How to Pick Locks With Hairpins

If you find you are locked out of a room, you may have to pick the lock. While you can always call a locksmith, it can be expensive and time-consuming. If you have a fairly basic lock, you can usually pick it by using a hairpin.

Things You'll Need

• Hairpin

Instructions

1. Assess the type of lock you are trying to pick. Most door knob locks are either simple, push-button locks or turn-style locks.

2. Push the hairpin into the center of the lock, if the lock is a push-button type. Continue pushing until you feel the lock unlock. Some knobs with push-button locks feature a hole to the left or right of the knob, rather than a standard hole in the center of the keyhole. Simply insert the hairpin into the hole on either side of the knob and press until it unlocks.

3. Insert the hairpin into the lock's center and turn it as you would a key. This method will unlock turn-style locks.

4. Adjust the hairpin's position if you have difficulty picking the lock. Some locks are very sensitive and require pressure at a very specific point. Continue adjusting the position very slightly until you find success.

5. Use two hairpins to manipulate the lock. For some locks, one hairpin might be too weak to support needed pressure to unlock the lock. If the lock does not give with one, try a second hairpin, keeping the second pin adjacent to the first. Use the same methods described, simply using two hairpins.

Tips & Warnings

• Highly sophisticated locks are not easily picked. If you can't open the lock, contact a locksmith who can help.

• If you must get into the room immediately, take the door off its hinges.

• Never pick a lock if you are not the owner of the property. If you pick a lock on property that is not yours, you are breaking the law.

• Be aware that picking a lock may permanently damage it.