Have you ever lost the key to a lock in desperate need to open it? Well, from now on you can easily transform into MacGyver with the simple support of a paper clip. It may not be a very elegant procedure, but it usually turns out to be effective. Here's how to do it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Tools
Step 1. Collect everything you need
Everything you need is easy to find. Actually, you need to get three things: a paperclip to keep the mechanism in tension, another to actually open the lock, and a pair of pliers to shape them.
- Take two large paper clips. There are no limits to the size, but make sure that the metal wire they are made of can easily enter the lock and that it is long enough to allow you to maintain a firm grip.
- Take a pair of pliers to shape your "tools": it will certainly be easier than doing the work with your hands.
Step 2. Open the first paperclip that will go into the lock
To do this, open the outer edge twice until you have a straight portion of wire. This will be inserted into the lock to trigger the mechanism.
Some locksmiths also make a small fold at the tip of the wire, in order to push the pins that are inside the lock. However, it is not a strictly necessary step
Step 3. Make your "key of tension"
Fully open a very large paper clip until you have a single straight strand. Now fold it in half. Fold the curved end of the double thread you have obtained at 90 ° to obtain an "L" shape, where the short side measures approximately 1 cm.
Alternatively, you can simply open one edge of the staple so that there is a straight portion bent at 90 ° to the rest of the structure. Doing so will make a pretty simple tension key that can work, even if it's not ideal
Part 2 of 2: Open the Padlock
Step 1. Insert the tension key into the lock
At the base of the lock you will find a slot, the one where the key usually enters. You have to insert the 90 ° bent side of the tension key into that slot by making rotations (in the direction in which the lock turns).
It takes some practice to understand how much pressure is needed. If you exaggerate you can deform the paper clip, if you are too delicate you will not be able to squeeze the internal pins
Step 2. Turn the tension key in the same direction that the lock turns
It might not be easy if you don't know exactly which way the mechanism rotates; however it is an important phase. There are a couple of ways to figure out how to proceed.
- If you know the exact direction in which the lock rotates, turn your tension key accordingly to open the lock. If you don't know, give it a try - you'll have a 50% chance of guessing!
- If you have a sensitive hand, you can also understand which direction the lock opens by turning the tension key. Try it clockwise first and then counterclockwise. You will feel some resistance when the direction is right.
Step 3. Insert the other paper clip into the slot and "rummage"
Basically you have to move the tip of the paper clip a little in all directions while you push up and quickly remove it. This way you should be able to line up some pins inside the lock. Repeat the procedure a couple of times.
- Always keep some pressure on the tension key while working with the other paper clip, otherwise you will not be able to open the lock.
- "Fast" does not mean moving in jerks, but making rapid and uniform movements. Again, much is left to your "sensitivity"; that's why few people are able to open a lock on the first try.
Step 4. Find the pins inside the lock
Maintain pressure with the tension wrench and try to find the pins with the other paper clip. What are called "American padlocks" have at least 5 pins that must be aligned to be able to open the lock.
You will feel the pins against the paper clip as you insert it and you will be able to understand where to press to squeeze them
Step 5. Lower the pistons
Using the tension key, apply some pressure as if you were trying to turn the lock as you push the pins. You should feel some sagging when you align them in the correct open position; in some cases you may even hear a "click".
Experienced burglars are able to perform these operations in one continuous motion, but beginners will need multiple attempts to align each plunger
Step 6. Keep moving the paperclip until the lock opens
Apply increasing pressure on the tension wrench, "rummage" with the other tool until all pins are aligned. When you hear a clicking noise, turn the tension key to open the lock.
