Hook Picks

Choose the Right Hook Pick for Your Lock

If you are interested in lockpicking, a hook lockpick is an essential part of your toolkit. The different types of hook picks, such as the short hook, medium hook, and long hook, provide you with the control you need to open even the toughest locks. But how do you know which lockpick hook is best suited for your lock? In this guide, we explain and provide handy tips for choosing the right pick.

What Are Hook Picks?

A hook lockpick is a special type of lockpick used for the Single Pin Picking (SPP) technique, where you manipulate the pins in a lock one by one. This pick has a sharp hook shape that allows you to effectively raise the pins to the correct height and open the lock. Hook picks are designed for precision work and provide perfect control over the individual pins in a lock.

Different Types of Hook Picks

There are various types of lockpick hooks you can use, depending on the type of lock you want to open. The main variants are the short hook, medium hook, and long hook. Each type has its own advantages, depending on the situation and the type of lock you are tackling.

Short Hook Lockpick

The short hook lockpick is one of the most commonly used picks and is ideal for narrow locks and smaller pins. However, as shown in the image below, the short hook may be too short to reach over the higher pins for some locks. This makes it a less suitable choice for locks with larger pins or if you want to open locks that require a larger lockpick tool.

As you can see, the short hook does not reach over the high pins, as indicated by the bitting of the key. This often makes the short hook suitable for locks with smaller, less advanced pin structures.

Medium Hook Lockpick

The medium hook lockpick is a good middle option. It offers more reach than the short hook but is often not long enough to cause a overset. This makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of locks, especially for cylinder locks and locks that have slightly deeper pins.

Long Hook Lockpick

The long hook lockpick offers the most reach and is ideal for locks where the pins are deep inside the lock. As you can see in the image below, a long hook can more easily reach over the pins, but there is a risk of oversetting if the hook goes too deep. It is important to use a long hook carefully, especially with locks that have deep pins. This type of pick is often suitable for more difficult locks or if you find that the medium hook does not have enough reach.

As you can see, this small long hook easily reaches over the pins, making it a better choice for this specific lock.

How to Choose the Right Hook Lockpick?

The choice between the short hook, medium hook, and long hook depends on the specifications of the lock you want to open. Experience is the best teacher here. The best advice is to try out different hook picks and see which works best for the lock mechanisms you are working with.

In most cases, my standard choice is to use the sharpest hook I can without hitting the pins. This provides the most control and precision, which is essential for successful lockpicking.

Need more control while lockpicking?

When you can’t get past that tricky lock, you need an extra hand. The solution is often a sturdy vise. For lockpicking, we have created a special selection of vises. These vises help you position the lock correctly. This allows you to exert more control to open the lock with single pin picking.

How to Recognize the Right Lockpick for Your Lock?

When choosing the best lockpick set for your lockpicking techniques, it is important to know what type of lock you are trying to open. Some locks require a larger hook pick set, while others, such as those with smaller pins, may work better with a short hook lockpick. It is essential to know which hook shape best fits the lock to avoid damage and achieve the best results.