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You never know where and when you may need to pick a lock. You may just need to get into your house or car, or you may be captured by insurgents in a foreign nation. Whatever the case may be, this is the Beginners Guide To Lock Picking. With practice and time, your skills will improve.

Even if you know nothing about lock picking, if you follow the steps outlined here, you should be able to pick your first lock open less than an hour from now. You'll also learn the best places to get the tools you'll need (and how to make them if you don't want to buy them).
Lock Picking Instructions
Step 1: Purchase a practice lock
Now you're ready to purchase a practice lock. Odds are, you'll end up destroying this lock, so don't go for anything fancy, or anything you'll want to keep. Walk into any department store and buy a medium priced dead-bolt. A dead-bolt is the easiest lock to disassemble, so don't stray away towards any other type. Also, the really cheap locks can be hard to open even with the key, so trying to pick them is even worse. The brands you want to look for are either generic names, or Kwikset. Stay away from Schlage, it's more difficult to pick due to the shape of the ward. The lock you purchase should be a five pin tumbler (you would have a hard time finding a dead-bolt that isn't).
Step 2: Remove all but one pin from your lock
Attempting to pick a five pin tumbler is way too difficult for someone just starting out. So you'll want to make your job easier by removing all but one pin from your lock. This will give you a feel for what it's like to pick a lock so you'll know it when it happens. Taking the pins out of a lock without destroying it isn't intuitive, so I've put together a guide showing how to do it. You'll want to leave the first pin (the pin closest to the front of the lock) in. This will allow you to see what you're doing.
Step 3: Get a torque wrench and a pick
You probably don't own a lock pick set, so you're going to have to make due with household items. Here is a list of a few items which will serve you well as a torque wrench:
* Allen Wrench. This is the best tool. If you have a grinder, pick one which is a size or two too big to enter the key-way, then grind it's width down just enough to enter the key-way. If you don't have a grinder, use a file, or use a different item for a torque wrench. (Using one which fits exactly into the key-way will only work for a while, eventually you'll wear out the key-way).
* Screwdriver. Use a very small one, but not so small that it doesn't touch the wards. You'll want to make it as effortless as possible to apply turning pressure.
* Paper Clip. Find a sturdy paper clip and straighten it out. Then bend a loop just big enough to fit into the bottom of the key-way. Then bend the remaining wire about 80-90 degrees to the loop.
Here are some tools which may be used as a pick (most of these tools will work well for picking the first pin, but you'll need to upgrade after you've added a pin or two):
* Allen Wrench. Pick the smallest one you can find.
* Screw Driver. Again, pick the smallest one you can find.
* Paper Clip. You'll need one strong enough to withstand the force of the springs.
* Straight Pin. File the point off so you don't stick yourself.
* Safety Pin. Again, file the point off.
* Staple. You'll need one strong enough to withstand the force of the springs. Straighten it out so it's flat, then turn it edgewise when picking.
Step 4: Pick the lock
And now the moment of truth; you're ready to pick your first lock. Basically, just do what you learned back in step1 and step 2. I find it easiest when the lock is turned upside down. Then place your finger on the torque wrench, and let gravity do the work (you may need to press down just a little bit). Then take your pick and lower the first pin down very slowly. Once you hit the the sheer line, you'll know it. The plug will turn, and you'll be amazed as to how easy it was and how little time it took. Return the plug back to the locked position and repeat until you're comfortable.
Step 5: Add some more pins and try again
Now that you know what it feels like, add another pin back in (add pin two, just behind pin one). Now when you get a pin picked, you won't know for sure, not until you try to pick the second one. Practice, Practice, Practice. You'll want to become very proficient at picking two pins before stepping up to three. If you try to advance too quickly, you'll hinder your learning. So take your time. If you practice casually, it will probably take you three to five days to work your way up to five pins. Also, you'll need better tools to pick more than three pins, so order your pick set and practice with two and three pins until your order arrives.
31 Comments
Anonymous
Props man. Great work (y)
silvergryfon
Very interesting. How about combination locks?
Anonymous
combination locks usually have a keyhole in the back.
ssdd71
I learned to pick locks from an old timer, he gave me a set of very nice lock picks but said that they could be bad to be caught with as it might be deemed as burglary tools. He then taught me to make due with items which were at hand. I became somewhat proficient with just every day items such as paper clips. I agree that practice, practice, and more practice is important, but the reality is that unless you need this skill everyday, it is a dubious use of your time. I can still manage to get into almost anything I try, but it does take a little longer than when I was practicing regularly. It has been a useful skill, but one I do not brag about. I do like the challenge when I am confronted with a situation that requires this skill, and I do surprise myself when I manage to open the lock. Paddle locks often only need to have a shim to open the hasp.
Pkato
Check it out under videos
Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself.
They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone
under independence. -- George Washington
machinist
Great diagrams and explanations. I just came across this site when I was looking for locksmith related info and noticed the forum on lockpicking. I make lock picking tools for virtually any type of lock. I have an extensive collection of picks and picking tools; some of which are for sale. I have even made several 7-pin tubular picks that work by simply inserting it into the lock and wiggling it. I posted pictures of two of them here: www.workplaceindustrial.com/tools The website I posted them on was an old idea I had, but never pursued, so nevermind the other junk on there. I always welcome comments and opinions.
Machinist
myavatar
It has been a useful skill, but one I do not brag about. I do like the challenge when I am confronted with a situation that requires this skill, and I do surprise myself when I manage to open the lock.
luckybychoice
this dipshit comes on here and posts verbatum from a couple posts up,on some old threads,anybody smell a rat? obviously he's dumping a couple eggs,i'd delete this asshole just in case,oh and good fuckin morning.
runawaygun762
But I'll play along. I'm a professional dog burglar (like a cat burglar, but better) and can pick 25 pin locks with depleted uranium tumblers using only my mind's eye. And once that's done, I can draw pornographic designs using the different levels of hot sauce packets from Taco Bell on the locks and maintain intricate detail. Perhaps you've seen some of my work.
Anonymous
That gave me a good laugh. Now bow to ebears overwhelming power!!! lol
Anonymous
Drill it out with a dewalt cordless drill if you want in bad enough.
runawaygun762
How about a 35 pound Dynamic Entry battering ram? I have one of those. How cool am I? Not very? Oh. Okay.
Anonymous
using the cattle killer compressor air tank from "No country for old men" but I dont have one on me at the moment. So a sledge hammer or a garden gnome from the yard of the house in question may do.
bobmarks
Interesting made me want to go out and buy a practice lock
HampsterW
it must be!!!!! I will buy a bag from you if it is full of ammo or good weed!!
anly
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dockit
Mods need to delete these two idiots.
HampsterW
these birds are attracted to this particular thread? Just two weeks ago it was the bag lady and some other moron trying to hawk their shit, now these two.....Hmmmmm!
girlspandora
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luckybychoice
it's for you
ACE
If U wanna be a DICK, then be a DICK!!! And Call me out on whatever, If not, then shut the hell up, and let me learn what I can from the people I have gotten to know, Because I have obviously not gotten to know everyone on here,obviuosly not you!! If this is because of the kid, then bitch up someone else's tree. I only barked after everyone else did. What the hell is ur problem with me???
girlspandora
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ACE
QUIT MAKING A STUPID NAME FOR US GIRLS THAT ARE ACTUALLY TRYING to do something with ourselves...... Who the fuck are you?? And what the fuck are you doing on my website???? Get the hell off and go find some people of your own kind......!!!!! GO AWAY!!!!!
Bigshot Nobody
POS Spammer Ace
Have to wait till they move on
or get a mod to delete and ban
ACE
Thats where LBC was coming from!!! SORRY LBC!!!! But she does need to get the hell off this site!!
Bigshot Nobody
and then,,,, it wouldn't even surprise me if it is some high school shit for brains
Bigshot Nobody
some of the fun earlier
I always get to the club house too late ....but I was at the Republican Meeting
dunks shoes
Yaaay, they are the BEST,Very thought provoking. amazing. And obvious now that you’ve done it.
___________
skate or die dunks
zx12rmike
Uh, ok?
cunitagis
Stealing? :-(