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The Kid Should See This

Making a combination lock from a steel bolt

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Watch as a steel bolt is transformed into a combination lock. The Switzerland-based YouTuber behind the My Mechanics channel takes us step-by-step through the process, including grinding and shaping, drilling, sanding, etching, and making tiny custom springs. A few brief stop-motion animations are peppered throughout.

bolt

I was always fascinated by those antique combination locks. I really like the design of them. A few weeks ago I bought one from eBay, but it turned out to be a cheap fake copy. I was really disappointed. Well if I can’t buy one, then I make one myself.

It was quite a challenge to get all the parts done and fit together, but the end result speaks for itself. I’m very happy how it turned out and I’m glad I made it.

combination numbers
homemade combination lock
Watch this next: How do locks work?

Then watch a few other related videos:
• The Putter and the art of putting together scissors
• Turning a brick of melted crayons on the lathe
• Machining a cube in a cube in a cube from a single metal block

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