How Can I Pick Locks?

Learning how to pick locks is almost as much an art as it is a science. You can read all the books on how to pick locks and still not be able to pick a single lock.

The skill of picking a lock involves gaining a good feel for the lock mechanism and the technique needed to pick it. This requires practice and concentration.

The number and variety of locks in current use is staggering, yet the vast majority of locks in use are simple pin-tumbler designs which are fairly trivial to pick.

Common Lock Types

Common lock types include:

Pin-tumbler locks
Warded locks
Wafer locks
Lever locks
Dial combination locks
Disc combination locks
Push-button combination locks

Additional Reading on How to Pick Locks

For information on how to pick locks, check these online references:

Ted the Tool's Guide to Lock Picking

The MIT Guide to Lock Picking in HTML format

alt.locksmithing FAQ

This FAQ does not attempt to teach you locksmithing, just to answer simple questions, give you some hints on getting started, and point you to sources of information. Also included is a glossary of common terms. The Appendix covers many supply places, books and tapes on lock picking.

Picking New High Security Door Locks

How to pick Medeco Locks, Puzzle Locks, and Push Button Combination Locks

Using Lock Pick Guns

Plenty of web sites and discount catalogs offer lock pick guns for sale, but it is difficult to tell from the ads whether a lock pick gun is a tool worth having. There are problems that accompany their use that are not mentioned in the advertisements. Here is some honest information about the merits, detriments, capabilities, and usefulness of lock pick guns.

Picking Master Locks

The Jolly Roger's Guide to Picking Master Locks

Impressioning Manual for Amateur Locksmiths

Impressioning is a method of fitting a key to a lock without taking the lock apart

Different Types of Walls and Security

A brief guide to physical barriers and physical security measures. Also covers noice, vibration, electronic field, seismic, microwave, and photoelectroc sensors.

A List of All Simplex Lock Combinations

Open any Simplex lock in about 10 minutes by trying all possible combinations

Ted the Tool's Guide to Lock Picking

The MIT Guide to Lock Picking in PDF format

Cryptology and Physical Security: Rights Amplification in Master-Keyed Mechanical Locks

This paper examines mechanical lock security from the perspective of computer science and cryptology. We focus on new and practical attacks for amplifying rights in mechanical pin tumbler locks. Given access to a single master-keyed lock and its associated key, a procedure is given that allows discovery and creation of a working master key for the system. No special skill or equipment, beyond a small number of blank keys and a metal file, is required, and the attacker need engage in no suspicious behavior at the lock's location. Countermeasures are also described that may provide limited protection under certain circumstances. We conclude with directions for research in this area and the suggestion that mechanical locks are worthy objects for study and scrutiny.

The Unofficial Teach Yourself Guide to Lock Picking

Two-page guide to picking pin-tumbler locks

Users Guide on Controlling Locks, Keys, and Access Cards

Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center

Notes on Picking Pin Tumbler Locks

Lock picking 101

Lock picking, Locksmithing, Locks and Picks

Greg Miller's Guide to Lock Picking for Beginners

Brief guide to lock picking

Cryptology and Physical Security: Rights Amplification in Master-Keyed Mechanical Locks

This paper examines mechanical lock security from the perspective of computer science and cryptology. We focus on new and practical attacks for amplifying rights in mechanical pin tumbler locks. Given access to a single master-keyed lock and its associated key, a procedure is given that allows discovery and creation of a working master key for the system. No special skill or equipment, beyond a small number of blank keys and a metal file, is required, and the attacker need engage in no suspicious behavior at the lock�'s location. Countermeasures are also described that may provide limited protection under certain circumstances. We conclude with directions for research in this area and the suggestion that mechanical locks are worthy objects for study and scrutiny.

How Lock Picking Works

From HowStuffWorks.com - very nice graphics

Inside a Combination Lock

From HowStuffWorks.com - very nice graphics

Lock Picking Infopaedia

Brief introductory guide to lock picking

Discs Make the Difference

Excellent tutorial on Abloy locks.

Safecracking for the Computer Scientist

This paper is a general survey of safe and vault security from a computer science perspective, with emphasis on the metrics used to evaluate these systems and the weaknesses that cause them to fail. We examine security against forced, covert and surreptitious safe opening, focusing on the mechanical combination locks most commonly used on commercial safes in the US. Our analysis contrasts the philosophy and tools of physical security with those of information security, especially where techniques might be profitably applied across these disciplines.

DOM ix Dimple Key System

How to make lock picks

Lock Picking

Brief introduction to lock picking by Michael Lee.

How to remove pins from a pin tumbler dead-bolt

How to remove pins from a pin tumbler dead-bolt in order to create a practice lock for learning how to pick locks.

Bumping Locks

How to open Mul-T-Lock (pin-in-pin, interactive, 7x7), Assa (6000 Twin), DOM (ix, dimple with ball), LIPS (Octro dimple), Evva TSC, ISEO (dimple & standard), Corbin, Pfaffenhain and a variety of other expensive mechanical locks without substantial damage, usually in under 30 seconds, with little training and using only inexpensive tools.

Attacks Against The Mechanical Pin Tumbler Lock

This paper examines an overview of the common pin tumbler lock and the five methods to exploit them. Pin tumbler locks are found in a vast majority of residential, commercial, government and educational institutions. It is possible for an attacker without using any specialized tools or having an expert skill level to quickly open them. When evaluating the current or future key based pin tumbler lock the security practitioner should protect against the methods of picking,

Cutaway Cylinders and Their Locking Technique (Part 1)

Videos on How to Pick Locks

Medeco M3

Mark Tobais demonstrates weaknesses in the Medeco M3 mechanism.

How to make a "Brink's Function" cylinder

This tutorial describes how to make a "Brink's Function" lock cylinder using a dremmel tool. A brink's function cylinder will allow and employeed to unlock or lock a door but not both, IE. The key will only turn one way while your key will operate the lock in both directions. This "does" compromise the security of the cylinder and is for convenience purposes only.

Pro-Locksmith Lock Pick Set

If you need a lock pick set than this is one you've been looking for. The 8 piece set contains the 7 pick blade instruments and one tension tool preferred by most professional locksmiths. The construction and materials are the highest possible. Each blade is machine crafted of high quality hardened spring steel to withstand bending before going through an extensive polish and chrome process. The handle is made of polished Stainless Steel. So now that you have one of the finest lock pick sets on the market in your hands, what do you do? Pick locks of course. Whether you're just a hobbyist who wants to open old antiques or someone that's looking to enter the trade this is the one locksmith set you'll want to have handy. Also great to have handy for when you lose your keys. Handsome carrying case included.