Types of Lock Picks and Where to Use Them

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There are many types of lock picks out there, and they are all used to open different kinds of locks.

This article will show you the most common types of lock picks, what locks they are used on, and explain how each works.

For a more in-depth look at lock-picking tools, have a look at this article.

Standard Lock Picks

The most common type of lock picks are for picking pin tumbler locks. This is because they are the most common type of lock in the world and one of the most interesting to pick.

There are many types of picks for pin tumbler locks, and they all have minor differences. Here is a list of the names of several lock picks for pin tumbler locks:

Hooks

The most common type of lock pick is a hook. It is what you use for single-pin picking, where you lift each pin in one at a time while turning the core of the lock.

Hook picks are the most common type of lock pick because they are the standard tool used to open pin tumbler locks, the most common type of lock in the world.

Pin tumbler locks are used on anything from the front door of most houses to most padlocks and doors in general.

There are several types of hooks, from a deep hook to a short hook, offset hook, and others. These also all come in different thicknesses for accessing different keyways.

Turning Tools

The most underrated lock-picking tool is the humble tension wrench. Used in combination with almost all other tools for opening a pin tumbler and all different locks.

These tools are used simply to turn the core of the lock in the same way a key would while you pick the pins with another tool. A variety of tension wrenches is essential for any effective lock pick kit.

Rakes

Rakes are used for opening various types of pin-tumbler locks, but generally, they work most effectively on low-security locks.

There are various types of rakes, from scrubbing to city rakes, wave rakes, and more.

They are used by applying turning pressure to a lock while moving the rake in and out, quickly making the pins jump inside the lock until it opens.

Other Specialty Lock Picks

Other than hooks and rakes, there is a whole range of other picks with different uses. Here is a list of the names of other picks that you might find in a lock pick set.

• Snowman pick
• Half diamond pick
• Ball pick
• Snake rake
• Batarang

Lishi Tools

Lishi tools are a special kind of lock pick that has only been around for a few years. They are unique because they make picking a lock more of a science than an art.

A Lishi tool includes a tension wrench, a hook pick for manipulating the pins, and a decoder, all in a single tool. Because of the decoder and the integrated design, the Lishi tool is easy for beginners to use as it enables a more structured approach to picking, with markings to show pin positions and heights.

To use a Lishi, you insert the tool much like you would a key. You then open the tension wrench and apply pressure. Next, you use the pick handle to move from one pin to the next, raising it until each pin clicks into position.

Wafer Picks

Wafer locks are usually used in low-security applications like simple lock boxes but can occasionally be found in higher-security applications. Many older car locks are wafer locks.

The tool you use for these locks is a wafer pick, a wafer jiggler. These are simply inserted into the lock and jiggled around to open it.

They are mainly a low-skill method for opening a lock, and this skill can be learned relatively quickly.

Dimple Picks

While dimple locks operate similarly to pin tumbler locks, they can be considered a separate type of lock as they use different tools, and their keys are quite different.

Dimple picks are designed to rotate in the keyway of a lock to lift the pins. Because of this, they have a different shape and design than other types of picks. This is done at the same time as turning the core of the lock with a turning tool.

Picking dimple locks is a skill that takes quite a while to learn and has a similar difficulty to that of pin tumbler locks.

Disc-Detainer Lock Picks

A much higher security lock is the disc-detainer lock. Many companies produce many variants of this, but they all work similarly and have similar keys.

These types of locks need a disc-detainer pick like the one designed by BosnianBill and the LockPickingLawyer. But even this pick will not fit all types of disc cylinders, and you may need to obtain another type and possibly modify it to open some locks.

To pick a disc lock, you must insert the tool and apply tension to the core with the arms of the tool. You can then use the center finger of the tool to manipulate the discs inside the lock. This allows the picker to turn the discs to the correct positions one at a time until the lock can be opened.

Disc-detainer locks generally require a high level of skill to open and therefore are not usually attempted by beginner lock pickers.

Final Thoughts

There are many different locks in the world, just as many lock picks are designed to pick them open. They all take a different approach to picking; some are easier than others.

Far from a problem, this means that the lock picking field is very deep and varied, allowing you to try different types of picking and learn with new tools.

We hope this article has given you some good insights into the different types of locks and picks.