Proper use of Bogotas?

[nsquidc]

So I've always heard that the proper use for Bogotas is to use them in a "jittery" motion akin to using a jiggler. This never seems to work for me though... I've had good luck using them in a slow, up-down + in-out motion (using them essentially to feel for binding pins), but never really as a jiggler.

Does anyone have a good link to a video on the proper use of a Bogota? All the one's I've found seem to use them as rakes, which I don't think is the intended method.

[GeneT]

No video, but a kind of jittery elliptical motion seems to work best for me. When I first got mine I was kind of raking with it and it didn't work so well. I still don't think I've perfected my technique, but I've had enough success now that I'm a believer.

GsT

[raimundo]

you can see vids on you tube, you know the search terms,

you should combine the jittery in-out tilt up tiltdown motion with LIGHT PULSED TENSION.

YOU CANT BEAT DOWN SEVERLY BOUND PINS WITH THAT MOTION, AND BINDING THE PINS IS PROBABLY YOUR PROBLEM.

[nsquidc]

you should combine the jittery in-out tilt up tiltdown motion with LIGHT PULSED TENSION.

YOU CANT BEAT DOWN SEVERLY BOUND PINS WITH THAT MOTION, AND BINDING THE PINS IS PROBABLY YOUR PROBLEM.

Ah, from the mouth of the master. Thanks for the tips guys.

[nsquidc]

It occurred to me that maybe the bogotas I've made aren't up to snuff?

I've posted some pictures of them. Maybe some can comment, specifically on whether the "humps" are either too wide or too far apart?





Thanks!

~NSC

[nsquidc]

Oops, looks like the links didn't work.

[raimundo]

you have a very thing point on each of those picks just where the pick tip meets the pickshaft. this is going to cause breakage because it is weaker than the rest of the shaft and pick tip and bending stress will concentrate on the weak point.

I cant tell what metal stock you used, but the dimension for the width of the metal stock is street sweeper bristle size. yours may be slightly wider than this and in a keyway what appears slight is actually quite significant.

That said, experiment with them, no one can tell you if they work unless they have them in hand and try them on several locks.

[raimundo]

above, the word thing should be thin. my typing finger have oldtimers syndrome.

[nsquidc]

"...I cant tell what metal stock you used, but the dimension for the width of the metal stock is street sweeper bristle size. yours may be slightly wider than this and in a keyway what appears slight is actually quite significant."


It was from a windshield wiper blade insert. I have no problem opening cheap sets with these, but have problems with anything with more than one security pin. Maybe my tension is still too heavy.

Thanks for the tip on the pickshaft connection. So the general shape is reasonable?

[Legion303]

Compared to the real deal, your peaks aren't pointy enough, and as Ray said, the stock is too thin in places which will lead to snapping. See his Bogota tutorial.

-steve

[nsquidc]

Thanks guys.

Went through the tutorial some more, here's another attempt from this afternoon. I know the pickshaft connection is still a little slim, but are the humps looking better now?

[sterry20]

i have used my bogatas for speed running my pick in a straight motion only one or two times then coming back with a hook to pick up any pins the bogatas might have missed ! Works every time

[GWiens2001]

Still working on my tecnique, but i'm getting better. I find that, like the last poster, if I run the Bogota in and out a couple of times, then finish with a hook, it does seem to work. Still not easy, but running a schlage with 6 spools, and it takes a bit.

[GWiens2001]

Woohoo! I just, for the first time, opened a schlage 5 spool pin cylinder with Bogotas. More accurately, for the first time non-accidentally. Done it a couple of times before, but this is the first time I can honestly say it was technique. Starting to get the feel. It took about 40 seconds. Sure my times will improve with experience.

[raimundo]

try light tension and loose jiggling with a little inandout