Learning to lock a door is a real lifesaver when you lose your keys or stay locked out of the house. The most common lock models, the cylinder ones, can be opened with simple tools, patience and a little knowledge; you have to prepare yourself by recovering the tools and lubricating the mechanisms. Unlock the lock by aligning the pins inside it; a faster alternative technique is called "raking".
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Inspect the lock
You cannot force a broken one, while a rusty one may be impossible to open, regardless of your "burglar" skills. Check the condition of the lock carefully before attempting to open it without keys.
You can unblock a rusty one by applying a suitable lubricant, such as WD40
Step 2. Retrieve the tools
A professional kit for picking locks contains tools such as tensioners, picks and those specific for raking. You should also have a lubricant, such as graphite-based, which you can buy at hardware stores.
- You can optionally use common objects instead of specific tools, such as a hairpin or paper clip.
- You may need to go to a store that specializes in locksmith tools or purchase the kit online.
- Although possession of these tools is legal in almost all countries, if the police find them during a check they may ask you to prove that they do not want to use them for a criminal act.
Step 3. Learn how to use the three main tools contained in the kit
By learning their names and their functions, you can better follow the instructions in this article; this detail is particularly important because popular culture tends to misrepresent such instruments. They are:
- Tensor: it is a thin piece of metal with the ends that open like a bell and can be in the shape of "L" or "Z"; in this case, the diagonal segment of the "Z" is straight. It must be inserted into the cylinder (the part of the lock that turns) to apply tension to it.
- Pick: usually, it is a handle with a thin and slightly curved metal tip; it serves to manipulate the internal mechanisms.
- Rake or rake: it is a kind of pick with several ridges on the tip. Some models have a triangular or rounded tip; they are rubbed along the pistons of the mechanism to unlock the lock.
Step 4. View the lock mechanism
When you insert a key into the opening of the cylinder (the part that turns), the cut (the notched edge) of the key pushes up the pistons connected to the springs. Each lock is actually built from pairs of elements: the bases and the pins themselves. When the slots between each pair are all perfectly aligned with the mechanism, the cylinder can turn and the lock opens.
- When you crack one, you cannot see the internal mechanism, so it is essential to have a clear mental picture of how it is done.
- The number of pins varies according to the model; padlocks typically have 3 or 4, while doors go up to 5 or 8.
- In some cylinders, especially those of European manufacture, the slots line up at the bottom instead of the top.
Step 5. Lubricate the lock
The pistons can get stuck due to not being used, but dirt could also complicate operations; you can solve all these problems and maximize your chances of success by applying lubricant.
Many products have applicators that allow you to spray them directly into the lock
Part 2 of 3: Open a Common Cylinder Lock
Step 1. Know what the main goal of the procedure is
While applying light pressure with the tensor inside the lock, you must push the pins with the lock pick one by one. When one plunger has retracted enough, the tensor holds it still, preventing it from coming out while you work on the next one; once everyone is back in, the lock opens.
Step 2. Determine the direction the key turns
Insert the tensor into the top or bottom of the crack and gently twist it to apply pressure to the barrel. You should notice that the cylinder moves slightly more in one direction than the other; this corresponds to the direction in which the key turns.
It is quite easy to overdo it and apply too much force with the tensor; as you learn to get the feel right, you should only use one finger to press it
Step 3. Probe the pistons
Slide the lockpick into the slot in the cylinder. Gently feel the profile of the pistons using the tool, reach the accessible one and apply a light pressure, gradually increasing the force until you feel that the spring gives way; at this point extract the lockpick.
- Try to keep the image of the pistons in mind, so that you can keep track of which ones you have already pushed into the correct position in case you have to start over.
- By applying increasing pressure on each piston, you can test the strength of the springs; some are stiffer than others and require more strength.
- Generally speaking, the internal mechanisms are relatively delicate; it is better to apply insufficient force than to break the pick or lock.
Step 4. Apply gentle pressure into the gap in the barrel using the tensor
Place it on the bottom or top of the cylinder itself and turn it carefully; feel the movement of the pistons and release the pressure. Repeat this process several times.
Your goal at this stage is to familiarize yourself with the resistance of the cylinder and understand where the pistons join the mechanism blocking it and preventing it from turning
Step 5. Locate the main piston
Apply light pressure on the cylinder using the tensor; also insert the pick and gently touch all the pistons while keeping the tensioner in place. Release the force on the tensor and continue the procedure until you find the piston that offers more resistance than the others: it is the main one.
Once located, keep constant pressure on it using the tensor. Don't overdo it though, because you could block the lock; if, on the other hand, the pressure is insufficient, the pistons return to their original position
Step 6. Push the pistons one at a time with the lock pick
Maintain constant pressure on the tensioner and lift the main piston a little at a time; eventually, the tensor should be able to spin the cylinder a little. When this happens, you know that the first piston is at the right height; use the pick to work on the next one that exerts greater resistance than the others and repeat the procedure. Continue like this until you have them all lined up.
- Often the pins are ordered from the front to the back of the lock or vice versa; however, remember that this is not always a valid rule.
- By lifting the piston slowly you can position it correctly with greater ease; with practice this movement becomes much faster, especially when you use it with the "raking" technique described in the next section.
- If you apply too much torsional force to the tensor, you could jam the lock; in that case, you need to release the pressure to return the pistons to their original position and start over.
Step 7. Open the lock
When the last piston is also in place, the lock is completely unlocked and can be opened; it may be necessary to exert more force on the tensor to turn the cylinder. If the pick is still in the slot, increase the pressure further, taking care not to damage or break the internal mechanisms.
Part 3 of 3: Using the "Raking" Technique
Step 1. Check the lock with the pick and tensor
Proceed as usual and probe the internal mechanism with tools. Insert the pick and feel the pins to get an idea of their position: press them one at a time to evaluate the resistance of the springs.
Although the "raking" technique is quicker for professional burglars, it is based on the same principle of lifting one plunger at a time and is easier for individuals who already have some experience
Step 2. "Rake" the pistons with the tool
Use a regular pick or one specific for this maneuver. Apply light constant pressure on the cylinder with the tensor; slowly insert the "rake" into the crevice with a smooth motion and then drag it up and out with a click.
- Thanks to this movement, the internal mechanism "rakes"; you should apply pressure only to the tip of the tool.
- The rake should be long enough to reach each plunger while pulling.
Step 3. Listen for the sound of the pistons falling
This technique typically requires several attempts before getting results. After dragging the tool, pay attention to the noise emitted by the lock when you release pressure on the tensor; this sound indicates that you are exerting the correct force on the instrument.
Step 4. Drag the "rake" back and forth along the pins still to be aligned
Proceed as described above; while maintaining constant pressure with the tensor, use the tip of the other tool to "scratch" the pins. If one of them does not yield, release the pressure on the tensor and try again; continue until you unlock the lock.
When most of the pins are aligned, you need to increase the pressure on the tensor and slightly intensify the mechanical action of the "rake"
wikiHow Video: How to Force a Lock
Look
Advice
- Very simple locks, such as those on the cash register or desk money drawers, should not be "broken into"; simply insert a flat piece of metal up to the base of the lock and rotate it clockwise as you move it up and down.
- The frosted and smooth picks enter the lock more easily, simplifying operations.
- Practice on simple, inexpensive locks or old ones you can find at flea markets or antique stores.
Warnings
- In some countries, if you have a lock-picking kit, you need to be able to prove that you have no intention of breaking into a door and illegally accessing someone else's property.
- Never exert too much force on tools when working on a lock; you could break the lockpick or ruin the lock itself.
- When done correctly, this procedure does not break the lock; however, there is always the risk of damaging the mechanism and damaging the lock itself.
