Basic Lock Picking 101 the "Rake" Method

Lock picking is considered by some to be the original "hack".  Long before computers there were locks and someone who wanted to manipulate them. The common misconception when picking a lock is that the process is difficult when, in actuality, it is quite simple. There are my methods to picking a lock but for this post we are going to go over the most basic method, “raking” or “scrubbing”.

Raking a lock is a simple, yet effective, way of manipulating the pins in a lock to open it without a key and can be achieved by the following steps:

1. Insert the rake into the lock and make sure you are past the last pin. I like to push all the pins up so I can feel where the rake is placed in the lock. If you do not have a rake, one can be purchased from us.
2. Insert the tension tool into the lock not to obstruct the rake. Tension tools can also be purchased here.
3. Apply sight pressure on the tension tool in the direction you want to open the lock. This is the most difficult step in the process and will take some time to learn the right amount of tension. When teaching I like to use a rubber band on the end of the tension tool and pull just to when the rubber band starts to stretch.
4. Try not and touch the walls of the keyway and pull the rake straight out in one solid fast motion.
5. If the lock does not open on the first try don't fret, insert the rake again, adjust your tension, and repeat the process.

Even though this is a simple way of picking a lock it will still take a good deal of practice and time to learn the skills and movements involved. One great tool for learning how to pick locks is the Lock Pick School in a Box .

Bump My Lock now accepts Bitcoins, Litecoins and Feathercoins

We are now accepting Bitcoins, Litecoins, and Feathercoins for phone and email orders. To pay with Bitcoins Litecoins, or Feather coins please call in your order or email your order. If you have any questions please contact us at sales@bumpmylock.com

New Ruby Stainless Steel Lock Picks

We felt the need for quality, American made, lock picks. We answered with our Black Diamond Lock Picks, made 1074 spring steel. Then we said, "what about stainless?" Well, that is where the Ruby line of pick comes in... Made from quality tempered stainless steel and manufactured right here in the USA. The Ruby line of lock picks will exceed your expectations.

Check out the Ruby line of lock picks now!

The Best Lock Picking Guide

This is a revision of the document formerly known as the MIT Lock Picking guide. I know this is a large post but this document has a wealth of information on lock picking.

Chapter 1

It's Easy

The big secret of lock picking is that it's easy. Anyone can learn how to pick locks.

The theory of lock picking is the theory of exploiting mechanical defects. There are a few basic concepts and definitions but the bulk of the material consist of tricks for opening locks with particular defects or characteristics. The organization of this manual reflects this structure. The first few chapters present the vocabulary and basic information about locks and lock picking. There is no way to learn lock picking without practicing, so one chapter presents a set of carefully chosen exercise that will help you learn the skills of lock picking. The document ends with a catalog of the mechanical traits and defects found in locks and the techniques used to recognize and exploit them. The first appendix describes how to make lock picking tools. The other appendix presents some of the legal issues of lock picking.

The exercises are important. The only way to learn how to recognize and exploit the defects in a lock is to practice. This means practicing many times on the same lock as well as practicing on many different locks. Anyone can learn how to open desk and filing cabinet locks, but the ability to open most locks in under thirty seconds is a skill that requires practice.

Before getting into the details of locks and picking, it is worth pointing out that lock picking is just one way to bypass a lock, though it does cause less damage than brute force techniques. In fact, it may be easier to bypass the bolt mechanism than to bypass the lock. It may also be easier to bypass some other part of the door or even avoid the door entirely. Remember: There is always another way, usually a better one.

Black Diamond Lock Picks are a Hit!

We have put the Black Diamond lock picks through the ringer and they have come out shining like diamonds.  We are seeing a 30% increase in spring and tensile strength. The laminated handles are just the right size to offer great comfort with maximum amount of feel.

One of the questions often asked is, "What is the difference between stainless steel lock picks and Black Diamond lock picks?" The Black Diamond lock picks are made from 1074 mil spec spring steel that is heat-treated. This creates a strength that is consistant throughout each lock pick; where as, stainless steel when taking a cross section, has less hardening in the middle. This will give the Black Diamond a MUCH better memory that resistes bending or kinking. The Black Diamond series of lock picks will also have a much longer life, being made from a harder metal.  You will see much less wear on your lock pick set.

You can now get the Black Diamond in our new jackknife folding lock pick set named the Dakota. This unique tool has the jackknife handle with the Bogota inspired profile lock picks. The Dakota is the best pocket knife folding lock pick set to ever be sold.

DAKOTA Folding Lock Pick Set

New Black Diamond Lock Picks from Bump My Lock.

The Black Diamond series lock picks are the best lock picks money can buy and are built to last. With our Black Diamond lock picks, we start with American made mil spec 1074 spring steel and heat-treat it to blue temper spring hardness, and if that wasn't enough we coat each pick with a black oxide coating to give that unique Black Diamond look and added protection to the pick. The Black Diamond series of lock picks are the strongest picks on the market. Made in the USA, you will be proud to call the Black Diamond your next lock pick set. 

There is no substitute for quality and with the Black Diamonds you not only get the best quality lock pick money can buy you also get a great price. Through all the brands we have tested, the Black Diamond comes out shining for what it is, ... a Diamond.

Li-ion Electric Lock Pick Gun Review.

The Li-ion electric lock pick gun has become our best selling lock pick gun, and I wanted to see what made it so popular. First impressions sometimes say it all and that is the case with this lock pick gun.

The case it comes in is a nice, sturdy, formed case that holds the gun and accessories in place and keeps it safe from and accidental drop. The gun itself is made from quality materials and feels very strudy in your had. This tool has the gun shape which makes it easy to handle, being a more natural feel. One of the really cool features of this lock pick gun is the direction switch.  Switching the direction of the pick is as easy as hitting the switch.  No more having to have a upward and a downward striking gun. There is a nice little LED light on the end of the gun so you can see where you are working, this really comes in handy and even provides more visibility in well lighted areas.

This set comes with by far the most needles with the most variety I have seen on a pick gun; not only do you have the standard needles, but you have a twist needle that will give you a wider surface area. Another atachment that is nice is the divot lock needle, this will come in handy on some more secure locks in the US and Europe.

The well thought-out design and packing of this set also comes with an extraction tool for any broken needles or keys. This tool has a great battery life and a lot of power.

In conclusion, this is by far my favorite lock pick gun to date and has a lot of features that make using this tool a dream.  I now see why this is our best selling lock pick gun. Check out the video below for a closer look.