How to Make a Lockpick Kit
A lock pick kit requires only a few basic tools, including picks and a tension wrench. Your first kit should include a short hook, a long hook, and a half-diamond pick. These three types enable you to open most basic locks. You can make these tools at home with some thin metal and a grinder. By making your own kit, you can include tools that will open the locks in your home or your car. Picking a lock on private property is illegal, so use the picks you make to open your own locks or for entertainment only.
Things You'll Need
- Sheet metal or inexpensive fine-tooth hacksaw blades
- Hand power rotary tool with a coarse grinding attachment, or a power grinder like those used for sharpening axes
- Permanent marker
- Cool water in a bucket or bowl
- Flexible steel, a paper clip, or a #6 Allen wrench
- Carrying case for your picks
Instructions
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1
Choose metal for making your lock picks. You may use strips of sheet metal, inexpensive fine tooth hacksaw blades, or even metal signs cut into strips. Hacksaw blades are recommended, however, because they are already made into narrow pieces and can be bought in multi-packs. Be careful when handling the blades, however, and avoid touching the teeth.
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2
Decide what type of lock picks you want to include in your kit. Use online templates like those found at LockPickGuide.com or MShamash.com. Draw the shape of your lock pick onto the metal using a permanent marker. Keep an image of your templates nearby when you are working because your drawn-on pattern may get filed off.
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3
Grind your metal into the body of the lock pick. If you are using hacksaw blades, begin by grinding off the teeth of the blade. The shaft of the pick should be approximately 1/8-inch thick. Leave the handle of the pick wider, approximately 1/2-inch, to make it easier to hold. Dunk the metal in cool water if it becomes hot. If desired, round off the corners of the handle.
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4
Grind your metal to make the hook of the lock pick. For hooks requiring greater precision, use a rotary tool with a grinding attachment rather than a large grinder. The curve of any hook should be no more than 1/4-inch and will vary based on the type of lock pick you are making. Flatten or round the tip of the hook based on the type of lock pick you are making. Refer to your template for detail.
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5
File any coarse or rough edges smooth.
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6
Make your tension wrench from a thin piece of flexible steel, like the insert of a windshield wiper blade, a paper clip or a #6 Allen wrench. To make the wrench from the paper clip or the thin steel, simply bend the ends of the metal to 90 degree right angles. When you hold the metal parallel to the ground in front of you, one end should bend upward and the other downward. Each end of the wrench should be about 1/4-inch. To make the tension wrench from an Allen wrench, simply grind and flatten the shorter end of the wrench down to approximately 2 millimeters in thickness. This may take longer than grinding the metal in Step 3 because commercial wrenches are made of thicker, treated metal.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn about the types of locks in your home before making your kit so you can include picks that will open your own doors.
Wear safety goggles when grinding metal.
Angle the metal you are grinding in the same direction the wheel of the grinder is spinning to direct sparks away from you.
Never use your lock pick kit for illegal purposes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Keys from heart in the Valentine's day image by tigera from Fotolia.com
