How to Pick a Dead Bolt Lock

Deadbolt locks are commonly used on homes and garden sheds, and require a key to open from the outside. If you lose or misplace the key for a deadbolt lock, you can call a locksmith or pick the lock yourself. Fortunately, the deadbolt lock is one of the easiest types of locks to pick.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat, skinny piece of metal Rake or pick tool

Pick the Lock With a Torque Tool

1. Put the flat, skinny piece of metal (the torque tool) into the lock as if you were unlocking it with a key. Apply pressure to the lock as you push inside so the pins inside the lock do not fall.

2. Keep applying pressure to the lock with the torque tool inserted until you set all the pins in place.

3. Wait for the lock to release. The lock will release when the pins are aligned perfectly; you can then twist the lock mechanism to unlock the door.

Pick the Lock With a Rake Tool

4. Look inside the lock to see where all the pins are located. Your objective is to line up all the pins into a plane so the lock perceives that a key has been inserted. Insert the rake tool into the keyhole with firm pressure to press the pins down in one go.

5. Pull the pick out of the lock while dragging it over all the pins so they fall individually.

6. Insert the torque tool with the rake tool and use it to apply more pressure. Rake the pins constantly to keep them depressed, and use the torque tool to add more pressure to the lock.

7. Keep raking the pins and applying pressure with the torque tool, and the lock will release. When you hear the release, twist the lock mechanism to unlock the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Picking a dead bolt lock can take time. You will need to focus on applying the right amount of pressure for the perfect balance.
• Do not pick a deadbolt lock that you are not authorized to access. This is against the law.

Resources

• Diagram of how a dead bolt lock works
• Lockpicking basics