Lock Picking Tools Explained: Picks, Tension Wrenches & Advanced Sets

 Lock picking is one of the most essential skills every professional locksmith must master. Whether you’re handling a residential lockout, servicing commercial hardware, or opening automotive doors, having the right lock picking tools can make all the difference between a quick job and a complicated one.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down lock picks, tension wrenches, and advanced lock pick sets—how they work, when to use them, and why professional locksmiths rely on high-quality tools from clkupplies.com.

What Are Lock Picking Tools?

Lock picking tools are specialized instruments used by locksmiths to manipulate the internal components of a lock and open it without a key. These tools come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for a specific technique or lock type.

The three primary categories you need to understand are:

Understanding each tool—and how it works—helps locksmiths perform faster, safer, and more precise openings.

1. Lock Picks: The Core Tools of Lock Manipulation

Lock picks are the thin, shaped tools used to move the lock’s pins, wafers, or tumblers into the correct position to unlock the mechanism.

Common Types of Lock Picks

Here are the most frequently used picks in the locksmith industry:

✔️ Hook Pick

Ideal for single pin picking (SPP). Allows precision control over each pin.

✔️ Rake Pick (Snake, Bogota, C-Rake)

Designed to quickly bounce multiple pins into position. Perfect for fast lock openings.

✔️ Half-Diamond Pick

Versatile pick for both raking and single-pin techniques. Works well in wafer locks.

✔️ Ball Pick & Double Ball Pick

Best for wafer locks and simple mechanisms.

✔️ Offset Hybrid Pick

A blend of a hook and rake, great for challenging keyways.

✔️ Automotive Picks

Specialized picks made for vehicle locks, including wafer systems and sidebar locks.

Why High-Quality Picks Matter

Cheap picks bend, snap, or lose tension quickly. Professionals need precision, durability, and flexibility, which is why many locksmiths trust the premium pick sets available at clkupplies.com.

2. Tension Wrenches: The Most Important Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed

Many beginners focus on lock picks—but tension wrenches are actually the key to successfully opening a lock.

A tension wrench (also called a torsion wrench) applies rotational force to the plug, allowing the pins or wafers to bind so the pick can move them into place.

Types of Tension Wrenches

✔️ Standard L-Shaped Wrench

Best for traditional pin tumbler locks.

✔️ Feather-Touch or Soft-Touch Wrench

Provides lighter tension for delicate locks and precision picking.

✔️ Top-of-Keyway (TOK) Wrench

Gives better control for narrow or tight keyways.

✔️ Twist-Flex Tension Tools

Flexible design for improved feedback and sensitivity.

✔️ Automotive Tension Tools

Designed specifically for vehicle lock cylinders and double-sided wafer locks.

Why Tension Tools Are Critical

Without tension, a lock’s pins will never stay set. Choosing the right tension wrench can significantly speed up your lockout service—making it a vital part of every locksmith kit.

You can find all professional-grade tension tools at clksupplies.com, trusted by locksmiths nationwide.

3. Advanced Lock Pick Sets: For Professional and High-Security Work

Advanced lock pick sets include a broader range of picks, extractors, tension tools, and specialized instruments designed for:

  • High-security locks
  • Commercial door hardware
  • Automotive locks
  • Tubular locks
  • Disk-detainer locks
  • Master key systems
  • Restricted keyways

These sets are essential for full-service locksmiths who handle multiple lock types and need a reliable and versatile toolkit.

What’s Included in Advanced Lock Pick Sets?

Depending on the brand and size, advanced sets may include:

✔️ Wide variety of picks

Hooks, rakes, diamonds, hybrids, ball picks, and automotive picks.

✔️ Assortment of tension wrenches

TOK, standard L-wrenches, and specialty torque tools.

✔️ Extractors

For removing broken keys from cylinders.

✔️ Tubular lock picks

For 7-pin and 8-pin tubular mechanisms.

✔️ Jigglers & Wafer Lock Tools

Useful for automotive work and padlocks.

✔️ Case or pouch

For secure, organized tool storage.

Professional-grade sets from clksupplies.com ensure durability and performance during regular locksmith operations.

Why Locksmiths Choose CLKSupplies.com for Lock Picking Tools

When it comes to buying lock picks, tension wrenches, and advanced lock picking sets, locksmiths need reliability—and that’s why clksupplies.com is a top choice.

✔️ High-Quality, Professional-Grade Tools

Built for daily use—not cheap beginner sets that break.

✔️ Wide Selection of Picks & Specialty Tools

From basic picks to advanced automotive sets, they carry everything pros need.

✔️ Trusted by Locksmiths Nationwide

Over a decade of serving the locksmith industry.

✔️ Fast Shipping

Perfect for mobile techs who need tools ASAP.

Training & Resources

CLKSupplies.com offers free videos, guides, and product insights that help new and experienced locksmiths sharpen their skills.

Whether you’re building your first kit or upgrading your professional equipment, clksupplies.com has the tools you can count on.

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between picks, tension wrenches, and advanced lock pick sets is essential for performing fast, efficient, and professional lockout services. High-quality tools help locksmiths work confidently on everything from simple wafer locks to complex commercial systems.

And when you’re ready to stock up or upgrade your kit, clksupplies.com offers some of the best, most trusted lock picking tools in the locksmith industry.

FAQs

What tools do locksmiths use to pick locks?

Locksmiths commonly use lock picks, tension wrenches, and advanced pick sets designed for different lock types.

Do I need both picks and tension tools?

Yes. Tension is essential for binding pins, making tension wrenches just as important as picks.

What lock pick set is best for beginners?

A basic set with hooks, rakes, and a couple of tension wrenches works well.

Where can I buy high-quality lock picking tools?

Professionals trust clksupplies.com for durable and reliable lock picking tools.

Do locksmiths use the same tools for automotive locks?

Automotive lock picking tools are often specialized, such as wafer picks and jigglers.

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