Tool Profile: VAG Inner Groove Pick (Fixed Rake)

This tool is a specialized precursor to the 2-in-1 Lishi tools. It is designed for the first generation of Audi and Volkswagen high-security locks.

Professional Usage Tips

• The “Fixed Rake” Motion: Because this is a rake and not a single-pin pick, success depends on the speed and angle of the “in-and-out” movement combined with pulsing tension.

• Lubrication: Since these locks are often older (2005 and earlier), they frequently contain debris or dried grease. Using a high-quality lock lubricant (like PTFE-based sprays) is often necessary for the rake to move the wafers freely.

• Limitations: This tool is designed for opening only. Unlike a Lishi 2-in-1, a fixed rake tool does not have a decoding scale. Once the lock is open, you would need a separate tool (like a profile gauge or a 2-in-1) to determine the depths for cutting a key.

For those looking for structured visual training, the step-by-step application of this tool is covered in the Automotive Locksmithing Course mentioned above.