​​⁠Using a key to mark the pin positions on a lockpick may be done by inserting the key and marking where the key meets the keyway. Place your pick with the tip aligned with the last cut of the key and make a mark on the pick where it falls over the mark you put on the key. Repeat for each cut on the key. When picking, align the marks with the front of the keyway to position your pick. Using the quad rake is quicker and easier but specific to American Locks because of the distance between the pins.