Guide for Amateurs on How to Manipulate Locks
Learn the art of lock picking for a better understanding of security and creating a more secure home. It's as engaging as solving puzzles, and it requires no more than basic tools that fit comfortably in a wallet.
My first lock-picking adventure was picking my own front door. A friend had visited and had just started dabbling in it as a hobby. He showed me the basics of how locks operate, and before I knew it, he handed me the picks and locked me outside. A single pick and less than a minute later, our front door popped open.
I had assumed lock-picking was a difficult skill, but my husband popped it open in under a minute. We realized how little was protecting our home. Since then, we invested in a better locking system, and the experience taught us a lot about securing our home.
Table of Contents
- Lock Picking Basics
- How a Lock Works
- Practical Applications
- Tools
- Tension Wrench
- Feeler Pick
- Lock Picking Rake
- Improvised Lock Picks
- Lock Picking Techniques
- Is Lock Picking Illegal?
- Difficult to Pick Locks
Lock Picking Basics
To pick a lock, you first need to understand how it works. A standard door lock has pins that are set at various depths. A tension wrench is used to apply tension to the lock, turning it and holding the pins in place. Each individual pin is set by the pick.
Once all the pins are set, the lock will release and open. Most average front door locks don't use advanced pins, making them simple to pick. Start with the basics, and as you become skilled, you can delve into more advanced mechanisms.
Practical Applications
Beyond criminal intent, everyday applications for lock-picking exist. Basic tools are tiny, fitting easily in a wallet pocket. In emergencies, they'll come in handy if a friend loses their key or your toddler gets behind a door. Beyond entry, lock-picking is a decent career path in computer security, especially in "penetration testing."
Tools
Start with a tension wrench and a simple feeler pick. A lock-picking rake is another useful tool. Improvised lock picks can include a bobby pin or a hairpin.
Tension Wrench
Come in various sizes and styles, based on ergonomics and type of lock. The most basic is just a small, thin L-shaped piece of metal.
Feeler Pick
Used to feel the pins inside the lock and set them one by one. This method requires skill but has a higher success rate than using a lock-picking rake.
Lock Picking Rake
Attempts to trip the lock randomly by raking back and forth over the pins. While it works faster, not all locks will react to a raking motion.
Lock Picking Techniques
Is Lock Picking Illegal?
Generally acceptable to own for non-criminal purposes. There are localities with restrictions, but they are the exception rather than the rule. Alway check local regulations before diving into this hobby.
Difficult to Pick Locks
Typically, average front door locks aren't challenging to pick. For more difficult locks, additional tools such as customizable tumblers or practice sets may be necessary. Locksmith training sets, featuring cutaway visuals, are available to help practice.
Begin your journey into lock-picking today and become better equipped to secure your home.
- Mastering the art of lock-picking can be a worthwhile addition to a home-and-garden lifestyle, providing unexpected access in emergencies or enhancing one's ability to secure their home.
- As a less conventional but potentially lucrative career path, lock-picking skills are valuable in computer security, particularly in the field of "penetration testing."
