Lock Picking Methods and Tools

Most people think that lock picking is difficult and would take hours of practice to figure it out but what they do not know is it only takes within two minutes to successfully pick a lock.

Lock Picking

Tools you will need:

• Lock Pick - You can use a safety pin or paper clip straightened out and bent at 90 degrees at the tip. Basically something that is thin enough to go in and be able to push up the pins.

• Tension Wrench - This tool is so thin and small enough to fit in the end of the keyhole but also strong enough to turn the cylinder. You can use something like a thin flat head screwdriver or a small filed down Allen wrench if you need to.

Steps:

• Put the Tension Wrench into the bottom part of the keyhole.

• Apply torque to the Tension Wrench so you’d know which way the cylinder rotates to unlock. First try clockwise then counterclockwise and both rotate slightly different one feeling a bit harder to push than the other; the less firm way is the way you want to apply the torque. Once you’ve figured out the direction apply the torque in that direction and hold it.

• Each lock will vary from lock to lock and pin to pin so it may take quite a bit of trial and error but it’s easier to start of gently.

• Insert the Lock Pick into the top part of the key hole and press up to feel each pin with the tip of the lock pick. You should be able to feel the pins snap back as you release the pressure. Try to feel the hardest pin to push up; if they're all easy then you need to apply more torque, but if they're all hard then apply less torque.

• Push the pin up until the pin no longer falls down. You might be able to hear a faint click noise when you do this. You should also be able to push up the lower part of the pin with no resistance from the spring.

• Continue applying torque and repeat step 4 & 5 on the remaining pins so that all the pins are set. You may need to make slight increases or decreases in the torque for each pin.

• Once all the pins are set you should be able to use the tension wrench to turn the cylinder and unlock the lock. If it is stuck you may have the wrong direction and may have to reset the pins and start over.

Raking

Tools you will need:

• Lock Pick Rake - Usually you would buy one as they're designed a certain way, but it is possible to make your own using tutorials on the internet.

• Tension Wrench

Steps:

• Place the Tension Wrench into to bottom part of the lock.

• Apply torque to the Tension Wrench try both clockwise and counterclockwise so you’d know which way the cylinder rotates to unlock the lock. Both should rotate slightly differently one feeling a bit harder to push than the other. The less firm way is the way you want to apply the torque. However this step can be skipped if you know which way the lock rotates, you just apply the torque in the direction the lock rotates but it’s usually clockwise.

• Once you've figured out the right direction, apply the torque in that direction and hold it.

• While holding the tension, insert the Rake and slide it in and out trying to rake the pins. Eventually the lock will turn and open. Otherwise try the other direction using the same method.

• If you’re having troubles you may have done it incorrectly, you can use the standard picking method to pick the remaining pins.

Bump Keys

Tools you will need:

• Bump Key - A key that's "teeth" are all at size 9's (the smallest size) in the kind of certain lock you want to pick e.g. LW4 (Lockwood 4). You can either buy them online or a locksmith may let you buy one.

• Something to hit the end of the key with.Either a hammer, the end of a screwdriver or anything you can find.

• O Ring - not mandatory but very helpful.

Steps:

• Find the right style of lock, and if you’re having troubles try looking for a key that fits in the lock or find the style of key the lock takes.

• Put the O Ring on the key.

• Insert the key into the lock. If you don’t have an O Ring just insert the key one notch back.

• Apply torque towards the way the key unlocks, if unsure try clockwise first.

• Hit the key into the lock. If you have the O Ring you can keep hitting it changing your torque until it unlocks.

• If didn’t work, you may have the wrong style of bump key or the lock may be un-bumpable.