Does "Raking" = 'Cheating'

by **nip1024** » 24 Jul 2006 13:23

I was just wondering what people really felt about pin picking vs raking. I've only picked a few locks and the first thing I try is raking it. After (if) I can do that for a while, I pick up a hook and try single pin picking. For some reason I don't feel like I've conquered the lock until I can pick it consistently with a hook.

I can understand during competition/timed events, using whatever works. But, when you get a new lock to play with, and nobody is around to keep score, where do you set the bar for convincing yourself that you've conquered a lock?

nip

by **pinsetter** » 24 Jul 2006 13:58

Well, I don't consider raking cheating. I think one needs to learn both raking and SPP. However, I do not consider that I've "conquered" a lock until I can pick it consistently, whether by raking, SPP, or a combination of the two techniques. My personal technique involves far more SPP than raking though. There are only a couple of locks that I own that I've opened by pure raking technique alone.

by **parapilot** » 24 Jul 2006 14:23

I use both on some locks, Ill rake to loosen the pins, and set some of the normal pins, then go in with a hook to fish out the security pins etc.

Raking is still picking a lock using hand tools, so its classed as picking in my book.

by **lockedin** » 24 Jul 2006 16:21

I don't consider raking cheating. It takes some skill too, mainly in the tension component. Don't believe me? Time yourself raking and a person who has never picked before.

by **Krypos** » 24 Jul 2006 16:42

raking isnt cheating. it is still picking, its just a different technique. i too also think that i have conquered a lock only after i can consistently open it...like if i say....i will pick it...then it opens, then i do it again and again, then i have conquered it.

really though, raking=speed picking. and SPP=well, knowledge and patience.

by **Shrub** » 24 Jul 2006 16:44

Yup cheating but effective,

by **Mothrog** » 24 Jul 2006 17:25

I don't really how it could be considered cheating. The goal of picking a lock is to open the lock. I don't see how using your tools effectively to get to that goal is cheating.

by **illusion** » 24 Jul 2006 17:30

Mothrog wrote:I don't really how it could be considered cheating. The goal of picking a lock is to open the lock. I don't see how using your tools effectively to get to that goal is cheating.

Shrub is a lockpicking Nazi.

Well I rake loads, but I also SPP. ONLY raking is a bit repetitive.

by **Raccoon** » 24 Jul 2006 17:30

I imagine you're talking about raking. What about bump keys or pick guns? There are real differences between the experience and technique required to single-pin-pick a lock, and to thrust a jagged piece of metal into a lock.

by **TOWCH** » 24 Jul 2006 17:43

You got the lock open right? There's no reason to downplay your accomplishment with a Master lock because you used a rake. The more difficult locks are what define you opinion of raking. When it's getting you nowhere is when you give up on it.

by **lockedin** » 24 Jul 2006 18:18

Raccoon wrote:I imagine you're talking about raking. What about bump keys or pick guns? There are real differences between the experience and technique required to single-pin-pick a lock, and to thrust a jagged piece of metal into a lock.

While I respect your opinion, I think you have images in your head of some of the clowns on youtube who act like they have superpowers after they violently rake a lock. While raking does not take the muscle memory and finesse required for pin-by-pin picking, it is a skill that can be improved.

by **Deathadder** » 24 Jul 2006 18:44

heh, i have a padlock where all the pins are 1 or 2 numbers off and i can rake it in one go, i dont consider that cheating, but not quite "not cheating".
If it is a lock that is difficult to rake and takes ''some'' kind of skill, however, i do not consider it cheating.

by **Shrub** » 24 Jul 2006 19:00

illusion wrote:Shrub is a lockpicking Nazi.

SPP and you will be free,

by **Deathadder** » 24 Jul 2006 19:08

Shrub wrote:SPP and you will be free,

heh, that would make a nice little quote

by **p1ckf1sh** » 25 Jul 2006 5:05

lockedin wrote:While I respect your opinion, I think you have images in your head of some of the clowns on youtube who act like they have superpowers after they violently rake a lock. While raking does not take the muscle memory and finesse required for pin-by-pin picking, it is a skill that can be improved.

Oh, you're not talking about me, are you?

Well, the video is not on youtube, but photobucket is pretty close. And the clown part got me thinking

. So, is the opening of this lock (ZeissIkon padlock, 6pins, 4 spools, nice highlow, as seen in my breakdown thread on that lock) already violent raking in your book?

Just curious, no offense taken on your comments, so be honest.

Does "Raking" = 'Cheating'

Does "Raking" = 'Cheating'

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