For more information on how to pick a lock, sign up for our newsletter and get a 50 page CIA Lock Picking Training Guide for free.
How To Pick A Lock: Tools Of The Trade
When i was first learning how to pick a lock, I bought a basic lock picking set and book from the internet, just like the one mentioned in my first post here.
Learning any new skill involves getting to know the tools used by the skill masters. There are many different types of tools involved in lock picking and today we will go over the basics.
First, take a look at the basic tools. (figure 1 drawn by yours truly in adobe illustrator)
There are 3 major categories of lock picking tools:
1. The Hook Pick: use this tool when the adjacent bottom pins are significantly different in size. It helps reach behind the bigger pins to get to the small ones.
2. The Diamond Pick: Used on wafer tumblers. (different than the pin tumbler, will cover in another post)
3. The Rake Pick: The quickest way to pick a lock if all the tumblers are about the same size.
Once you choose your pick, you will also need a tension rod. I didn’t draw a picture of it, because it basically just looks like an “L.” The tension tool is the accomplice to the pick. You can’t pick a lock without a pick AND a tension rod. (unlike in the movies where the hero uses a single hair pin)
Study your tools and get to know them; trust me, they will become your bestest friends when you find yourself locked out of the house.
The Lock Picker’s Mall has all of the lockpicking tools you could need. They have lockpicking sets starting at just $21.95. Just so you know, I make a commission off of anything you buy from me and it is truely appreciated. Thank you!
In the next post I’m going to revisit our old friend the pin tumbler, and introduce a new friend; the wafer tumbler.
For more information on how to pick a lock, sign up for our newsletter and get a 50 page CIA Lock Picking Training Guide for free.