The Bogota Entry Toolsets that I have reviewed were already one of the smallest lock bypassing sets available at about 3″ long and barely wider than a toothpick. Now, small but functional lock bypassing sets have been taken to the next level with the introduction of the Bogota Titan-Mini Entry Toolset. The Titan-Mini is only 2″ long but still just as functional as their larger counter parts.
The Titan Minis (bottom) are even smaller than the already tiny Bogota Titan Entry Toolset
Overview
The Bogota Titan-Mini Entry Toolset utilizes the same proven rake design and titanium material as the Bogota Titan Entry Toolset. The difference is that the Titan-Mini is 1″ shorter overall (2″ versus 3″ for the Bogota Titan Entry Toolset). This compact size makes them even easier to carry tucked in a wallet, pinned in a backpack, dropped in a pocket, or just about anywhere else. The aircraft grade titanium alloy that they are constructed from makes them non-magnetic and extremely corrosion resistant.
The kit contains two pieces: a Bogota Rake and a feeler pick. Each piece is capable of serving as a tensioner for the other piece. Most locks can be bypassed with just these 2 pieces.
What Makes the Bogota Rake Special?
Bogota Rakes feature an ingenious design that sets them apart in terms of ease of use and function. The design features 3 small mountain peak shaped bumps that are spaced in such a way that they can disrupt all 5 tumblers in a typical lock with very little movement. It is so effective that even unskilled users will find success at bypassing some locks within minutes of use. However, they are also very rewarding because a practiced hand will find that locks will often yield to the Bogota Rake in seconds. In that sense, these Bogota Entry Toolsets remind me of the old board game Othello – they take a minute to learn and a lifetime to master.
The Bogota Titan-Mini Entry Toolset shown with a quarter for scale.
Instructions for Use
Using a Bogota Rake is simple. You position the rake and the tensioner in the keyway and then shake the rake almost as if you have had too much caffeine. This caused the peaks to move the pins and tumblers up and down rapidly. If you have set your tension correctly, the tumblers will eventually become caught at the shear line, allowing the lock cylinder to rotate. It is as easy as it sounds, but doing it quickly will take a lot of practice to develop the type of “feel” that is necessary to maximize the rake’s effectiveness.
The Bogota Titan-Mini Entry Toolset can also be used as a typical feeler pick and tensioner for locks that may be difficult to rake.
In Use
I have been using the Titan-Minis for several weeks now and I have been very, very impressed. I expected them to perform well since the Bogota Rake is such a proven design. What caught me off guard and impressed me most was that they really don’t give up anything in terms of performance to their larger counterparts. I think this is due in large part to the handle shape. The “handles” (the part you hold on to) aren’t as small as I was expecting. Some of the shorter overall length comes from turning the hooked end of the handle down further rather than just chopping an inch off the handle. There is still enough handle to work with.
I did notice that the shorter tensioner does require a more delicate touch. Tensioning a lock already requires a delicate touch and has always been one of the most difficult parts of lock bypassing for me to master. The shorter overall length of the Titan-Mini set seems to mean that I just have to be that much more on my game.
The 90 degree hook on the handle and smaller overall length opens up some new storage possibilities for the Titan-Minis. They sit sit nicely in the crease of a wallet with the hook down running along the bottom of the wallet. They also lay flat in even the smallest coin pockets in a pair of jeans. Of course, there is almost no limit to where you can carry something that is 2″ long and barely wider than a toothpick.
A gutted piece of paracord with melted ends makes a perfect sheath.
Conclusion
It is hard to imagine that there could possibly be a smaller, more discreet, fully functional lock bypassing kit than the Bogota Titan-Mini Entry Toolset from SEREPICK. These work so well that I really can’t see a reason to buy the slightly larger Bogota Titan Entry Toolset except for slightly more forgiving tensioner performance. I am really amazed by these little guys.
SEREPICK.com has all your Bogota Entry Toolset needs covered.
