Free Lock Pick Guide with every order. See what our customers say

Free Shipping for all UK orders. Learn more
beginner, beginners lock picking, blog, Blogs, how to open a lock, lock raking, raking

In Defense of Raking Locks - The Ugly Sister of Single Pin Picking

In Defense of Raking Locks - The Ugly Sister of Single Pin Picking

Chris Dangerfield |

In Defense of Raking Locks: The Ugly Sister of Single Pin Picking

In the world of lock picking, there’s one technique that gets a bad rap from the old school: raking. It’s fast, it’s scrappy, and it’s often labeled a beginner’s move. But here’s the truth — raking works. And that’s exactly why it deserves respect.

If you’re just starting out and looking to learn lock picking, raking can be the difference between giving up and getting hooked. That moment when a lock pops open in seconds? That’s the magic that turns frustration into obsession.

Most guides on how to pick locks eventually steer you toward Single Pin Picking (SPP) — and for good reason. SPP is precise, surgical, and a real test of skill. But it can also take weeks to get your first open. I’ve seen more than a few potential pickers walk away before they ever felt that click.

Enter raking. With the right lock picking set, a few quick passes of a rake can set two or three pins instantly. And once that happens, you're halfway to the finish line — even if you finish the job with SPP.

So Why Do People Hate on Raking?

Because it looks easy. Because it feels like cheating. But ask any experienced picker — they’ll tell you they still rake. I do it all the time. Why wouldn’t I? If I can open a lock faster, I will.

The one real limitation? Raking doesn’t always work on high-security locks. If a lock has security pins like spools or serrated pins, your rake might not set them properly. But that’s not a deal-breaker. It just means raking is one part of your toolkit — not the whole game.

And let’s be honest: no one’s too advanced to save time.



Popular Rakes Worth Knowing

There are a lot of rakes out there, but a few classics have stood the test of time:

  • City Rake – shaped like a skyline, great for standard pin tumblers.

  • The Quint – a five-peak design that glides through a wide range of locks.

  • The Sinusoid – smooth, wavy, and surprisingly effective.

  • The Bogota – the legend.

The Bogota rake was invented by a man named Raimundo, and it’s named after the jagged skyline of the Bogotá mountains. This design is so effective, it singlehandedly brought raking back into the spotlight within the lock sport community. It’s compact, elegant, and deadly efficient.

If you’re building out your lock picking set, the Bogota should be one of the first tools in your kit.


Why Raking Matters (Especially for Beginners)

Raking gives people quick wins. And quick wins build momentum.

When someone wants to learn lock picking, they need early success to stay motivated. A total beginner might spend weeks trying to get an open with SPP and walk away thinking they “can’t do it.” But if they use a rake and get that first open in five minutes? That’s a game-changer.

That’s why lock picking for beginners should always include raking. It’s not just about the method — it’s about building confidence.

 

Final Thoughts: Respect the Rake

Raking isn’t cheating. It’s not lazy. It’s just another way to get the job done. Whether you’re learning how to pick locks for the first time or adding new tools to your trade, raking deserves a place in your practice.

So yeah — go ahead and get precise with SPP. Master your tension. Learn your pins. But don’t snub the technique that keeps people picking.

Because lock picking is about progress, not posturing.

Viva la Raking.

Further Reading: Raking Locks - Advanced Possibilities

Further Reading: Raking Locks - The Fast Way to Open Locks

Chris Dangerfield
Back to top