top of page

Hooks

20190725_212803.jpg

Hooks are designed for SPP (single pin picking).  They give you WAY more feedback about the inside of the lock and what you're up against.  They are also the hardest to learn.  But once you get into harder locks, SPP is pretty much the only technique that seems to work.  So get used to them, they're a great tool.
Here are the offset hybrid, half diamond, short hook, deep hook, euro hook, snake (flipped to SPP instead of rake)

Rakes

20190725_212459_edited.jpg

Rakes are a fast and easy way to defeat low security (and some higher security) locks.  You don't get much "feel" because they are hitting several pins rapidly, but they can get you through a lock quickly.  They're used by sliding the rake in and out of the keyway quickly hitting all the pins while you tension.  Many rake picks can also be used with the rocking technique
Here is the city rake (or L-rake), triple peak (or Bogota), worm, double peak, snake (or double peak)

Rockers

20190725_212657_edited.jpg

Rocking is done by raising and lowering the pick as you move it in and out of the keyway to contact all the pins.  Very similar to raking, but now you're moving up and down as well as in and out.  Several raking picks work well as rockers.
Here are the city rake (or L-rake), triple peak (or Bogota), and the worm.

Ward & Wafer

20190725_213207.jpg

These could be bypass tools, but also fit here.  The ward picks (on the right) are used on cheaper locks where the keyway looks like a "Z" or lightening bolt.  The wafer picks (on the left) are for cabinet and desk drawer style locks.  These act just like a key for the lock.

Picks: Services
bottom of page