FAQ
Purchasing / Ordering
When can I order a locksport ring?
You can order through my Etsy shop etsy.com/RatyokeDesign or send me a message.
Where can I buy your picks?
I am taking orders for picks and usually have a few in stock ready to ship.
Do you have any picks available?
I am trying to keep some in my Etsy shop. Feel free to contact me to see if I have anything else available.
Is there a waitlist for purchasing or for custom orders?
I am not keeping a waitlist at this time.
Are you taking custom orders?
Yes, I am.
Is this pick on your portfolio page available?
No, the portfolio page is just to show the kind of things I have made in the past.
Do you have any seconds available?
Very rarely do I have seconds. When I do I post them for sale like my other picks. The discount depends on the reason I decided it was a second.
I want to buy a pick for someone as a gift.
No problem. The more information you can give me about what they like as far as handle design and wood colors, the better. If you don’t know, I will go with what is most popular. The most important thing is the intended recipient’s favorite pick profile, that is the shape of the metal part that goes in the lock. If you do not know that, then I can make a pick in the most popular profile (short hook). Also let me know if you need it by a certain date.
I’ve never picked a lock before, what should I buy?
There are a couple things to consider here. First, what to buy. Short hooks are the most popular kind of pick for single pin picking (SPP), and that would be the pick I would recommend if someone wanted just one pick. But don’t forget you need tension tools too, and right now I don’t make those.
The second thing is, if you are just learning, you probably don’t want one of my picks. Lock picks are delicate tools and can easily be bent or broken by inexperienced pickers. Most people would be better off getting a cheaper set to start learning with before buying my picks.
How can I pay?
I accept payment through PayPal, Venmo, or some cryptocurrencies (BTC or ETH).
How long till I get my order?
If it is a pick that is not finished or a custom order, that will be discussed before purchase. Expect that it will be a minimum of two weeks for custom orders. For picks that are finished, I generally ship within two days of receiving payment.
What is your return policy?
Lockpicks:
***NOTE- The return policy for lock picks and jewelry is different***
Non-custom made picks (picks available for immediate purchase) may be returned within 7 days of receipt for a refund or exchange, minus shipping costs, provided they are in the original condition. Custom picks that have not been personalized (marked with names, initials, words, dates, or symbols) can be returned within 7 days of receipt provided they are in new and unused condition. If you have a question about the eligibility of your custom pick to be returned, please ask during the design consultation.
Jewelry:
***NOTE- The return policy for lock picks and jewelry is different***
Exchanges- If you got the wrong ring size, you can send it back to me within 30 days and I will size the ring or replace it (at my discretion) with the correct size.
Refunds- If you are not happy with your selection for any reason you may return it for a full refund within 30 days. Piece must be in new condition. There are no refunds on custom or engraved jewelry pieces.
Return or Exchange shipping- You pay to return anything to me, and if it’s an exchange, I pay to return it to you within the continental US (up to $10 shipping). For customers outside of the US I will pay $10 of the return shipping cost and you will be charged for the remainder. For ring sizing I will pay this return shipping one time. If you are still not happy with the size, you will be charged for any more return shipping costs.
Please use a shipping method with tracking and delivery confirmation. Contact me before making any returns or exchanges.
The Picks
How are your picks made?
Here is an overview of how I make my wood handle picks:
https://www.art-of-lockpicking.com/ratyokes-guide-home-brew-lock-picks/
How do you polish your pick blades?
I hand sand with 1000 grit and 2000 grit sandpaper. Then use a polishing machine with 1500 grit compound, 4000 grit compound and lastly a rouge compound.
How do you finish the wood?
After the pick is shaped I go through 4 grits of 3M sanding sponges (fine, super fine, ultra fine, micro fine), and depending on the wood, sometimes also 3M polishing paper in 1500 grit and 4000 grit. After that I apply teak oil and wax.
What woods do you have?
The wood I have available is always changing. Contact me to see what I currently have in stock.
How is the pick blade mounted in the handle?
The pick blade is mounted in the wood handle picks with epoxy and pins. The aluminum and most of my metal handles picks are assembled with screws.
What steel do you use for the pick blades?
There are two steel options: 1095 high carbon steel available in any thickness, and 301 high yield stainless steel (from Law Lock Tools) available in 0.019″ and 0.023″.
What are the pins made of?
Pins are usually made of sterling silver, if they are made of a different material it will be noted in the description of the pick.
Can pick blades be replaced?
Pick blades in wood handle picks cannot be replaced. They can be replaced in my old aluminum handle picks which use screws to hold the steel in the handle. Since everything was made by hand, the pick will need to be returned to me to have a new pick blade fitted. Contact me for pricing and turn around time if you need this service.
I forgot what wood/steel this pick is made from.
I added 301 stainless steel as an option in 2020. Prior to that I was only using 1095 high carbon steel. For picks purchased in 2020 or later contact me and I will check my records.
For handle materials, send me a picture and I will probably be able to tell.
Since mid 2020 I have been including a lock pick data sheet with every pick purchased that tells the materials used, and month / year of manufacture.
THE JEWELRY
What metals are the rings made of?
The rings in the photos are sterling silver. Gold (in any karat) is also be an option for special order. I may also make them available in bronze later on.
Can I get my ring with a different keyway than the one in the picture?
Yes, if you can send me a clear image of the keyway I can do it. Black and white catalog illustrations are best.
Do the keyways turn?
No, they don’t, but they can be ordered in a straight up and down position, or in a “picked” position, turned approximately 45 degrees.
Do you make . . . ? / Do you sell . . . ?
Do you make (a certain pick profile)?
For custom orders, yes I can probably make it. For stock I tend to stick to short hooks and offset diamonds which are my most requested profiles. I do not make dimple picks at this time.
Do you sell pick sets?
I generally do not make sets for stock, unless it is just a two pick set. Everyone has their preferred pick profiles, so I only make sets as custom orders.
Do you make tension wrenches?
No. I might in the future if I think of a way to make them in the “Ratyoke” style and it’s not cost prohibitive.
Do you still make aluminum picks?
Not right now. I may offer them again on a limited basis in the future.
Do you make knives/have you made knives?
I have made a couple knives more than 20 years ago. It’s something I would like to try again, but my current workshop is not set up for that kind of work.
General Questions
How is Ratyoke pronounced?