The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Learning How to Pick Locks

    At the age of seven, driven by a mischievous urge to continue prank calls, I found myself desperately seeking to unlock my parents' vintage rotary dial phone. My initial foray into lockpicking occurred when I discovered that a tiny scraper from a nail clipper set snugly fit the lock mechanism preventing the dial's rotation. With some careful maneuvering and persistence, the lock yielded, and I was instantly captivated.

    Over four decades later, my passion has evolved, shifting from prank calling to the intricate art of lock picking. This hobby has been a source of enduring joy, enriching my knowledge base, honing transferable skills, and even landing me a fulfilling job. Alongside the satisfaction, it has brought challenges that tested my patience, forged friendships, and most significantly, in these days of increasing isolation, it has provided me with a sense of community.

    So, if you know absolutely nothing about lock picking, or just about nothing, but want to know - this is the blog for you: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Learning How to Pick Locks..

    Please note, this isn't a step-by-step tutorial on the actual lock picking techniques; those will follow suit in due course. Instead, this guide aims to equip you with the foundational knowledge required to navigate the vast array of lock picking kit showcased in online stores, ensuring you make informed purchases that cater to your skill level and the locks you aspire to conquer.Finally, select the most suitable set of lock picking kit fou picking lock.

    A common pitfall for beginners is investing in tools that are either premature for their current proficiency or incompatible with the locks they intend to tackle. Ultimately, such purchases prove futile. We're here to steer you clear of such wasteful endeavors, as we share a genuine passion for lockpicking.

    Should you find yourself in need of further guidance, Lock Pick World stands ready to assist. Feel free to reach out to us, regardless of your skill level or the nature of your query. Remember, we've all been beginners once. So, embark on this exciting journey to unravel the mysteries of lockpicking and experience the exhilaration of 'LockSport' – the art of lockpicking for recreational purposes.

RISE OF THE LOCK-SPORTERS

    In recent years, lock picking has undergone a remarkable surge in popularity as a recreational activity, primarily fueled by the internet's proliferation of lock pick set and lock techniques. When I was a young teenager, I stood outside a shop window, fascinated by the display of lock picking kit, unable to enter due to my age. The mere thought of those gleaming steel instruments potentially unlocking doors without keys ignited a thrill within me. Despite my attempts with makeshift nail clipper picks, I knew the real deal would be a game-changer.

    As soon as a friend got me online in the late 1990s and I found a lock of picking set, I ordered them,a set of jigglers—a technique I'd inadvertently stumbled upon with a telephone lock. Encouraged by my initial successes, I acquired my first authentic lock picking kit comprising three picks, a rake, and a tension tool. Since then, hardly a week has passed without me indulging in the art of lock picking.

    The internet played a pivotal role in democratizing access to lock picking kit and educational resources. Specialized stores, like ours, approaching two decades of existence, have made it easier and more welcoming for enthusiasts to procure a diverse array of premium lock picking kit, electric pick guns, bump keys, jigglers, tension wrenches, skeleton keys, practice locks, and comprehensive training materials. This accessibility significantly lowered the entry barrier, igniting a flurry of interest and engagement in lock picking among newcomers.

    Thus, we find ourselves at this juncture, witnessing the vibrant growth of lock picking as a recreational pursuit.

Let's start with the basics: Types of Locks.

    When we receive inquiries about learning lock picking, it's essential to understand that there are various lock types. This distinction of virous types influences the lock picking kit tools and techniques required to effectively pick them.

    Most lock pickers start with pin cylinders though. They're the most popular locks in the world, and most of the basic principles that you'll end up adapting to pick other locks are usually learned on pin cylinders.

    Let's have a look at some of the locks that are out there, and learn a little bit about them:

⦁ Pin Cylinder Locks:

    The prevalent lock type features a cylinder housing double pin stacks varying in length. These stacked pins hinder the cylinder's core from rotating. By inserting the appropriate key, pins are lifted to precise heights, aligning the split in pin stacks, enabling the core to turn and unlock the mechanism.

⦁ Disc Detainer Locks:

    These locks employ rotating discs with grooves or indentations that must precisely align to unlock. The alignment process is critical for the lock to open.

⦁ Lever Locks:

    Lever locks involve a series of levers, which must reach specific heights upon insertion of the correct key. This allows the bolt to slide, unlocking the mechanism. While advanced in nature, simpler one-lever variants exist alongside more intricate five-lever, curtain-protected models.

⦁ Warded Locks:

    Characterized by their simplicity, warded locks incorporate obstacles (wards) that prevent unauthorized keys from turning. Offering basic security, they are surprisingly easy to bypass yet still widely used. This oldest lock type dates back to Egyptian times or even earlier.

⦁ Tubular Locks:

    Tubular locks feature a cylindrical keyway with pins arranged circularly, commonly found securing vending machines, bicycles, and some residential doors. Essentially a pin cylinder lock, but with a circular pin arrangement instead of a linear one.

⦁ Combination Locks:

    Combination locks necessitate the entry of a precise sequence of numbers or symbols to align internal components and unlock. They are ubiquitous in safes, lockers, and padlocks. While digital versions employ electronics, they can sometimes be easily circumvented.

⦁ Wafer Locks:

    Wafer locks employ flat wafers instead of pins, requiring them to align at specific levels for the lock to open. These locks are prevalent in vehicle security systems.

    Please be aware that these descriptions serve as concise overviews, and each lock type encompasses numerous variations and advanced features. Additionally, there are countless other lock types and security enhancements designed to both forced entry and lock picking attempts. For example, security pins like Spool and Serrated pins enhance the difficulty of picking pin cylinder locks, while false gates complicate lever lock picking. This list merely provides a foundational understanding of the most common lock picking kit tools.

    It's important to clarify that padlocks are not a separate lock type but rather a housing style. Padlocks can incorporate pin cylinder, wafer, disc detainer, lever, and other lock mechanisms. Therefore, it's essential not to confuse the type of lock with its packaging or housing.

    To embark on your journey, I recommend starting with pin cylinder locks. Mastering the intricacies of pin cylinder locks will lay a solid foundation for exploring other lock types. For pin cylinder lock picking, you'll need specialized tools known as picks.

    There are two fundamental types of picks: the 'Pick' and the 'Rake.' While some picks can be used for raking, let's simplify our discussion and focus on these two distinct categories. Raking is an excellent technique for beginners due to its accessibility and rapid results, which can boost confidence and motivation. However, to advance your skills and learn 'proper lock picking,' you'll need to master the use of Picks. This method, also known as SINGLE PIN PICKING or 'SPP,' involves manipulating each pin individually.

    Most lock pick sets include a variety of Picks and Rakes along with tension tools, which we'll discuss shortly. For now, let's focus on the most popular picks and rakes currently available.

    NOTE: A frequent misconception among beginners is the belief that each lock pick serves a unique purpose for a different lock or fulfills a distinct function within the lock itself. However, this is not the case. The reality is, you're manipulating pins, and you'll discover that various shapes and designs of picks cater to both your personal preference and the specific lock you're attempting to open at that moment. This understanding develops over time and through practice.

    Hence, when you first unpack your lock picking kit and find yourself confronted with an array of twenty picks and rakes, resist the urge to assume each has a distinct role. They are simply picks and rakes, and their subtle variations will gradually become apparent as you work with them. For instance, I am frequently asked, "What specific purpose does a half-diamond pick serve?" or "What about a hook pick? What's its intended use?" The answer, in both cases, is straightforward – they are all designed for picking locks! The choice ultimately depends on the lock you're tackling, the challenge you're facing (like dealing with a deeply cut pin adjacent to a shallow one), and thus, which pick is best suited for the task at hand. A multitude of factors determine the optimal pick for a given job, but they do not possess distinct, exclusive functions. Furthermore, as mentioned, personal preference also plays a significant role in selecting the pick you'll use to tackle a particular lock.

    A lock picking kit comprises three fundamental components: the handle, the shaft/stem, and the tip. While there might be slight variations in terminology, it quickly becomes evident which part corresponds to which.

Here's a comprehensive overview of the fundamental components I envision in a basic yet satisfactory lock pick set tailored for beginners:

    When selecting the lock picking kit, hooks feature a curved tip designed for versatility. They come in a range of lengths, depths, and thicknesses at the picking end to cater to different lock types and challenges.

⦁ Half Diamond Pick:

    A highly adaptable pick characterized by its half-diamond-shaped tip, offering a unique approach to pin manipulation.

⦁ Deforest Diamond:

    An enhanced version of the Half-Diamond pick, featuring an angled stem that allows access to areas unreachable by standard half-diamond picks.

⦁ City Rake:

    This rake boasts a stem that resembles a city skyline, lending it a distinctive appearance. It's exclusively used for raking techniques, leveraging its design to efficiently rake pins.

⦁ Bogota/B-Rake/Triple-peak Rake:

    Inspired by the mountainous terrain of Bogota, Colombia, where its inventor Raimundo hailed from, this rake is exclusively utilized for raking purposes.

⦁ Tension Wrenches:

    Indispensable in lock picking, these tools apply rotational pressure to the lock's core. Without them, lock picking wouldn't be possible. They typically take the form of long, thin 'L'-shaped metal pieces, often incorporating a twist in the shaft for better grip and control.

TENSION TOOLS

    Tension tools play a significant role in the entire lock picking kit, as they facilitate the application of crucial tension or rotational force necessary to manipulate the lock's intricate internal mechanisms. These tools are typically crafted from thin, flat metal and may resemble an 'L' or 'Z' shape. One end is inserted into the keyway, engaging with the lock's core, while the other serves as a handle for the lock picker to apply precise rotational pressure on the core, also known as the 'plug,' ensuring a smooth and effective picking experience.

    A selection of Bottom of Keyway (BOK) tension tools (that's the top three) and Top of Keyway tension tools (TOK) which are the two at the bottom.

Tension tools come in many forms although there's really only three basics types:

1 - Bottom of Keyway (BOK) .

    Where the tool is inserted into the bottom of the lock's keyway.

2 - Top of Keyway (TOK) .

    Where the tool is inserted into the top of the lock's keyway.

3 - Circular Tension Tool.

    These are not as commonly used as BOK and TOK wrenches, although are preferred by a lot of people for using Electric Pick Guns due to the kinetic nature of those tools.

    All in all,these tension tools are an indispensable part of the entire lock picking kit, and they also play a vital role in the process of lock picking.

The Basics of Locks

    To begin our journey into lock picking, it's essential to understand the basic components and mechanics of lock picking set. A typical pin cylinder lock consists of several crucial elements, including the keyway, pins, springs, and the core. The keyway is the opening where the key is inserted, while the core houses the pins and springs. As the key is inserted, the pins align at the shear line, allowing the core to turn and unlock the lock. Understanding these components will provide a solid foundation for further exploration.

PIN STACKS

    Pin Cylinders have the row of pins in stacks of two pins. The pins that interface with the key (or other lock picking kit) are referred to as KEY PINS, whereas the second pin in each stack is known as the DRIVER PIN, as it is propelled by the spring onto the key pin. The driver pins impede the rotation of the lock's core (sometimes termed 'plug') by resting along the dividing line between the core and the housing. When the correct key is inserted, it elevates both the key pins and driver pins to the appropriate height, ensuring that the separation between the stacks of key pins and driver pins aligns perfectly with the partition between the core and housing. 

    To practice lock picking effectively, you'll need precise lock picking set. These tools include lock picks, tension wrenches, and a practice lock. Lock picks come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to manipulate the pins within the lock. Tension wrenches, on the other hand, apply slight rotational force to the core.

    Finally, a practice lock allows you to hone your skills without the risk of damaging a working lock. Acquiring the right lock tools is an important step towards becoming proficient in lock picking.

    Some people prefer to avoid practice or 'training' locks, but in twenty years of teaching lock picking I'm yet to find a better way to show how a lock works and how lock picking is possible.

    Having grasped the basics and equipped with the essential llock picking set, we proceed to delve into the hands-on aspects of lock picking. The two cornerstone techniques employed by locksmiths are single-pin picking and raking. In single-pin picking, each pin is meticulously manipulated until they align at the shear line, thereby enabling the lock to rotate.

    This is precisely where the tension tool becomes crucial. A pertinent question arises: why don't the pins simply reset themselves when we pick them, whether through single-pin picking or raking? The answer lies in the tension tool's function. By inserting the tension tool, we apply a subtle turning force to the core, displacing it by a mere fraction of a millimeter, creating a minute platform. In single-pin picking, the objective is to position each driver pin on this platform. Once all driver pins are seated on this platform, the lock unlocks due to the continuous tension applied through the tension tool.

    The principle remains largely unchanged in raking, albeit with a different approach. Rather than focusing on individual pins, raking involves simultaneously manipulating all pins. Over time, whether it takes seconds or minutes, each driver pin eventually settles on the platform, and the core rotates as a result of the pressure exerted by the tension tool.

    Lock picking is a fascinating and fulfilling art that intertwines precision, perseverance, and the art of problem-solving. This introductory guide has offered a sneak peek into the realm of locksmithing, imparting essential knowledge of tools and methodologies. Like any other proficiency, mastering lock picking necessitates relentless practice, unwavering commitment, and a genuine passion for the craft.

    Therefore, seize the opportunity to conquer this challenge, refine your abilities, and embark on an exciting journey of lock picking for sheer enjoyment.