Simple Tension Wrench Tricks |
Overview
In a past article, we showed you some simple tension wrench tricks to utilize while practicing your locksmith techniques. These involved drilling holes in the handle of the tension wrench and hanging lead sinkers off them to adjust the pressure they were applying to the lock's cylinder.
While at a local hobby store, I found some small, thin pieces of adhesive-backed flexible lead meant for adjusting the final weight of a pinewood derby car. I think these adhesive-backed lead pieces are also used for stained-glass work. Since the lead sheets are very flexible, I tried wrapping them around the handle of the tension wrench so it can apply a constant cylinder pressure while you are working on the pins of the lock. This picking method also helps to keep a hand free. The overall results were very good. You can add or remove additional pieces of the lead sheet to change the final "pressure" on the tension wrench.
I also found some small, non-lead, adhesive-backed weights meant for balancing a ceiling fan. These will probably be much easier to find (and not as dangerous!), but should also work just as well. You can't really adjust the final weight too much, as the weights are of a fixed size. They are easily removable, though.
Pictures & Construction Notes

Tension wrench weights.
On the left, is a commercial ceiling fan balancing kit you can buy for $1.
On the right, are a bunch of tension wrenches.
Above the tension wrenches is a thin piece of adhesive-backed flexible lead weight.

Close up picture of the weights.
The ceiling fan weights have a piece of double-sided tape on their back. This brand only has two weights available; 5 and 3 grams.

Proudly not RoSH-compliant!
Wrap the thin lead foil around the handle of a tension wrench.
The final weight is easily tweakable by trimming or adding more of the lead sheet.
You should wrap the final lead "bundle" with some electrical tape, or other sealant, to protect yourself from lead exposure.

Adding the ceiling fan balancing weights to a tension wrench.
Not as physically compact as the lead foil bundle, but cheaper. This method makes it very easy to change the tension pressure by adding or removing the weights.

Example of the ceiling fan balancing weights in action. 13 grams total.
The weights can be easily reused by saving the little piece of paper which protects the adhesive.