Among lock pickers, it is a well-known phenomenon that after successfully picking their first lock, they experience great euphoria. Even after years of opening many locks, the first lock they picked remains a special experience, mainly because of the new perspective it provides.
We place great trust in authorities and the security that locks provide. However, once you are able to bypass such a system with your own hands, a whole new world opens up.
The lesson on this page is designed for absolute beginners and covers all the basics required to successfully pick your first lock. We will discuss the following:
- How locks work
- Why we can pick locks
- Basic tools for lockpicking
- How to pick a lock
As you will see, there is a big difference between our perception of security and the actual security that locks offer.
Introduction to Lock picking
So, what exactly is lockpicking? Simply put, lockpicking is a non-destructive way to open a lock without using the original key. This can be done in various ways, but they all have the same goal in mind — imitating the key with something other than the key itself. But to imitate a key, we need to understand how a key works inside a lock. This begins by understanding how the locking mechanism itself functions.
There are many different types of locks used today, but they are all based on fairly simple concepts — remember, locks are not intelligent devices. For the purposes of this guide, we will focus on the simplest and most common type of lock: the pin tumbler lock.
The pin tumbler lock accounts for about 90% of the locks used today and is what you will find on most deadbolts, door locks, and padlocks. They are extremely simple in design and essentially represent a 6,000-year-old technology. It is often assumed that learning how to pick a lock requires a Zen-like focus, where you must sit in a candlelit room for hours to succeed. But in reality, it’s quite the opposite. The basic concepts and lock picking techniques can be learned and applied within an hour.
How a Pin Tumbler Lock Works
The first step in learning how to pick a lock is understanding how the lock itself works. Let’s start with a quick breakdown of the anatomy of a pin tumbler lock. These locks consist of six main components:
- Cylinder Housing: The housing is essentially a solid outer shell that holds all the functional parts together.
- Cylinder Plug: The plug is where the key is inserted and can freely rotate within the housing. The plug contains a series of holes drilled through the center, allowing small pins to move in and out.
- Shear Line: The shear line is the physical gap between the plug and the housing. As we will see, the shear line plays one of the most crucial roles in lock picking.
- Driver Pins: The driver pins are the upper set of pins and typically sit halfway between the housing and the plug. This restricts the free rotation of the plug because any applied turning force will bind the driver pins. These pins are the core of the lock, keeping it securely locked.
- Key Pins: The key pins are the lower set of pins, which interact directly with the key. Each key pin is a different length to match the cuts (bitting) of the corresponding key.
- Pin Springs: The springs do what springs do best — they push. In the lock, they push the driver pins into the plug, preventing it from rotating freely.
When the key is inserted into the plug, it pushes the key pins flush with the shear line, allowing the driver pins to exit the plug. When the distances between the key pins and driver pins match the shear line exactly, we can rotate the plug and unlock the mechanism.
This is the basic principle behind picking pin tumbler locks — mimicking the key by manipulating each pin flush with the shear line and then turning the plug. But why can we even do this, and how can we hold each pin at the shear line without the constant pressure of a key? The answer lies in imperfections.
Imperfections Are Good: Manufacturing Tolerances
Nothing is perfect. No object can be produced without flaws or some deviation from its ideal design. Everything is made with tolerances.
Because of these manufacturing imperfections, we can manipulate and bypass locks. In the case of a pin tumbler lock, we only need to look at the plug.
When the plug is manufactured, holes are drilled to hold the key pins. Ideally, these holes would all run along the true centerline of the plug and align perfectly with the holes on the opposite side. But, as mentioned earlier, nothing is perfect. Every drilled hole has slight deviations from the true centerline and from each other.
The quality of the lock depends heavily on the precision and care taken when drilling these holes. Cheaper locks generally have greater variations between the holes compared to higher-quality locks. These variations, although only a thousandth of an inch, give us our ability to pick locks.
Here is how the ideal plug would look like:
And here is an exaggerated example of how most plugs are:
There’s an important term that lock pickers refer to as the binding pin. This pin is defined as the pin that is furthest from the true centerline of the plug. If you attempt to turn the plug without a key, the driver pin will be the first pin in the stack to prevent the plug from rotating.
This driver pin will bind between the housing and the plug before any of the other pins. Due to the way the pin holes are drilled into the plug, the driver pin is less likely to be the first or last pin in the plug, but its position is typically random. Before we proceed, let’s review two key concepts required to understand lockpicking:
- We must lift the pins to the shear line to turn the plug and open the lock.
- Due to manufacturing imperfections, all pins are located at slightly different distances from the plug’s centerline. The pin furthest from the centerline will bind first when turning the plug without a key. This is known as the binding pin.
With these basic concepts in mind, we can finally start taking practical steps toward learning how to pick a lock.
Tools for Lockpicking
The most critical part of successfully picking a lock is using the right lockpicking tools.
The great news is that you don’t need many tools. In fact, just a few picks, rakes, and a tension wrench are all you’ll ever need.
You now have your lock pick set! Time to get your hands dirty!
The Tension Wrench
The first task is learning how to use the tension wrench properly. This small, bent piece of metal is used to accomplish two things:
- It functions similarly to a key, providing us with the leverage needed to turn the plug.
- It helps hold the pins at the shear line while we pick them.
Here’s how it works: when we apply slight pressure to the tension wrench, the driver pins prevent the plug from rotating. Now we can understand the importance of the driver pins. As soon as a pin begins to bind, we push it past the shear line using our pick. Once it is lifted and out of the way, the plug rotates slightly, and the next driver pin will block it from turning.
As long as you maintain the right amount of tension on the wrench, the driver pins will stay out of the plug and above the shear line, while the key pins drop back down into their holes. Even though the plug only rotates slightly, this is enough for the cam on top of the plug to engage, and when the tension is released, the pin will drop back into place.
Now that we understand what we are trying to achieve inside the lock, let’s get to work. Insert your tension wrench and place the shorter end into the bottom of the keyhole.
Although not always necessary, sometimes we need to determine which way the plug rotates. To do this, apply pressure with the tension wrench clockwise and then counterclockwise. The plug should move slightly in both directions before stopping.
When you turn the plug in both directions, focus on how the tension wrench feels when it stops. If it feels stiff and has little play, this is likely the wrong direction. The correct direction, on the other hand, feels slightly spongy and gives a bit more. Note that some cheaper locks may open regardless of which direction you turn the plug, such as many padlocks.
Once you know the correct direction to turn the plug, start applying tension to the wrench in that direction.
The amount of pressure you apply is key to successfully opening the lock. If you apply too much pressure, the pins will bind below the shear line. If you apply too little, the pins will simply fall back into the plug. Developing this feel for the tension wrench is the primary skill needed for successful lockpicking.
A general rule of thumb when using the tension wrench is to start with the lightest touch of a finger and gradually increase the pressure as needed. With slight pressure applied, the driver pin will start to bind. The next step is to locate this pin and push it past the shear line.
Technique #1 – Single Pin Picking (SPP)
Now that we understand how the internal mechanisms of the lock work, we can finally tackle the task at hand and pick a lock. While there are several methods to pick a lock, we will start with the Single Pin Picking method (SPP) — also known as SPP. In this method, we individually lift each pin with a hook-shaped pick.
While Single Pin Picking is not the fastest or easiest method, it’s the best for learning how to pick a lock because it gives us a deeper understanding of what’s happening inside the lock. This understanding can make the difference between being mediocre and becoming a master lock picker. Let’s begin!
Step 1: Identify the Binding Pin
Insert your hook pick and apply gentle pressure to find the first binding pin. You must maintain tension on the plug throughout the process of opening the lock.
Next, insert the hook at the top of the lock and begin testing each pin by gently lifting each one. As you push each pin upward, gauge how difficult it is to move. Most of the pins will lift relatively easily, except for the binding pin. This pin will feel stiff, and if you were to release tension on the plug, it would feel just like the rest of the pins.
Step 2: Lift the Binding Pin Above the Shear Line
Once you’ve found the first binding pin, you need to lift it above the shear line. As you continue to apply slight pressure to the pick, gently begin lifting the binding pin. When the pin reaches the shear line, you will feel a slight give as the plug turns. You may also hear a faint click, which will vibrate through your pick.
Both of these are excellent indicators that you have successfully “picked” the pin, or what lock pickers call “setting a pin.” If at this point you release tension on the plug, you would hear the pin fall back into place. Keep in mind that you’ve only moved the key pin out of the plug, not the driver pin, so don’t be alarmed if you still feel it wiggling around inside the plug.
Step 3: Find the Next Binding Pin
By setting the first pin, you have removed the first driver pin from the plug’s engagement. Because of this, the plug rotates slightly until it hits the next pin along the centerline. This will be your new binding pin and your next target. Just like with the first pin, you’ll need to probe the remaining pins to find the new binding pin. Once found, gently lift it above the shear line until you feel or hear the click of it setting.
Step 4: Repeat Until All Pins Are Set
Continue applying pressure with the tension wrench and repeat the same steps to find and set the new binding pin. Once all the pins are set, the plug will give, allowing you to rotate it fully as if you had the key. That’s it!
If the pins fail to set or fall back down, it’s likely you need to adjust the pressure you’re applying to the tension wrench. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for how much pressure is needed throughout the process. Additionally, refer to our guide to lock picking to improve your single pin picking skills.
Technique #2 – Raking
The next method we’ll cover is raking. Raking has become one of the most popular lockpicking techniques among enthusiasts because it’s the fastest and easiest way to pick a lock.
Raking is performed by inserting your rake pick into the back of the lock and repeatedly and rapidly dragging it over the pins while simultaneously applying tension to the plug. This causes the pins to jump above the shear line.
While this technique works on most pin tumbler locks, it can be challenging if the pins have drastic size differences, such as a short pin followed by a long pin, and then another short pin. In these cases, single pin picking might be more effective.
Although raking can be done with almost any type of pick, it is most commonly and effectively performed with a rake. These rakes often have a wave-like edge but can also come in diamond or ball shapes.
Just like with single pin picking, the success of raking depends heavily on the use of the tension wrench. Too much tension will cause the pins to bind below the shear line, while too little tension will cause the pins to fall back into place. With this repetition, it’s time to begin raking.
Step 1: Insert the Tension Wrench and Apply Light Pressure
Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole as before, and apply slight pressure to the plug.
Step 2: Insert the Rake Pick and Start Raking
Insert the rake pick into the back of the lock and apply upward pressure on the pins. Gently snap the pick out in a sweeping motion, making sure to catch all the pins on your way out.
Step 3: Repeat the Process Until the Lock Opens
Repeat this process three to four times until all the pins are set and the plug rotates. If the lock doesn’t open within five rakes, release the tension on the plug and listen carefully for any pins dropping back into place.
If you don’t hear any pins falling, this means you either applied too much or too little tension. Adjust the tension lighter or heavier, and attempt to pick the lock again. Continue this process until all the pins are set and the plug rotates.
With practice, you’ll develop a feel for the right amount of tension and will soon be able to open locks within the first few attempts. If raking doesn’t work on a particular lock, it can still be used to set multiple pins, after which you can finish the job with the single pin picking method.
The Legality of Lockpicking
Lockpicking is an exciting hobby and a valuable skill, but it’s essential to practice it responsibly and within the bounds of the law. In many places, owning and using lockpicking tools is perfectly legal as long as you’re not using them for illegal purposes. However, laws regarding lockpicking tools can vary greatly depending on your location.
It’s always a good idea to research local lockpicking laws before purchasing or using a lock pick set. In most cases, using lockpicking tools for non-criminal purposes, such as for hobby or professional use, is completely lawful.
Make sure to practice on locks you own or have permission to pick, and never attempt to pick a lock that you don’t have authorization to open. This will ensure that you stay within legal boundaries while developing your lockpicking skills.
Conclusion: Learning How to Pick Locks
Lockpicking is a skill that, with practice and patience, can be mastered by anyone. Whether you’re learning it as a hobby, for a profession, or for educational purposes, understanding how locks work and how to bypass them gives you a new perspective on security.
By learning and mastering techniques such as Single Pin Picking and Raking, you’ll be able to pick common locks, including tumbler locks, deadbolts, and padlocks. Remember, the key to success in lockpicking is practice and the right combination of tools, such as picks and rakes, and knowing how to use a tension wrench effectively.
Always lockpick responsibly, and you’ll enjoy a rewarding skill that opens new possibilities!