Rake Picks: What They Are, and How To Use One
If you’ve poked around the world of locksmithing or lock sport, you’ve probably heard of rake picks. They’re one of the tools people mention when talking about quickly working simple pin tumbler locks. But like any specialized tool, rake picks aren’t mysterious magic wands — they have a legitimate place in locksmithing, hobbyist communities, and education, and they also raise legal and ethical questions worth understanding.
What a Rake Pick Actually Is
At a glance, a rake pick is a single, relatively simple-shaped tool designed to interact with the internal pins of a common pin-tumbler lock. Compared with slender hook picks that focus on precise, single-pin manipulation, rake picks are usually made to move multiple pins in a loose, sweeping motion — think “coarse adjustment” rather than “fine tuning.”
Tools You Need To Rake a Lock:
LOCK PICK RAKE
Rakes are the usually odd looking designs and include several humps and bumps that help manipulate as many pins as possible in the shortest amount of time. This makes them ideal for raking where you rapidly and randomly pull them across the pins with the goal of setting multiple pins at once. Below you can find information on how to utilize a rake inside a lock.
LOCK PICK TENSION WRENCHES
The tensioning tool (or commonly called tension wrench) is used to apply torque to the lock and bind the pins. Without this tool, picking a lock is impossible. Below you can find information on how to use your tension wrench.
How to use your Lock Picks
- Insert your Tension Wrench: Placing the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyway and applying a very light degree of force ( something similar to the amount of force that it takes to press a key on your keyboard ) in the direction that the key would turn to disengage the lock, typically clockwise.
- Select your Rake: Choose your rake pick, different locks work better with different types of rakes, so you'll need to experiment to instinctively know which rakes you want to go for. If your not sure, experiment.
- Insert Your Rake: Insert your rake into the keyway and push it all the way to the back of the lock, gently lift upward slightly lifting the pins, now with a fair amount of speed scrub your rake back and fourth across as many pins as you can (like you would with a toothbrush) changing the angle, height, and speed as you do this creating several different pitches and heights.
- Open, or Reset: If the lock doesn't open after 10-20 seconds, release the tension and reset the lock starting over. Sometimes you have to reset a lock multiple times before you find success. If you do reset, hold your ear up to the keyway and when you release tension on on the tension wrench, listen for some light "Clicks" that's the pins you did set going back into position. Try to count the clicks to give you a clue as to how close you were. You might try switching up your choice of rakes here before re-trying.
- Keep it up!: Continue with steps 2-4 until the lock opens. You'll feel the tension on the tension wrench release, and turn as you would a key opening the lock when your successful.
TIP: If your following all these steps but still can't seem to figure out how to pick a lock, try applying less, or more pressure with your tension wrench.
FAQ
Q: Are rake picks illegal to own?
A: Laws vary by jurisdiction. In many places possession alone isn’t illegal, but intent and use matter. Check local law and use common sense: only work on locks you own or are authorized to service.
Q: Can learning this help me secure my home?
A: Yes. Understanding lock design and vulnerabilities helps you choose stronger locks and layered security.
Q: I want to be a locksmith — how do I start?
A: Pursue accredited training, apprenticeship with a licensed locksmith, and study local licensing requirements. Practical, supervised experience is essential.
Q: Can I practice at home?
A: Use practice or transparent training locks specifically made for learning. Never practice on other people’s property or commercial locks without permission.
Q. Is it legal to learn how to pick locks?
A. In most places, owning lock-picking tools and learning how to pick locks is legal as long as you have permission to pick the lock. However, laws vary by location, so always check your local regulations before practicing.
Q. What tools do I need to pick a lock?
A. The most common tools for lock picking are:
- Tension wrench – applies rotational pressure to the lock.
- Hook picks – manipulate individual pins inside the lock.
- Rake picks – quickly move multiple pins at once for fast picking.
- Bump keys and bypass tools – alternative methods for opening certain locks.
Q. Can I practice lock picking without special tools?
A. Yes! While professional tools work best, you can practice with improvised picks made from bobby pins, paper clips, or feeler gauges. However, dedicated lock-picking tools provide better results and control.
Q. How long does it take to learn lock picking?
A. It depends on the lock and your skill level. Basic pin tumbler locks can be picked within minutes with practice, while high-security locks require advanced techniques and more experience.
Q. Is lock picking useful in survival and emergency situations?
A. Yes! Lock picking can be a valuable skill for urban survival, disaster preparedness, and security awareness. It can help in emergency access situations, such as retrieving locked supplies or securing shelter, but should always be used legally and ethically.
Q. What type of locks are easiest for beginners to pick?
A. Simple pin tumbler locks are the best for beginners. Practice locks with transparent housings allow you to see the pins moving as you pick, making it easier to learn the mechanics.
Q. Does lock picking damage the lock?
A. When done correctly, lock picking does not damage the lock. However, excessive force or improper techniques can cause wear over time, especially with raking or bumping methods, this is why having dedicated practice locks is essential.
Q. Where can I get high-quality lock-picking tools?
A. Grim Workshop offers compact, high-quality lock-picking tools designed for EDC, survival, and skill-building. Check out our collection at Grim Workshop for tools that fit in your wallet and are ready when you need them.
Please be sure to know local laws regarding the possession and use of lock picking tools in your area. A great place to start is with a quick internet search "Is lock picking legal in ( insert your states name here)".
And above all. Never pick a lock that is not yours.
