A lockpick set is a tool kit that includes everything needed to get started with a hobby or career in lock picking. It is typically made up of tools such as tension wrenches, picks and raking tools that are used to open locks. It is also important to include a practice lock that will allow you to try your hand at the different styles of pick placement. Finally a lock lubricant, such as a lubricating graphite is also a good idea.
Among the most common and essential picks is the short hook. This is a versatile pick that is often used for individual pin picking, raking and wafer locks. It is a very popular choice for beginners and it’s mastery is often correlated with the mastery of the art itself.
Unlocking the Art of Pick Locking: Tools and Techniques for Aspiring Enthusiasts
Another popular pick is the gem. It is similar to the short hook but adds a small, pointed tip. This makes it more effective at finding binding pins and lifting them without affecting the neighboring ones. It’s also a better choice for dealing with paracentric keyways, heavy warding and locks that use radical bitting.
Another pick that is commonly used in raking is the snake rake. This pick is similar to the Bogota but has a more narrow profile that allows it to fit into tighter and more paracentric keyways. Like the Bogota, it’s most effective when used in a rocking motion to ensure that different peaks of pins touch and set one another.
