Lock picking is an ancient art as old as the lock and key itself. It comes from the need to get at what has been stowed away under lock and key. Fortunately for the thief, picking a lock has always been a matter of patience and skill. For the unlucky homeowner, the picking of a lock is one more thing you must safeguard against. However, if you lock yourself out and don't have money for a locksmith, picking a lock is a sure way to get inside. Does this Spark an idea?
Picking a Typical Lock
To pick a typical home lock you need a flat, thin piece of metal that can turn the lock, and a paper clip. Insert the flat piece of metal (which we will call a lock wrench) into the bottom portion of the key hole. Twist it both ways; whichever direction has more free give in it is the direction the lock must turn to be opened. Once you determine this, turn the wrench in this direction until the lock stops and hold it there.
Paper Clip Route
The next step is to find a paper clip and unbend it until it is straight. Then turn the very end--about 1/8 inch of the paperclip--upwards right at the end. This is your tool for picking the lock. It will set each tumbler inside the lock into the open position. The typical lock has a simple key that when inserted pushes four to five tumblers into a "locked open" position. They stay open because each tumbler must be moved a certain height in order to stay in this position.
Picking the Lock Open
Work the paper clip into the lock above the wrench and push it all the way back to the end of the lock. This is where the first tumbler is located. Press the tumbler up until you feel it locking into position. Once it's in the open position, move the paper clip forward just a fraction of an inch and do the same for the next tumbler. You'll have to work this one up at a different height to set it in place. Do this for each one of the tumblers, then once they're all set into position, turn the wrench to open the lock.
Tags: picking lock, open position, each tumbler, into position, paper clip