Manual Lock Picking – II

Like we mentioned in Part – I of this article, there is more to lock picking than just going out with a hammer and a chisel and try to break open the lock! It is an art which requires the right tools and the right kind of practice.

Carrying on from where we left off in the earlier article, the torsion wrench is probably the most important lock picking tool of them all.

Shaped like the letter ‘L’ (you can see it at the left of the above picture), the torsion wrench is used to apply torsion on the cylinders of a lock. Also, you will know that today’s locks don’t come with single pins. There are multiple pins inside, and each of these pins has to be put in the right place in order to pick it. It is the torsion wrench which holds each pin in place when we go about adjusting the rest of the pins. This tool is also known as the Tension Wrench, but the actual purpose is to apply torsion on the pins. There is also an advanced version available, where there is a coiled spring at the end of the wrench (the tool is known as Feather Touch wrench). This spring ensures that the torsion is maintained on the lock pins so we can go about our job of opening the lock without worrying if the pins will slip back.

The next most versatile tool has to be the half diamond pick, which is fifth from left in the picture above. This is the most common pick of them all, and is used for picking individual pins. The half diamond is also the right tool for disk locks – which by the way are not all that easy to open.

The hook, the rake, and the warded picks are the next in line in the above pic, and they all have their uses.

Coming to our topic, manual lock picking is not just pushing the rake into the lock and sensing whether the pins move. That is because once the pick is out, the pins tumble back into position. This is why there is a special practice needed. We will bring you a few videos on lock picking during the next one week, and that will give you a better understanding. One thing that you should learn, however, is the general process of lock picking. Here is a run down.

1. The torsion wrench should go in to the lower portion of the keyhole
2. Twist the wrench in the direction of opening the lock and hold it
3. Put in the pick into the upper part of the keyhole and feel for the pins
4. Each pin will have its own position, and it is a process of trial and error before you hit on the right combination
5. The most important pin is the one which is the most stubborn. You need to push it enough so it overcomes the tension exerted by its spring
6. Continue with all pins till they don’t come back down; and sit in their opening positions
7. Turn the cylinder with the tension wrench and your lock should open!

If it does not open, you need to go back with the pick and check whether all the pins are in position. It is not too difficult to find out – once you practice a bit.

Learning lock picking is not wrong! In fact, there are dozens of times in life when we lock ourselves out of the home, or when we lock an old suitcase and misplace the key. Happened with you? Each time something like that happens, we either decide to break open the lock, or call in a locksmith. If we know the basics of manual lock picking, we can just fiddle around a bit, and the lock should pop open in a few minutes time. Experts crack open locks in under a minute; but that is a different ball game altogether!

The tools we mentioned above – from the tension wrench to the set of picks should be easily available – provided your state permits the sale. Else, you should find them online, but be sure about the laws in your region before ordering them.

We will bring to you a few videos, and then a couple of articles on lock picking guns. We will also bring forth a few tips from the lock picking experts. Stay Tuned.