![[IMG]](https://i0.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/IMG_0061.jpg)
Then I’ll fold it in half back and forth until it snaps. They snap clean, and I use pliers to unbend the very end after snapping them.
![[IMG]](https://i0.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/IMG_0065.jpg)
20 minutes with a Dremel and pliers (or muuuch longer with files and pliers) and I have two new lockpicks that also double as tension wrenches, as inspired by the Bagota Entry Toolset as seen on ITS Tactical. The first time I made them, I tried the twist and did not like it, so I keep it simple.
![[IMG]](https://i1.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/IMG_0070.jpg)
![[IMG]](https://i1.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/IMG_0071.jpg)
The picks in the photos are still rough–I’ll be going back to thin out the working ends. I also store them in the manner seen on ITS Tactical:
![[IMG]](https://i2.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/bagotaentrytoolset.jpg)
![[IMG]](https://i0.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/IMG_0075.jpg)
Lastly, we keep a plethora of locks at home to play with. Most of them I have not yet conquered.
![[IMG]](https://i2.wp.com/i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww247/MonkeeMoves/Hobby%20Lockpicks/IMG_0079.jpg)
The End. Happy training!