Lockpicking 101

An overview and notes on some common lockpicking tools and techniques.

This is what a common lock pick set looks like.  It consists of RAKES such as the Ball, Half Ball and Multi-Diamond designs.  These are used when raking a lock.  FEELER PICKS come in two shapes, Half Hook and Full Hook.  These picks are designed to lift one pin at a time.  TENSION WRENCH a small level-shaped metal bars used to turn the cylinder in a lock.  They are vital to lockpicking.

One of the better locking picking manuals available is the MIT Lockpicking Guide.  Print it out and study it.

Padlock Shims

These are clever little metal shims to slide down into the latch on a padlock.  They do work, but will become damaged after a few uses.

Southern Ordance Padlock Shim Set Manual

The shims are designed for use on padlocks with spring operated latch(es).  Generally, they are more effective on the cheaper type of padlocks.  The more expensive locks tend to be made to better specifications and are therefor more resistant to opening with any shims.

For these shims to be effective, there must be sufficient clearance between the shackle diameter and the holes in the padlock body to enable the shims to be inserted.

On single latch padlocks, any slack in the pivot side will help if the clearance is minimal.

These shims have been manufactured from the highest quality carbon spring steel to give more durability and longer life.  Sometimes a shim or pair of shims will open several locks, whereas, occasionally with the better made locks, it may become necessary to try another new shim if it becomes damaged.

Method of Use

First, determine whether the padlock is single or double latched.  If this is not known, then slide a single shim down the inside of the pivot leg of the shackle to feel for a latch.  Ideally, knowledge of the lock is the best way of knowing whether it is single or double latch.

Single Latch Padlocks

For most padlocks, the latched leg of the shackle is generally on the same side as the serrations of the key.  Choose a shim having the same or slightly larger bend radius than the shackle diameter.

A slightly larger radius will close down to the correct shape more accurately than an undersized one will open up.  It may also be necessary to shorten the length of the arms before using a shim on smaller padlocks.

1. Exert some pressure on the pivot side of the shackle to ease the shackle towards the latch side and increase the clearance between the shackle diameter and the hole.
2. Then insert the shim into the clearance on the outside of the shackle opposite the latch, and twist and push the shim down as far as possible.
3. When it is fully inserted, rotate the shim around the shackle so that the tongue of the shim approaches the latch from the side and eases it back.  Once the shim has been rotated until the wings of the shim are pointing outwards away from the lock, it is likely that the latch has been sprung and the shackle can be pulled up to open the lock.

Double Latch Padlocks

Use the same procedure as for the single latch, but when the first shim is positioned, exert pressure on the outside of the pivot side of the shackle and ease another shim into the clearance.  Again, twist and push the shim down into the gap until it is fully down.  Then rotate this shim around the shackle until the wings are pointing outwards.  With the better padlocks, it is this last maneuver that is difficult or even impossible.  However, once both shims are down and rotated outwards, it is probable that the padlock can be pulled or easily forced open.

One some types of padlocks with weak latch springs, it may be possible to force the shim down onto the latch(es) directly from above, and ease it (them) back.  However, if this technique is used on a latch with strong springs, the tip of the shim could bend and the latch would not be pushed back far enough to release the shackle.

Picture overview of a shim on a Master combination padlock

Lockpicking Guns

Though highly overrated (you can pick most locks with just a feeler pick and a tension wrench), mechanical lockpicking guns do actually work.  With a little practice, you can open some locks in seconds.  The lockpick gun also requires the use of a tension tool for turning the lock’s cylinder.

E-Z Pick Gun Manual

Adjusting the Tension

• To adjust the tension of the blow, turn the knurled wheel counter-clockwise (toward you) for greater tension.
• WHEN NOT IN USE turn the knurled wheel to the least tension to weaken the spring action.
• Large Locks = Heavy Tension, Small Locks = Light Tension.
• Try first without tension.

Use of the Tension Tool

• Apply to either top or bottom of keyway.  Always use light pressure on tool in direction that lock should turn. (IMPORTANT)

Inserting Point on Needle

• Insert in lowest point of keyway and guide UNDER THE PINS without raising them.  Must be STRAIGHT LINE, DON’T PUSH TOO FAR.
• Point (needle) must work free at all times.
• Narrow keyways – use 0.025 point needle.
• POINT MUST BE STRAIGHT – never file on top of point.

Working the Trigger of Tool

• Pull trigger RAPIDLY.  (MUST hit keys and not keyway)
• If after five shots lock does not open – lower tension on tool.
• Allow pins to drop back and start over again.
• DON’T PICK ONE AT A TIME – TRIGGER ALL AT SAME TIME.
• New locks are more difficult to open.

Offset Needle

• Use only when lock cylinder is in a position where needle cannot be inserted in a straight line.

Simple Tension Tool Trick

Here is simple trick you can use to apply the right amount of tension on a cylinder while trying to pick a lock.  It involves drilling several 1/16″ holes in the handle of a tension wrench to allow the hanging of some lead fishing sinkers.  The sinker’s eyelet need to be modified slightly by clipping one side to form a hook.  Be sure to use high quality drill bits when drilling the tension wrench hole

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Source: Surreptitious Entry – Lockpicking