Comb pick

Comb Pick

A cutaway lock showing the effects of a comb pick.

A comb pick is a lockpicking tool designed to pick pin-tumbler locks by moving all pin stacks completely above the shear line, leaving no obstructions to prevent rotation of the plug. Comb picks may either compress springs or forcibly remove poorly fastened chamber casings to allow springs and pins to be moved further.

Balanced pin stacks are used to prevent this technique. In addition, the use of screwed or riveted chamber casings prevent forced removal of the chamber casing.

See also

• Lockpicking
• Pin-tumbler
• Plug
• Cylinder
• Shear Line