Sometimes you lock yourself out of your home. Maybe it’s late at night, or you’re just in a rush. Regardless, getting back inside is your top priority. This is where knowing how to pick a door lock comes in handy. Now, before we dive into the details, let’s get one thing straight: picking locks should only be done on locks you own or have permission to pick. Never mess around with locks that aren’t yours.
So, without further ado, here’s your guide on how to pick a door lock, New York style, courtesy of Milton Locksmith Pro.
The Basics of Lock Picking
Lock picking is an old-school method of bypassing a lock mechanism without using the key. There are two primary tools you’ll need:
- Tension wrench
- Pick tool
The tension wrench helps you apply pressure to the lock’s cylinder, while the pick tool helps you manipulate the pins inside the lock. It’s all about balance – too much tension, and you’ll jam the pins; too little, and they won’t set.
Types of Locks You Can Pick
Here’s the thing: not every lock is pickable. Some locks are designed to resist this very method. But, the common types of locks most people encounter in their homes are:
| Lock Type | Difficulty Level | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pin tumbler | Medium | Residential doors |
| Wafer tumbler | Easy | Filing cabinets |
| Disc detainer | Hard | Bike locks |
| Tubular | Hard | ATMs, vending machines |
| Smart locks | Very Hard | Modern homes |
Most people will deal with pin tumbler locks, the go-to lock for most front doors. Wafer locks are simpler to pick and often found on basic locks like cabinets.
Step-by-Step: Picking a Pin Tumbler Lock
- Insert the Tension Wrench: Stick your wrench in the keyhole and turn it like you’re trying to open the lock. You don’t want to overdo it—just enough tension is key.
- Insert the Pick: Push the pick tool into the keyhole and feel around for the pins.
- Push Up the Pins: One by one, push up on each pin until it clicks. You’ll know it’s set when you feel it stop moving.
- Turn the Lock: Once all pins are set, twist the tension wrench and voilà – you’re in.
This might take a few tries, so don’t give up too soon. Also, always make sure you’re gentle. You don’t want to break anything and make the situation worse.
Common Mistakes in Lock Picking
Lock picking is more about finesse than brute strength. Some beginners make these mistakes:
- Applying too much tension: The tension wrench should never be forced.
- Not feeling the pins: Rushing through without listening to what the lock is telling you.
- Lack of patience: Rushing can bend or break your tools, or worse, damage the lock.
Take your time, and practice makes perfect. Milton Locksmith Pro suggests practicing on old locks before attempting to pick the real thing.
Legal Considerations
Always keep it legal. In many states, owning lock picking tools is fine, but using them to bypass a lock without permission? Yeah, that’s illegal. So, always make sure you have permission, or better yet, just call a professional locksmith. No one wants to deal with a jammed lock at 2 AM, right?
For example, when we helped a customer unlock an automatic car door without a key, our expertise made the process smooth. Check out our full guide on how to unlock an automatic car door here.
Why You Should Learn to Pick a Lock
- Emergency Access: If you’re locked out of your home, it can save you time and money.
- Skill Development: It’s a useful skill that shows patience, dexterity, and problem-solving.
- Home Security Awareness: The more you understand locks, the better equipped you are to protect your home.
Of course, calling Milton Locksmith Pro will always get you out of a jam, but knowing how to pick a lock can provide peace of mind when you’re in a tight spot.
Tools for Lock Picking
Want to try it yourself? Here are the main tools you’ll need:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tension wrench | Applies rotational pressure to the cylinder |
| Pick tool | Manipulates the pins |
| Rake pick | Fast way to try and set multiple pins at once |
| Hook pick | Used for more precise, single-pin picking |
| Bump key | A specially cut key used in lock bumping |
All of these tools can be purchased legally and used responsibly. But, remember, if you’re in doubt, leave it to the professionals at Milton Locksmith Pro.
FAQ’S
Can You Pick a Smart Lock?
Smart locks are much harder to pick than traditional locks. They use advanced encryption and are usually tamper-resistant. While it’s possible to hack some smart locks, it’s a different ballgame. In most cases, you’ll need a different approach, like using digital tools or, in some cases, exploiting vulnerabilities. Our team has experience with smart lock installation and can offer professional assistance if you encounter issues.
How Do You Prevent a Lock from Being Picked?
Lock picking prevention starts with upgrading your locks. Basic pin tumbler locks are easy targets. High-security locks, like those made by Medeco, use sidebars, pins with different shapes, or rotating elements. These are much harder to pick. You can read more on whether high-security locks are worth it on our blog.
Here are additional ways to protect your home:
- Install smart locks: These are harder to pick or bump.
- Use security pins: Security pins make picking more difficult.
- Upgrade deadbolts: Some locks have anti-pick technology.
- Rekey your locks: If you’ve moved into a new home, rekey your locks.
What Should I Do If I Break a Key in the Lock?
This happens more often than you’d think. If the key breaks off, don’t panic. First, avoid pushing the broken piece further into the lock. Use a pair of tweezers to extract it. If that doesn’t work, Milton Locksmith Pro has a guide on how to remove a broken key. We recommend calling us if you can’t get it out yourself.
Lock Bumping: What You Need to Know
Lock bumping is another method of picking a lock. It involves using a “bump key” to force all the pins up at once. It’s not exactly lock picking, but it’s a technique that burglars use. This method works well on older locks and requires a bit of practice.
Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are more advanced techniques to try, like:
- Single Pin Picking (SPP): Focus on setting each pin individually for precision.
- Raking: Move a rake pick across all the pins quickly to set them all at once.
- Bumping: Use a bump key and hammer to force the lock open.
Each technique has its place, and depending on the lock, you’ll have to experiment.
Conclusion
Learning how to pick a lock is a handy skill, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re stuck outside your door or just want to develop a new talent, knowing the basics of lock picking can help. But always remember: never pick a lock you don’t have permission to pick.
If you’re unsure or prefer to leave it to the pros, contact Milton Locksmith Pro. We’ve been in the game for years, helping New Yorkers with everything from lockouts to key fob replacement. Learn more about how we can help you right here.
Next time you’re stuck, don’t panic. Give us a call. We’ll get you back in, quick.
