How To Pick a Lock
- May 16, 2008
- 220,651 Views
Writer
Jessica_Livingston
Music
Edison Music Corp
Voice Over Artist
Marci Fine
Actor
Katie Tame
Locked yourself out of the house? Most common pin and tumbler locks can be picked with a little luck and finesse—so before you call a locksmith, try this.
You Will Need
- A paperclip or safety pin
- A tension wrench (sometimes called a torque wrench)
- A second paperclip
Only pick your own locks—or you could wind up in a lot of trouble.
Step 1: Get a paperclip
Get a paperclip or safety pin and bend it straight. Now make a slight upwards bend at the very end.
You can buy a professional lock pick set at a hardware store. There is a basic size intended for American locks.
Step 2: Insert the wrench
Insert your wrench into the lower part of the keyhole—that is, the side opposite the one where the key’s teeth would go in.
Step 3: Determine direction
Figure out which way the lock needs to be turned to open by turning the wrench clockwise and then counterclockwise. You’ll feel which way has more give.
Step 4: Turn the lock
Turn the lock the correct way with the wrench, putting slight pressure on it. Hold the wrench in place.
Step 5: Insert the paperclip
While keeping pressure on the lock, insert the end of the paperclip into the top part of the keyhole.
Step 6: Feel for pins
Feel around the keyhole with the paperclip until you locate the pins. If you’re picking a common door lock, there will most likely be at least five of them in a row.
Before you start, many experts suggest “raking” the lock. Straighten your second paperclip, put a few bends at the wire’s end, and—with no pressure on your wrench—shove it to the back of the lock. Now pull it out quickly, pressing against the top of the lock while gently turning your wrench. You might just set a pin or two that way.
Step 7: Push up
Now for the actual “picking.” One at a time, push each pin up with the paperclip. Try to feel for the moment when the pin reaches its “unlocked” position. You should feel a slight give—or even hear a faint click.
Start with the pin furthest away from you—then move on to the next.
Step 8: Increase the pressure
As you go, apply slightly more pressure with the wrench until you have all the pins lifted up.
Step 9: Turn the wrench
Now turn the wrench fully. Voila! The lock will pop open.
Wooden locks were used as far back as 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt.
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Comments (29)
How do you pick it with the optional Paper clip?
over 3 years ago by appleheadchris
it is help to me~
over 2 years ago by aacdeod
Looks great and easy!
3 months ago by tartesso
it is easy
over 2 years ago by ala
Damn, I need to get those stuff for it.
Not for any specific reasons though
over 3 years ago by Draitube
hmm iwanna try thisss xD
over 3 years ago by kerianne
it works yo
over 2 years ago by chevyman91
This is a well made video. It is very easy to understand and it is quite professional.
Now, for the content. It could easily come in handy for me. We are frequently locking ourseves out. I will have to try this next time rather than breaking a window.
over 3 years ago by Richien
nic jop...
over 2 years ago by emoband
Impressive Trick
over 3 years ago by usef4u
This movie it hot.
over 3 years ago by Stem_Lee
i will carry a paper clip with me from on
over 2 years ago by Ayda_Kocak
She's goofyhot, kinda goofy. kinda hot, goofyhot...
over 2 years ago by deckard1
does it really work???????????????????
over 2 years ago by JohnBrave
yea man
over 2 years ago by chevyman91
interesting, i wonder if it may apply to the locks in my country!!^@@^
over 2 years ago by nemoharry
Hmm... I'm gonna try this... on my neighbor's door lock!
6 months ago by superpoop899
The video is a cliche' parade !
over 2 years ago by salukula
Looks like she's enjoying it....It's more how to get a ";finger-in-the-lock"; than a ";foot-in-the-door";...
over 2 years ago by Alexandre_Chetrite
I give this a 1out of 5. I give this 1 becuase who carries around a wrentch???? I think this wouold be helpful if you are a bugler and are just begining on your grandma's house. But really please who carries around a wrentch?!? I think this was a stupid viedeo
about 1 year ago by Yanksrock2
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