QuantumEntangled wrote:Dr.Dave,
I am relatively new to lockpicking in that I have been at it for only a year so I am still learning. My question was how could you tell if the lock you are working at opening would benefit from an Octorake tool? Assuming you could not see the key to understand the bitting. IOW is there a tactile sensation in the pick that would tell you to try the octo? I am trying to develop my feedback processing so that's why I was wondering. Obviously one could disassemble the lock but I thought maybe some specific type of feedback could clue you in. It seems like a very thoughtful and intuitive tool and I wanted to know how to get the most from it.
Thank you Doc.
----------------------------------------------------
HiHo QuantumEntangled....
BTW, G R E A T Handle or Forum Name, it seem to me that you are proceeding on a right path.... 1) You are THINKING on a Forward and Upward path and 2) UR wondering and questioning "WHY, IF and HOW". If you continue to keep you mind open on those paths there is not too many things in Locks nor LIFE that you will not be able to master...
Unfortunately that is probably not the answer you were looking for, but if you consider that each and every lock as well as lock-type could be attacked with an Octo-Rake or Bogota then you will begin to develop your very own personal "Data Bank" in your own mind.... Soon, you'll have the experience that, for example, a warded padlock will be best and possibly fasted attacked with "Warded Skelton-Type key" or maybe a long "Flag-type" pick, then KNOWING you need NOT pull out a rake of any sort for those type locks.
Basicly what I'm saying, is that there is really NO substitute for experience and practice, practice, practice. Normally part of my LP101 signature was: Picking since 1969, still Learning !!! / Creator of SPARROWS Sandman.... Squelchtone/Admin thought it was a bit long, and he was right. He also suggested that I put "all that stuff" in the graphic of the right size... Point there is, it is ALWAYS best to offer a solution to someone while critiquing something that someone has done. I just have not had the time to resize the graphic here...
As for your question:
"is there a tactile sensation in the pick that would tell you to try the octo? I am trying to develop my feedback processing so that's why I was wondering": Short Answer is YES; normally on a standard US-type pin tumbler lock, a Rake (Octo-Type) is almost always the first tool I pull. With light to Medium tension, and 10-seconds or so you too will develop a rather keen sense as which tool is next, providing you don't get an "OPEN" with the Rake. BTW that "OPEN" occurs more often than not, or WILL Occur after your practice, practice, practice. I really enjoy watching BosianBill SPP with Top Of Keyway and a Peterson Gem, however in "Real-World" if UR Picking a lock out in the open, you will want an "OPEN" as FAST as possible.... That's why the Hours, even DAYS of practice, practice, practice can and SHOULD be done as often as possible. One more thing on that point; I have made it my practice to get as many keyways and lock-types as possible. If affordable get a small "rekey-set" of security pins and always save any and all lock pieces-parts. Repin the tumblers of the locks that you will find most often in your adventures. Local Locksmiths can be most helpful there, but even if you do EVERYTHING yourself, get to KNOW the cylinders by repinning them to EVERY possible configuration as you can, continue to challenge yourself. As much as I enjoy Bill and his 750 videos, you/I can pick up good and even GREAT Ideas but more often than not, you/I NEED to follow-up with that good old fashioned practice!!!
I'd say "Good Luck" but really, it's ALL up to YOU.........
