Lockpicking Explained
Lockpicking Defined
Lockpicking is the art of opening a lock through the analysis and manipulation of its components without using a key intended to open the lock. The process is generally non-destructive and covert and is contrasted with various forms of destructive entry. Lockpicking is a useful skill that can be a lifesaver when keys are lost or you’re locked out. The most common kinds of locks, tumbler locks, can be picked with simple tools, patience, and a little knowledge.
So how does one pick a lock?
1. Understand how your lock works.
The pin-and-tumbler lock consists of a cylinder that can rotate within its housing. When locked, the cylinder is kept in place by several pairs of pins. The top pin of each pair protrudes into both the cylinder and the housing, thus preventing the cylinder from turning. When the correct key is inserted, it pushes the pairs of pins up so that the top pins no longer enter the cylinder. When this happens, the cylinder can be turned and the lock will open.
2. Purchase a pick and tension wrench.
Each pick is specialized for a different problem. A tension wrench, or torque wrench, is the device you use to apply pressure to turn the lock cylinder. Professional-grade picks and tension wrenches can be purchased in sets (see picture), but many locks picking hobbyists make good quality sets of their own. See the Things You’ll Need section below for information on how to make your own picks and tension wrenches.
3. Place the tension wrench into the keyhole.
Place it anywhere that doesn’t block your pick’s from reaching the pins. Also, place it so you are able to turn the lock cylinder with the tension wrench.
4. Determine which way the cylinder must be turned to unlock the lock.
If you commonly use the lock, you probably already know which way you turn the key to open the lock. If you don’t know, use the tension wrench to apply torque to the cylinder, first clockwise and then counter-clockwise. The cylinder will only turn a fraction of an inch before it stops. Try to feel the firmness of the stop. If you turn the cylinder the wrong way, the stop should feel very firm and stiff. If you turn it the right way, there should be a bit more give. Some locks, especially among padlocks, will open regardless of which way the cylinder is turned.
5. Apply light torque to the tension wrench in the correct direction, and hold.
The required torque will vary from lock to lock and from pin to pin, so this may require some trial and error. Start gently, though.
6. Insert the pick into the upper part of the keyhole and feel the pins.
With the pick in the keyhole, you should be able to press up and feel the individual pins with the tip of the pick. You should be able to push them up and feel them spring back down when you release the pressure. Try to push each one all the way up. Identify which one is the hardest to push up. If they’re all very easy to push up, turn the tension wrench more to increase the torque. If one won’t go up at all, ease the torque until you can push it up.
7. Push the stubborn pin up until it “sets.”
Press the stubborn pin with just enough pressure to overcome the downward pressure of the spring. Remember, the pin is actually a pair of pins. Your pick is pushing against the lower pin, which in turn pushes against the upper pin. Your goal is to push the upper pin completely out of the cylinder. Then, when you stop pushing, the lower pin will fall back down into the cylinder, but the torque on the cylinder will result in a misalignment of the hole in the cylinder with the hole in the housing, and the upper pin should then rest on the cylinder without falling back down. You should hear a faint click as the upper pin falls back down on top of the cylinder. You should also be able to push the lower pin up a little with no resistance from the spring—when this occurs you most likely have the upper pin “set.”
8. Continue applying torque and repeat the last two steps for each of the remaining pins.
It is imperative that you maintain torque on the cylinder to prevent the set pins from dropping back down. You may need to make slight increases or decreases in torque for each pin.
9. Use the tension wrench to turn the cylinder and unlock the lock.
Once all the pins are set, you should be able to turn the cylinder. Hopefully, you have already ascertained the correct direction to turn it. If you have chosen the wrong direction, you will need to start over and reset all the pins.
Article provided by wikiHow. Find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Pick a Lock. Content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons License. Edited and explained by LockPickAu. Keep in mind these instructions only apply to locks with no security pins. This encompasses around 50% of all locks in Australia.
For the DIY challenged, contact Melbourne City Locksmiths.