How to Make a Tension Wrench for Picking Locks
For law enforcement officers, recovery agents and anyone who's ever been locked out of their home, a tension wrench can be an invaluable tool for picking locks. But you don't need to buy one. You can make a tension wrench that works just as well using a paper clip or other thin piece of metal.
Instructions
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Bend the metal or paperclip straight, if it is not already straight, and hammer one end until it is flat. Flatten about an inch at the end. This part will go into the lock, and it must be flat to fit properly.
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Bend the metal paper clip upward at a 90-degree angle, using pliers. Lay the metal on its side so it forms an L-shape. Bend the last 1/4-inch of the metal forward at another 90-degree angle. When you lay it flat, you should see an upside-down L-shape.
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Insert the bent end of the tension wrench into the bottom of a lock.Twist the wrench so the bend in the metal catches the lock and pushes it to the side. Twist in the direction you would if you were opening the lock with a key. Once you meet resistance, keep the tension wrench in place while you pick the lock. If the tension wrench bends and loses its grip, you'll need to create a new one using a stronger metal.
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Tips & Warnings
It is illegal to pick locks on property that does not belong to you.
References
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Comments
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colormecrimson
Sep 13, 2010
This is great. I've been scared of locking myself out of my bedroom in my dorm room lately. I can open it from the inside when it's locked, but if I forget and shut the door behind me when my key's in the room, I'll be in trouble. One recommendation: photos would be really helpful. Thanks for the info.
