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How to Pick a Lock

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By teaves
User-Submitted Article
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http://www.personaltrainyou.com
http://www.personaltrainyou.com

At some point in your life, you'll probably be locked out or harbor some other need to pick a lock. As such, it's not a bad skill to know...bear in mind however; WE DO NOT ADVOCATE LOCK PICKING FOR ILLEGAL PURPOSES...and believe me, we won't hesitate to call the police and report your shady activity if we find out you're up to no good.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Knowing the mechanics of the lock will give you a better understanding of how it can be picked open. Within a pin and tumbler lock, there is a cylinder which can revolve. Several pins hold that cylinder in place. The pins project in the cylinders and the covering which inhibits the cylinder from rotating. A key will press down on the protruding pins enabling the cylinder to turn, thus opening the lock.

  2. Step 2

    Two items needed to pick a lock is a torque or tension wrench and a pick. These items can be purchased in sets at your local hardware store.

  3. Step 3

    Within the bottom portion of the keyhole, position your tension wrench.

  4. Step 4

    way you normally turn your key to open the lock is the way the cylinder will rotate. Gently turn tension wrench in the appropriate direction. Retain is place.

  5. Step 5

    Into the upper area of the keyhole, insert the pick until you locate the pins. You should be able to feel the flexibility in the pin movement. If this movement of the pins is effortless, turn your tension wrench. Increase the torque by turning the tension wrench. Do this step with ease as you feel the movement of the pins. Eventually, you will be able to push the torque upwards.

  6. Step 6

    The pins are in pairs. Sometimes one will push against the others. If there is a pin, which would be the lower pin of the pair, that will not cooperate, use enough pressure against the obstinate pin until it is pushed outside of the cylinder. The upper pin should stay in place on the cylinder instead of dropping back down. When you are able to press the lower pin without a struggle from the spring, the upper pin is in place.

  7. Step 7

    Repeat this process for each lingering pin.

  8. Step 8

    When the pins are in place, turn the cylinder. Your lock should open. If it doesn’t, however, repeat the process. Perhaps you will need to work your wrench in the opposite direction. The wrench should be used whatever way the key is turned to normally open the lock.

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eHow Article: How to Pick a Lock

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