Omar Khalid
Lock picking is a handy skill to have and can be used to bypass locks without causing damage. It is a non-destructive method that involves mimicking the function of a key by lifting and setting the lock's pins into the correct positions to allow the lock to open. There are various lock-picking techniques, but the two most common are single pin picking and raking. Single pin picking involves lifting each pin one at a time, while raking involves swiftly scrubbing multiple pins simultaneously with a pick. To pick a lock, you can use household items such as paper clips, hairpins, or plastic cards, or you can purchase a lock pick set. It is important to note that the legality of owning lock-picking tools may vary depending on your location and intent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lock type | Pin tumbler lock, privacy door knob, slanted latch-style hook, deadbolt |
| Lock picking tools | Paper clips, hair pins, credit cards, plastic cards, bobby pins, screwdrivers, hammers, jacks |
| Techniques | Single pin picking, raking, scrubbing |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn, applies to most locks |
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What You'll Learn
Using a paperclip
Picking a lock with a paperclip is a skill that requires patience and practice. It is important to remember that lock picking should only be done legally and responsibly, respecting the privacy and security of others.
To pick a lock with a paperclip, you will need two sturdy metal paper clips, a pair of pliers, and possibly a screwdriver.
First, remove the door knob if you can't pick the lock. Most privacy door knobs are held together with two visible screws. Find a screwdriver that fits and undo these screws, pulling on the knob as they loosen.
Next, fashion a tension wrench and a lock pick using the paper clips and pliers. One source recommends bending one paper clip into an "L" shape, leaving a fold across the clip's shorter side. The second paper clip should be straightened out, with the very end of the tip bent upwards at a 90-degree angle.
Now you are ready to start picking the lock. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole (called the shear line) and apply subtle rotational pressure in the same direction that the lock turns. If you apply too much pressure, you may deform the paperclip, and if you don't apply enough, you won't be able to hold the pins in place.
With the tension wrench in place, insert the lock pick into the upper keyhole, ensuring that the hook is facing the pins. Gently jiggle the lock pick until you feel it catch on something, then apply upward pressure to the pins. You will feel a slight give if done correctly, and the lock will turn, indicating successful lock picking.
It is important to note that paper clips are not very sturdy and may break inside the lock. This can be costly, so it is usually better to call a professional locksmith rather than attempting to pick the lock yourself.
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Using a hairpin
Lock picking is a useful skill that can save you money in locksmithing costs and can be especially handy in emergencies such as when you've locked yourself out of your home. It is important to note that lock picking should only be practised on a lock that is not essential to some purpose, as it is possible to damage a lock if done incorrectly.
To pick a lock with a hairpin, you will need two bobby pins. First, remove the rubber tips from both bobby pins. Then, bend one of the bobby pins in half so that you have a long, flat piece of metal. This will be your pick. Bend one end of the pick into a handle by bending half of it back on itself to create a loop. This will make the pick easier to hold and apply pressure with.
Now, take the other bobby pin and bend it into a right angle with pliers or your fingers. This will be your lever, acting as the key to turn the lock once the pins are out of the way. Insert the lever into the bottom half of the lock, keeping it as low as possible while still getting it as deep into the barrel as possible.
With the lever in place, insert the pick into the lock about one centimetre deep. The flat side of the pick should be facing up. Push the rest of the pin to the left, bending the end slightly. Your goal is to manually push up each of the pins inside the lock into the correct position, slowly turning the barrel so that they can't fall back into place. Once all the pins are out of the way, the barrel will turn freely and the lock will be open.
It is important to note that lock picking requires practice and patience. It may be difficult at first, but with repetition, you will develop the necessary mechanical sensitivity, physical dexterity, visual concentration, and analytic thinking to become a skilled lock picker.
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Using a credit card
Lock picking with a credit card is a simple and effective method to open a locked door. However, it only works on spring-loaded latch locks and not on deadbolts or high-security locks. Before attempting to pick a lock with a credit card, it is important to understand the type of lock and the door opening direction.
Firstly, ensure that you have a suitable card. The ideal card should be flexible, sturdy, and thick enough to press against the metal latch inside the lock. Credit cards tend to be too thick and stiff, and may break, so it is recommended to use a lightweight, flexible card or a thick plastic card such as a gift card or membership card.
Once you have the right card, examine the door lock to confirm if it has a spring-loaded latch. The slant of the latch must be facing you so that you can press it in with the card. Additionally, check that there is no deadbolt and that there are no metal plates or excessive moulding that could restrict the card from sliding into the lock.
Now, you are ready to start picking the lock. Slide the edge of the card at an angle into the gap between the door and the strike plate. Once the corner is in, straighten the card so that the entire edge is between the door and the strike plate. Apply pressure to the door while moving the card up and down, bending and wiggling it to slide it further into the door. This step may take some time and patience, so keep trying until you get it right.
Finally, once the card is in the perfect position, continue to apply pressure to the door while pushing the card until you hear the door pop open. Congratulations! You have successfully picked a lock with a credit card. Remember to use this skill responsibly and only on locks that you are authorized to open.
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Pin tumbler locks
To pick a pin tumbler lock, you can use a lock-picking set or fashion your own with paper clips, bobby pins, or similar items. You will need two tools: a tension wrench and a lock pick. The tension wrench is inserted into the bottom of the keyhole (the shear line) and pressure is applied in the direction that the lock turns. Then, the lock pick is inserted into the upper part of the keyhole. This action is called "raking." You will feel the pins against your lock pick when you insert it, and you can then depress the pins. You should feel a slight give or hear a clicking sound when the pins are in their unlocked position.
Jiggle the lock pick until each pin unlocks, applying more pressure with the tension wrench. Rotate the tension wrench to unlock the lock. You need to maintain pressure on the tension wrench so that the pins don't fall back into place, allowing you to turn the lock completely.
It is important to note that while owning lock-picking tools and learning how to pick locks is generally legal and ethical, you should always check your local laws and use these skills responsibly.
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Single pin picking
Single-pin picking (SPP) is a technique used to bypass the most common type of lock, the pin cylinder. It involves manipulating the pins one by one by exploiting the tolerances or binding of the lock mechanism. This method requires time and practice to develop the necessary awareness and skill.
To start single-pin picking, you should apply a "medium" amount of tension with a tension wrench. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole, also known as the shear line, and apply rotational pressure in the direction that the lock turns. This step requires practice to get the right amount of pressure.
Next, insert your pick into the upper part of the keyhole, or the keyway, and gently feel the outline of the pins. Single out an accessible pin and apply light but slowly increasing pressure until you feel the spring give way. By applying increasing pressure to a single pin, you can test the resistance of the pin spring, which may vary in stiffness. Remove the pick and try to remember the position of the pins.
Continue this process of locating, lifting, and setting each pin one at a time. Experienced lock pickers can do this in one swift motion, but beginners should use more deliberate motions for each pin. As you set each pin, you should feel a slight give or a clicking sound. Apply more pressure with the tension wrench and jiggle the pick until all pins are unlocked. Finally, turn the tension wrench to open the lock.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to pick a plastic lock is to use a thin plastic card such as a gift card, hotel key card, or store loyalty card. This method is best suited to simple spring latches commonly found in supply closets and offices.
The most common type of lock today is the pin tumbler lock, which makes up about 90% of locks. You'll find them in key-based padlocks, standard exterior knob locks, and deadbolts.
The two major lock-picking techniques are single pin picking and raking. Single pin picking involves lifting pins one at a time, while raking involves swiftly scrubbing multiple pins simultaneously with a pick.
Household items that can be used to pick a lock include paper clips, hair pins, credit cards, and bobby pins. Paper clips can be bent into an "L" shape to create a lock-picking tool and a tension wrench.
