How to Pick The Lock On a File Cabinet

Do you REALLY need to get into a file cabinet or drawer that is locked? Read on and I will teach you how to pop the lock on a file cabinet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• large paper clip or bobby pin
• a steady hand

1. GET PERMISSION. If what's inside isn't yours, don't do this. Only pick a lock if its your own or if you have been asked to open it for someone.

2. Take your paperclip or bobby pin and bend it so you have a straight piece to work with that is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.

3. Insert your makeshift pick into the lock and press down the pins inside while simultaneously applying pressure with the pick in the direction that the lock is supposed to turn (may be easier with two picks; one on the pins and the other applying pressure to turn the cylinder).

4. Work at the pins with your pick. Try pressing them down in different ways (remember to always apply sideways pressure!!!). When you have the pins pressed the right way, the lock will suddenly turn. KEEPING THE PINS PRESSED, turn the lock.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice, practice, practice! Lock picking is a skill that requires practice. It can be fun once you get good at it!
• If you pick a lock that is not yours without permission, you can go to jail.
• Don't be too jerky with your motions when you are lock picking. If you move to fast, you can break the pick inside the lock.

[delawaregeek]

on 6/7/2009 Is it wrong to say as a kid I wanted tried to pick a lock on a file cabinet. LOL, I thought I was a spy. Informative article and brings me back to my childhood. I know I was a weird kid :)

[gahazeleyes]

on 6/6/2009 Thanks for the information.