How to Open a Lock With Two Paper Clips

Some simple locks can be picked with household objects.

Locks keep our items safe of course, but what to do when the lock keeps us from getting to our precious items is another matter entirely. Picking a lock may save you some time and a call to a locksmith if you shut yourself out of your apartment or lose the key to a cheap lock. Simple locks use a series of pins and tumblers to engage a lock. The pins and tumblers release the lock when a key is inserted. With two paper clips, you can replicate a key.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Two paper clips

Instructions

1. Open up one paper clip so that the end is straight and bend the end using your pliers so that it is at a 45 degree angle.

2. Hold the second paper clip and bend up the end, leaving the loop in place. Do not straighten the paper clip completely. Take the loop of the paperclip in the end of your pliers and squeeze it using the pliers.

3. Insert the straight piece with the slight angle at the end so that the end of the paperclip is touching the top of the inside of the lock. Insert the second paperclip underneath to provide tension at the bottom of the lock.

4. Wiggle the top paperclip until you feel the pins engage. Slowly pull the paperclip out of the lock while pressing it along the top of the lock. The lock will pop open.

References

• Youtube: How to pick a lock with 2 paper clips by Dorian maano
• Gunslot: How to Pick a Lock - Beginner's Guide to Picking Locks