This feels like a stupid question.

[m3ph15t0]

Could somebody tell me the general idea behind raking a lock? All I've been doing is single pin picking, and I'd like to leart the technique. I have read the mit guide so I understand the theory, but I can't seem to make it work. Oh, and what types of picks does raking work with? Obviously the snake shaped ones are made for it, but I make all my own, so which type do you guys think I should start with?

[Raccoon]

Take a look at raimoundo's bogota picks.

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[CVScam]

I know I use less tension and I bouce the tension wrench as I am raking. If you own any Kwickset locks they seem to be the easiest locks I own to rake open.

[m3ph15t0]

So I just slide the pick across all the pins back and forth untill it opens?

[Gordon Airporte]

So I just slide the pick across all the pins back and forth untill it opens?

Pretty much. The trick is being able to maintain constant tension as pins set, so you really need to be sensitive to those tiny shifts in cylinder rotation, and to which pins have firmed up and which are still springy.
Try scrubbing in and out, and lifting and rocking.

[m3ph15t0]

Thanks, I'll try to make one of those bogotas and see if I can get it to work