What are the different types of lock picks?
Learning to pick a lock is a skill that can be used for good, such as to open an old-fashioned door or a chest in a book. Lock picking can also break into a home or vehicle if you don’t have the key (and who doesn’t?). There are many different types of lock picks that come in all shapes and sizes. In this article, you will find the types of lock picks available now and give you some tips on how to use them effectively.
Tension wrench
A tension wrench is a tool used to apply torque to the plug of a lock. It is inserted into the keyway and turned to open the plug. The tension wrench must be placed on their respective pins while using other picks, such as rakes and hooks.
A tension wrench can be made of metal or plastic, depending on your preference and what best suits your particular needs as an individual lock picker or hobbyist.
Hook pick
Hook picks are used to manipulate the pins in a lock. They are curved tools with pointed tips and can be used on many types of locks.
If you’re new to lock picking and need help figuring out where to start, you should start with hook picks. Hook picks are versatile tools that can be used on pin tumbler locks (the most common type), wafer tumbler locks (also called rim cylinder locks), tubular cam locks, lever-handle door knobs, and deadbolts for residential applications.
Ball pick
A ball pick is a lock pick used to open pin tumbler locks. It consists of two parts: the shaft, which fits into the keyway and can be turned by hand, and the handle, which allows you to hold onto it while rotating the cylinder. The ball on one end has a notch cut into it. This notch fits into one side of each pin as they are lifted out of their holes to unlock them.
Rake pick
A rake pick is a lock-picking tool used to open locks by moving the pins back and forth. It is used when you need the correct key for the lock or when you are forced to pick it. A rake pick is a flat piece of metal with several teeth on one side, which resemble fish hooks or needles, and a handle on the other. The teeth of the rake pick are forced into the cylinder at various angles and then pulled out quickly so they can bounce back inside like pinballs bouncing around inside an arcade game machine.
Diamond pick
A diamond pick is a tool used to remove pins on the side of a lock. It’s one of the most popular picks because it can be used in different situations, but it is more versatile than others. The diamond pick can be used when:
- A key is stuck in the lock, and you need to remove it.
- Pins are worn or rusty, and you want them replaced with new ones.
Snake rake pick
A rake pick is used to open locks with pins that are not aligned. This makes it different from a traditional pick or tension wrench, which can only be used on a lock in which all the pins are lined up. The rake pick has teeth along its length, angled downward towards the tool’s tip. A skilled practitioner can use this tool to manipulate each pin individually and lift them all at once to line up with their counterparts on another side of the keyway.
Bogota lock picks
Bogota lock picks are a type of lock pick used to open locks with a pin and tumbler mechanism. They are made from stainless steel and come in different sizes and shapes.
One thing is for sure: you can never have too many lock picks! And with so many different types on the market today, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. Whether you need something simple or complicated, there is a pick for everyone.
