How to Pick a Master Lock Padlock When Your Key Gets Lost

Hardly anything is more frustrating than needing to unlock a door and realizing you've lost your key. Provided that you have a few lock-picking tools in your pocket, such as a strong paper clip and a pen, you can fashion a makeshift key and enter at your will. Read this article about how to pick a master lock when your key gets lost.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Straighten the paper clip and then bend the tip down so it is angled a little bit less than 45 degrees.

2. Use a pen to make a tension wrench. Break off the metal clip from the pen cap and bend the tip slightly.

3. Turn the lock so that the large end of the key insert is on the top. As you cradle the lock in your left hand, insert the bent end of the tension wrench into the large end of the key insert and lift up on it slightly with the thumb of your left.

4. Insert the bent end of the paper clip just under the tension wrench as far as it will go. Exert a little pressure on the tension wrench as you wiggle the paper clip up and down. You may need to twist the paper clip simultaneously as you wiggle it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are interested in learning how to pick a lock, purchase a few inexpensive locks from a hardware store for practice. The more experience you have with picking locks, the easier it will become. However, don't be surprised if picking a lock open takes you awhile to accomplish. Remembering your key is much easier.
• You should only pick a lock in case of an emergency and never for illegal gain.