Lock Picks and Tension Tools
Lock picks and tensioners are the foundational tools for cylinder manipulation. Selecting appropriate pick thickness and tension placement is critical for navigating restrictive warding and feeling subtle binding feedback.
Pick Profiles & Tension Placement
Figure 1: Essential pick profiles (Short Hook, Deep Hook, Bogota, Half Diamond) and Top of Keyway (TOK) vs Bottom of Keyway (BOK) dynamics. Source & Reference: TOOOL Equipment Standards & Practical Lock Picking (Deviant Ollam).
Pick Profiles
| Profile | Best Used For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short Hook | Single Pin Picking (SPP) standard keyways | Essential primary tool; provides direct tactile feedback. |
| Medium / Deep Hook | Low-cut pins behind high-cut pins | Reaches deep chambers without over-lifting front pins. |
| City Rake / Bogota | Fast raking and scrubbing attacks | Simulates key bitting peaks across multiple pins. |
| Diamond Pick | Half-diamond probing and wafer picking | Versatile angle for both lifting and gentle raking. |
Pick Thickness Standards
- 0.025" (0.635mm): Standard thickness for wide, open keyways (e.g., Kwikset KW1, Master Lock). Maximum durability and stiffness.
- 0.020" (0.508mm): Balanced profile for North American commercial paracentric keyways (e.g., Schlage SC1/SC4).
- 0.015" (0.381mm): Ultra-slim profile for tight European keyways and restrictive high-security warding. Requires gentle handling to prevent bending.
Tension Tools
- Top of Keyway (TOK): Flat prybars inserted into the top of the keyway. Maximizes workspace for the pick and provides superior rotational control.
- Bottom of Keyway (BOK): Traditional L-shaped wrenches. Convenient but can bind on the plug housing or reduce working room in small keyways.