HOW TO PICK A LOCK

Disclaimer:Before we get into the details of how to pick a lock, please be aware that – you can only pick locks you own, or that you have explicit permission to pick. Anything else could get you in legal issues.Please do not misuse this information. NewsForAmericans.com does not accept or assume any responsibility for your actions, nor do we condone illegal or immoral activity.

Have you ever been locked out of your house in the middle of the night? Or lost the only remaining key you had for your padlock? Well, these circumstances are for sure not amusing at all. Before paying a locksmith to dismantle the lock or open something up for you, consider this simple steps on how to pick a lock that can let you back in your house or closet, with less frustration and almost zero cost.

1. Understand how your lock works: The pin-and-tumbler lock basically consists of a cylinder that rotates within its housing. The cylinder is however kept in place with several pins once locked. The top pins of each lock protrude both into the housing and cylinder. When the correct key is inserted, pairs of pins are moved up and this allows the cylinder to move freely in the housing, letting free your closet or door.

2. You need a pick and a tension or torque wrench. A tension wrench is a device that you will use to apply pressure on the cylinder in odder to turn the lock cylinder. Start by placing the tension wrench into the lower section of the keyhole.

3. Find out which way the lock cylinder must be turned for the lock to the unlocked. Using the tension wrench, try to turn the cylinder clockwise, then anticlockwise. The cylinder will only turn a small fraction of an inch. When it stops, try to feel the firmness of the stop. If the cylinder is turned the right way, it should feel a little less turgid. Apply a light torque to the wrench in this direction and hold.

4. Gently insert the pick into the upper portion of the keyhole and feel the pins. Using the pick, you should able to push the pins up, and they will spring right back. Try to push each individual pin all the way up while increasing the tension on the tension wrench and try to identify which one is the hardest. Push the hardest pin all the way up until there is a misalignment between the upper pin and the cylinder hole. The upper pin will then rest on the cylinder.

5. Continue applying the torque on the wrench and repeat the step above for each pin. You can then use the tension wrench to turn the cylinder when all the pins are done. If you had ascertained the correct direction of the cylinder; the lock should be unlocked with ease. Now you know how to pick a lock with just five steps. That simple.

You can watch this short video to get a better understanding of the process: