79x wrote:Hi all,
I understand that raking is an alternative to picking each pin individually and is considered by some to be a little "uncouth". Is it an infallible method for lock opening as I am yet to open any of my locks using this technique?
Regards
It is fallible simply because you have to account for factors of lock condition (dirty/gunky key way or pins), type of pins (security vs non-security) and how the lock is keyed. For instance, I have a Brinks R70 that has a very low-keyed front pin. The pin directly behind it is keyed high. If I try to rake it, I will get nowhere simply because, in order for me to get the second pin set, I have lift the front pin past the shear line. I could always "get lucky", but I can say with certainty that luck will not get said lock open. A single pin pick technique will be the way I will get it open.
As for whether it is proper etiquette or "uncouth", what do you think the competition pickers use as their means of opening a lock quickly? Given, they have a far more acute sense of what is happening in the lock, but they likely would not resort to a spp method out of the gate.
