Making Tension Wrenches/Turning Tools From Old Windshield Wiper Blades

Complete your lock pick set, with a turning tool (also called a tension wrench), by upcycling a worn out Wiper blade.

I posted an instructable a while back, about how to make lock picks. Once I had finished my set, one of the things I still needed was a turning tool to use with the picks. I recently needed to change a wiper on my car, and found some great material to make a boatload of turning tools! Here's how!

Step 1: Gather Materials

All you need to complete this instructors is a bad wiper blade, and some pliers. You can also use a file or some sand paper to smooth any rough edges if you want.

Step 2: Pull It!

Just under the part of the wiper that comes in contact with you cars windows, there are a strip or two of steel which are used to apply tension to the wiper. Just grab the end of the metal strip or strips and pull on them. They will pop out of the clips that hold them in the wiper. You may also need to strip off the wiper blade if it hasn't already come loose.

Step 3: Snap It, Bend It, Make It!

Take your pliers and grab one of the metal pieces about 5 or 6 inches from the end. Bend it back and forth with the pliers at sharp 90 degree angles until it snaps off from the rest of the metal. Move the pliers down about an inch to an inch and a half, the bend one time to put a 90 degree turn in the metal. Voila! a turning tool!

Step 4: Smooth It!

A little work with a file or some sand paper will remove any burs or sharp edges from the tool. Now, take the rest of the metal from the wiper blade and make a few more. Longer, shorter, twisted, offset. There are a wide variety of styles and choices! Go nuts!