Tools wearing down...

[Matthais_31]

Hi all

Basically, when using my rake, ive noticed that if i run it through my fingers after raking i get a small metalic deposit rubbing off on my fingers. Is this normal, or am i raking a little to violently?

Cheers

Matt

[mcm757207]

If it is indeed metalic dust, then you are raking too hard. I almost always get dirt and grime on my pick, which is normal.

[WhiteHat]

just like you only need to apply enough tension to turn the plug, you only need to use enough pressure/speed when raking to make the pins jump.

[alias]

...and it's a lot more likely to be the pins wearing down and not your tools.

Steel tools vs brass pins

Steel wins!

[maldotcom2]

I found that when i took apart my practice lock, the very front bottom pin had been worn a little bit, but none of the others had. I must have picked it hundreds of times though. So i guess its understandable.

[Cman22]

I have the exact sam problem when i rake. It is not the tools that are wearing down its the pins.

[Matthais_31]

Hmm k thanks all

[adric]

[quote="Matthais_31"]Hi all

Basically, when using my rake, ive noticed that if i run it through my fingers after raking i get a small metalic deposit rubbing off on my fingers. Is this normal, or am i raking a little to violently?

=-==-
It sounds like you may be raking a bit hard, and or your tools are they hand made or professional? i recomend a little fine grit sandpaper to smoothe out your tools, then lubricate the tools by scraping them into a soft wax candle, and then melt off the extra wax, leaving just a very fine fillm.. this will help protect the locks, and your picks (rust proofs them and keeps them from wearing/binding)