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Buyers Guide to Lock Pick Characteristics

Buyers Guide to Lock Pick Characteristics

by Alison Lurie

So we’ve gone over all of the ways to get lock picks, but let’s take a quick look at some of the qualities of a lock pick set to guarantee you get what you need.

Hooks versus Rakes

Hooks and rakes are the two types of lock pick used in lock picking. Let’s go through each one briefly.

Hooks are used to moving a lock’s pins one at a time. They need more expertise, time, and experience to operate, but they are solid and can open almost any pin tumbler lock you can think of—even the most difficult ones.

On the other hand, Rakes are built to work with numerous pins at once. They need less expertise, less time, and maybe highly strong against simple locks, but they may fall short against more difficult locks with additional security mechanisms like security pins.

There is a lot to say about these two sorts of lock picks, so if you want to learn more about them and how to use them, make sure to check out my comprehensive beginner’s guide to lock picking!

Wrench for Tension

The tension wrench is arguably the most important yet underappreciated item in a lock pick kit. Use the tensioning wrench to impart torque to the plug and bind the pins. Lock picking is impossible without this instrument.

It also gives us vital feedback in vibrations, which tell us what is going on within the lock while you pick it.

Some sets additionally contain top of keyway turning tools, which allow you to tighten the lock from the keyway’s centre. These are useful but not necessary for a novice.

If you want to learn more, there is a comprehensive tutorial here that delves deeper into tension wrenches and how to select the proper one.

Select Thickness

The first thing to consider when shopping for a lock pick set is the thickness. Lock picks are usually classified into two thicknesses.

Slender/Slimline [0.015′′ to 0.022′′]

When deciding on a thickness, keep in mind where you reside, the sorts of locks you want to pick, and your level of skill.

You’ll probably want to start with stock picks if you reside in North America because most locks have bigger keyways.

However, if you reside in Europe or Japan, locks have more minor and more paracentric keyways, so consider picking up some thinner ones to supplement your collection.

Thinner lock picks are also simpler to shatter, and beginners usually have a big hand. So, if you’re new at lock picking, start with the thickest lock picks you can find.

Lock Picks: Standard vs Euro

So, what is the distinction between regular and euro lock picks?

It’s a widespread misperception that “euro-style” lock picks are defined by pick thickness. On the other hand, Euro picks have nothing to do with pick thickness and everything to do with pick profile height.

Euro denotes a decrease in shank height.

Euro Lock Pick Profile vs Standard Lock Pick Profile

As can be seen, the shaft of the euro pick is significantly shorter than that of the regular profile. This shank reduction makes it much easier to access more restricted keyways and gain leverage within the lock.

Profile of the Manufacture

There is also a manufacturer’s profile in addition to the shank profile.

The overall profile—or shape—of your picks will directly impact their effectiveness in the lock.

Different manufacturers adhere to different standards and designs..

Author Bio:

Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.

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