Raking - Bad for locks?

[UEXplorer]

Is raking locks bad for them? I've heard it damages the pins and makes the lock more difficult to pick, especially with single pin.

Thanks for any information,

UEXplorer

[enp]

i have been succesfully picking locks for the last two weeks and i cant notice a difference in how hard it is to single pin pick the locks after raking them. So based on my experience the answer to your question is NO.

[CitySpider]

I, also, have very limited experience that applies, since I don't study locks I take apart. But it seems to me that pushing a key into the lock would be just as hard on it as raking would.

[Denis]

The damage is very small. I don't think, that it could be bad.
An E-Picks makes a lot more damage than raking.

[marso]

BTW I have only been picking a lock for the last few days (one of 3) and the brass looking finish has been scratched on the face by the wrench. Just something to keep in mind if you are using the family door.

[unclepappy]

You aren't damaging the lock. If you rake the lock you are just pushing the pins up. If you are applying too much tension and using a stainless steel pick you might be filing off some brass from the pins. If this stays in your locks it can crud them up a bit but a squirt of 40 will clean that up. The only thing that you can hurt on the lock by raking is your rake IMHO. If you are raking and using a hook you can round out your hook. If you are using a rake you'll do just fine (Except I don't like how rakes work). If you do it right no one will be any the wiser (weiser) HAHAHA

Cheers

[hozer2k]

I have raked 15 or so locks many times each and never had a problem with a single one.

[unclepappy]

I rake tonnes of locks and trust me these are pearls of wisdom. The minute scratches that you are putting in the tip of the pin is nothing. If you are dealing with a 6th generation key in a 10 year old lock. You know what. You didn't cause the problem. The problem is in the age of the lock or the key. If your key is so bad go down to your local lock smith and cut the key by code. Most locks can take about a 1.5 to 2 thousandths difference before you notice it and 4 thou before they get crunchy. You will have to be doing some serious damage to remove 2 thousandths of an inch off of a pin.

[Chucklz]

I am well aware of tolerances etc. Personally I dont see the harm in raking a lock open, but I think its important to recognize that you are doing *something* to the lock, and that you may want to flush it out when you are done or not spend all day trying to rake your front door lock with an unburnished pick thats just full of sharp steel edges.

[marso]

Too much of anything is a bad thing. If you are using your front door as a practice lock every day you may find raking make it not work as well. I will also add depends how someone is raking if they rake with force and torque there is alot of side pressure on the bottom pin and depending on its size I can see it at least not being good for the lock. Again the too much of anything statement to avoid flames