How to Pick a Lock
Lock picking is a skill that can be used to open various locks without using the original key. It
is a useful skill to have and can be used in a variety of situations. However, when attempting to pick a lock, certain things should be avoided to ensure that the lock is not damaged or rendered unusable.
How Does Lock-Picking Work?
In order to pick a lock one must first understand how a lock works. There are many different types of locks. There are the standard residential locks we see everyday, and then there are more specialty and high security locks such as dimple locks, lever locks, smiley locks,tubular locks, disc detainer locks, and more. We’re able to pick locks because although we have amazing machinists, there are imperfections that allow us to set the pins. If the lock
was mathematically perfect, you would not be able to pick it without manipulating all the pins at the same time. However, in the real world there are inconsistencies, and those small gaps allow us to pick a lock.
At its most basic, lock-picking is the manipulation of the cylinder’s locking elements in order to create a shear line. The shear line is the line that is made when all the pins, discs, or levers align in such a way that the inner core can turn freely. This means the most important
first step in defeating a lock is identifying what type of lock you’re picking to begin with. Each different type of lock requires a different type of lock pick in order to manipulate it.
Dimple picks for instance use a flag style pick that is rotated, whereas a Schlage C would be best picked with a standard hook that is articulated up and down like a reverse karate chop.
In almost all cases though, you’ll need a tension wrench. This can be precision made by a company such as Multipick, or from a wiper blade insert off your old Honda Accord. You’ll need to apply tension to the lock in either a clockwise, or counterclockwise rotation. Each lock is it’s own though, and some will be easier in one direction and maybe not the other.
You could pick the same model and the next time it could be the opposite. Knowing which tools to use is great, but knowing what type of pins are standard for the model of lock is vitally important as well. Sargent for instance can have spools for top pins, and Medeco bottom pins must be rotated within the lock to set the sidebar. Knowing the pins that are used will help you identify what you’re feeling inside the lock as you pick it.
Off to the Races
To begin, without any tension applied use a pick to count the pins inside the lock. This is more important if you didn’t key up the lock, as it may not have as many pins in it as you would expect to find. Next apply tension, about what you would use to press down a key on a keyboard. Start from either the front or the back of the lock, and go pin by pin until you determine how many pins are binding. They will be stiff, and there may be more than one.
Once the binder is found, we can lift it gently into place, and you will feel a click both in the tension wrench, and your lockpick. The order in which the pins can be picked is called the “binding order” and is not necessarily going to be in perfect numerical order. In fact, most times it isn’t. This is when we come to the Jiggle Test.
The Jiggle Test
Learning and implementing the jiggle test is one of the most crucial aspects of lock picking.
It’s as simple as it sounds. While applying tension, use your pick to jiggle each pin up and down. There is a distinct but subtle difference between a pin moving up and down via gravity or via a spring. If it moves from gravity then the pin is either set or underset. If it moves from a spring it is not set and most likely not the next pin to be picked. If it is binding, then it could be set, underset, or overset. In this instance you’ll either need to further set the binding pin, or relieve tension and start over. An overset occurs when the bottom pin has passed the shear line, and an underset is when the top pin is partially set, but needs to move a little higher yet.
Persistence and Practice
Lock picking is a journey. It’s more akin to a martial art, where discipline and consistency will persevere. Take your time, start with something easy like a WR5 before jumping into a DOM Twinstar. Consider joining the Lockpickers United community where locksport enthusiasts learn to pick locks in an environment similar to Karate. Come grow your skillset!
Conclusion
Lock picking is a fascinating profession and hobby for those with the discipline to pursue it. With a bit of practice, anyone can learn to pick a lock. If you’re looking to start your adventure in lockpicking consider our Reaper Pick kit over in our Lock Shop.
If you need a locksmith in Surrey, you can hire us at Crono Lock. We offer various services like rekeys, installs, repairs, and more. Just get in touch with us via phone or email to setup your service call today.
DISCLAIMER
Be aware of your governing body’s laws and regulations regarding lock picking. Not all states, provinces, or countries are locksport friendly. Crono Lock LTD does not condone criminal activity and is not responsible for your actions. In some places simply owning lockpicks is considered a felony. Do your due diligence.
