i have searched. but not found. what are they all for?

[7mazrik]

I recently bought my first pick set and the only thing that disapointed me was the tension tools. So I took an Allen Wrench and ground it to fit the key ways of my practice locks. There is not much "springy"action in it but I found that it is very important for the tool to fit correctly.

[tmaxx258]

Instead of making a new thread i will post here.

I always wondered what the ramped rake is used for,it really dosen't fit in to the locks that i have(wich are mostly padlocks,and a cheap kwikset).

So what is it used for?

[Shrub]

If you mean the one which is taller at the tip than the handle end then its a rake,

Nothing more nothing less,

Some locks have tal keyways it works wel on and others have high combos at the back of the lock and low at the front,

All tools are for sticking in locks other than that the useage they are designed for is of no consequence at all, you use the toiol that openes the lock and practice teaches you which tool your likely to be able to use and how to use it,

There is NO this tool must be used for this type of lock or that tool cant be used on that type of lock, if it fits and opens the lock then its the right tool youve chosen,

[tmaxx258]

If you mean the one which is taller at the tip than the handle end

yep,thats the one

[Oliwerko]

I own SouthOrd C 2010, and I barely use picks other than:

Hooks - my basic
Half diamond - sometimes, when the pin is binding strong and is high, I don't use hook, but a half diamond, because of it's angled sides. ( large for large keyholes, small for small )
Ball - sometimes, but really only sometimes for pushing the finest pins - it kinda makes me feel the pin better than a hook. But rarely though.

Other ? Never used them.
Can someone tell me please if raking is really so succesfull like I read everywhere ? Because I open a standard 5-pin euro cylinder in no time, but I can't rake it. I have never opened any lock by raking...

[freakparade3]

Instead of making a new thread i will post here.

I always wondered what the ramped rake is used for,it really dosen't fit in to the locks that i have(wich are mostly padlocks,and a cheap kwikset).

So what is it used for?

When I first got this pick I thought it was a joke. I have changed my mind. It is a VERY effective pick. You need to insert the pick into the lock before you put the tension wrench in, otherwise it likely will not fit. After raking the lock open you will likely nor be able to remove the pick with the cylinder turned because the pins trap it in the cylinder until it's returned to the locked position. It's a highly effective tool, it just takes a little practice.