How to Pick A Lock

Informational Articles

Have you ever wanted to learn how to pick a door lock? Maybe you’ve considered it to be a good skill to have in your toolbox, or perhaps you just want to know how locks work and how to pick one. Whatever your reason, learning the skill of lock picking can be both fun and challenging.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview on the basics of lock picking and how to get started.

What is Lock Picking and How to do it

Picking a Lock

Lock picking is the practice of using specialized tools to open a locked door without using a key. It is sometimes referred to as “lock cracking” or “lock manipulation.” Lock picking can be done on any type of lock, from a padlock to a door lock.

Tools of the Locksmith trade

The tools used for lock picking come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but typically include a tension wrench, lock picks, and a rake. A tension wrench is used to apply tension to the lock, while a rake is used to manipulate the pins and tumblers inside the lock.

You can purchase lock picking sets online or at hardware stores. If you plan on lock picking frequently, we recommend buying quality tools that will last you a long time.

Getting Started on Picking Door Locks

Before you start lock picking, it’s important to understand some basic lock anatomy. To pick a lock, you need to be able to identify the pins and tumblers inside the lock. You also need to know how to use the tools correctly and apply the right pressure to the lock.

To get started, it’s best to practice on a lock you don’t need to open. Start with a basic lock, such as a padlock, and practice until you can pick it open. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more complex locks.

1. Gather the necessary tools, including a tension wrench, lock picks, and a rake.

2. Examine the lock and identify all of the pins and tumblers.

3. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the lock and begin to apply pressure in the direction of the opening.

4. Insert the lock pick and begin to manipulate the pins and tumblers inside the lock.

5. As each pin is moved, the tension wrench will cause the cylinder to rotate and open the lock.

6. When all pins are moved, the lock will be open.

Common mistakes to avoid When Picking a Door Lock

Lock picking can be difficult and requires skill and patience. As such, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes when picking a lock. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

1. Applying too much pressure: Applying too much pressure to the lock can cause the pins to be stuck and prevent the lock from opening. It’s important to apply just the right amount of pressure to the lock.

2. Misidentifying the pins: Misidentifying the pins or tumblers inside the lock will make it difficult to pick the lock. It’s important to make sure you know which pins and tumblers to move.

3. Using the wrong tools: Using the wrong tools or tools that aren’t suited for lock picking can make the process more difficult. Make sure you have the right tools and understand how to use them correctly.

4. Not being patient: Lock picking can take time and requires patience. Don’t rush through the process or give up too soon. Take your time and you’ll eventually be able to pick the lock.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient lock picker.

How to Pick A Lock with a Bobby Pin

In movies or TV shows you often see actors pick a Lock with a Single Bobby Pin, unfortunately that is not possible. You Always need two tools to pick a Lock. A Tension wrench as well as a Pick or Rake. Because of this, you will need two Bobby pins. One Bobby Pin will act as a tension wrench, and the other Bobby Pin will act as a tension wrench. As you can see in the video below the Bobby pins have been modified to take the shape of a tension wrench and a pick.

How to Pick a Lock with a Paper Clip

Similar to Picking a Lock with a Bobby pin, Picking a Lock with a Paper clip requires two paper clips. You cannot pick a lock with just one paper clip. In order to properly pick a lock with a paper clip you must use one paperclip as a tension wrench. The other paperclip will be used as a pick. Follow the steps outlined in the article previously.

Advanced Lock Picking Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of lock picking, you can move on to more advanced techniques. Some of these include raking, jiggling, one-pin picking, and impressioning.

Raking is a technique in which a rake is inserted into the lock and moved around in order to manipulate the pins and tumblers. It’s a fast and easy way to pick a lock, but it can also be unreliable.

Jiggling is a technique in which a lock pick is inserted and moved around while applying pressure to the lock. It’s best used in combination with raking and other techniques.

One-pin picking is a technique in which one pin at a time is manipulated until all of the pins are in the correct position. This technique is time consuming but can be very accurate.

Impressioning is a technique in which a lock is manipulated until it creates an impression of the correct key. This technique is best used on locks with simple pin and tumbler systems.

These advanced techniques require practice and skill, but can be very effective when done correctly. It’s important to remember that lock picking is a skill that can be used for both good and bad purposes. It’s important to always use it ethically and never for any malicious reasons.

Tips for Mastering The Lock picking techniques

• Practice with basic locks first before attempting to pick more complex locks.

• Gather the necessary tools, including a tension wrench, lock picks, and a rake.

• Examine the lock and identify all of the pins and tumblers.

• Apply even and consistent pressure with the tension wrench.

• Move the pins one at a time and pay attention to the direction of movement.

• Always use the lock picking techniques ethically and never for malicious purposes.

• Combine raking and jiggling techniques with one-pin picking and impressioning.

• Take your time and be patient. Lock picking requires practice and skill.

Conclusion

Lockpicking is a skill that can be used for both good and bad purposes. It requires practice and the proper tools, such as a tension wrench, lock picks, and a rake. The basic technique consists of applying even and consistent pressure to the lock and manipulating the pins one by one. There are also more advanced techniques such as raking, jiggling, one-pin picking, and impressioning. To use lock picking ethically, it is important to practice with basic locks and to always use the techniques for the right reasons.

If you want to become an expert lock picker, practice is key! With patience and dedication, you can master the techniques such as raking, jiggling, one-pin picking, and impressioning. Lock picking is a skill that requires precision and practice to become an expert. Don’t give up – with practice and lots of persistence, you can become a master lock picker in no time!

For More About Locksmith Los Angeles Visit Nela Locksmith

Call now or fill out the following form to get a Quote

Get a Quote

MM slash DD slash YYYY
Address

You can count on NELA Locksmith every time you need a local expert locksmith near you in Los Angeles

We proudly provide mobile locksmith service in the following areas:

Scroll to Top
Call Now Button