Raking Method — II

Some locksmiths use what is commonly known as the "raking method". Although it is not as scientific or as sure as the feel methods, it is often used as a short cut. A locksmith tries this method first on the cylinder, if it works you don't have to bother with the feel method.

In the adjacent drawing you see a rake pick, being worked in a cylinder. The idea is to run the rake quickly under the bottom pins. This action often causes the bottom pins to bounce up to the shear line and hang there as the plug is turned out of alignment with the upper pin holes. The time that it takes to open a lock this way depends on the speed of the wrist as one manipulates the rake in and out.

Take the practice cylinder with at least three of the pins in place and practice. The raking method can become quite a knack. Practice is the key to this method, but one must remember that security locks and the better made locks with mushroom pins or well machined locks won't open with this method. Jiggling is often the term used instead of the raking method.