Lock picking is a popular hobby for security professionals and people who simply enjoy the challenge of opening locks without the use of key or force. There are also many situations where a person might find themselves locked out of their house or car and will need to open the lock to gain entry. In addition, picking locks can be a fun way to pass the time or even just relax with friends.

The basic pick-locking tools you need are a tension wrench and a pick. The wrench is used to apply pressure to the lock while you feel around for pins with your pick. There are many different kinds of picks available, each designed for a specific kind of lock.

A standard short hook is one of the most common and versatile picks in any lockpickers arsenal. It has a slim profile that allows it to reach and set pins in a variety of configurations, including long front pins tucked tight behind shorter rear pins. It is very maneuverable and agile, making it a favorite of pickers everywhere.

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Another common pick is the rake. Rake picks, such as the popular Bogota or snake rake, have multiple peaks that can be run across the pins in a scrubbing or rocking fashion to ensure that all peaks touch and set each other. These rakes are effective against cheaper locks where pin height variations can be exploited.

A more advanced rake is the city rake, which is similar to the snake rake but has a much larger radius and can be run in a more gentle rocking motion that is more effective against more sophisticated locks with higher pin heights. Other more unique rakes are available as well, such as a double or triple peak rake that is shaped to mimic the various pin heights found on typical keys.