An Introduction To Lock Picking: How To Pick Pin Tumbler Locks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I pick a lock with?

Your best bet is a lock-picking set that includes a tension wrench and a set of rakes. My favorite is the set from SEREPick. In a pinch, you could fashion some lock picks with a paper clip, bobby pin, or even windshield wiper blades. In my experience, picking a lock with paper clips is more difficult because they have a tendency to break in the lock.

Is lock picking legal?

Depends on which country or state you live in. In most instances, as long as you’re picking a lock and don’t have criminal intent, you’re fine. In some states, owning a set of lock picks is prima facie evidence of criminal intent and things get more complicated. Be sure to check local laws before buying a lock-picking set.

Can you pick a lock with a credit card?

Not tumbler locks. But some locks on internal doors can be opened by jimmying a credit card between the lock and the door. Here’s how to use a credit card to open these doors.

Further Reading

If you want to get more in-depth in the art of lock picking, check out these two sources:

CIA Lock Picking Field Operative Training Manual

The MIT Guide to Lock Picking (This baby goes really in-depth into the mechanics and physics of why we’re able to pick locks. Very thorough. Definitely recommend reading it.)

With our archives 4,000 articles deep, we’ve decided to republish a classic piece each Sunday to help our newer readers discover some of the best, evergreen gems from the past. This article was originally published in November 2015.

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