Lock Picks & Lock Picking Information

A traditional set of lock picks. The two tools on the left are tension wrenches

Lock picking is the act of unlocking a lock by analysing and manipulating the components of the lock device, without the original key. Although lock picking can be associated with criminal intent, it is an essential skill for a locksmith. Lock picking is the ideal way of opening a lock without the correct key, while not damaging the lock, allowing it to be rekeyed for later use, which is especially important with antique locks that would be impossible to replace if destructive entry methods are used.

Usually it is possible to bypass a lock without picking it. Most common locks can be quickly and easily opened using a drill, bolt cutters, bump key, or a hydraulic jack. The hasp, door, or fixture they are attached to can be cut, broken, or otherwise removed.

A lock that offers high resistance to picking does not necessarily make unauthorized access more difficult, but it will make surreptitious unauthorized access more difficult. They are often used in combination with alarms to provide layered security.

Some people enjoy picking locks recreationally, because they find it brings high satisfaction and is an enjoyable way to pass the time; it also has hack value.

Contents 1 Key impressioning 1.1 Method 2 Tool sets 2.1 Torsion wrench 2.2 Hook pick 2.3 Warded pick 3 Legal status 3.1 United States 3.2 European Union 3.2.1 Netherlands 3.2.2 Poland 3.2.3 United Kingdom 3.3 New Zealand 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

Key impressioning

Contrary to what one might think upon hearing the term, key impressioning does not have anything to do with molds. Instead, one starts with a key blank.

Method

One uses the file to polish the top of the key; that is, the part of the key that the pins come into contact with. (Before starting the impressioning, it is good to count the number of pins in the lock with a hook pick, thus helping choose the correct sized blank.) The key is put into the keyhole and gently turned, binding the key, which is then jiggled up and down. This serves to leave perpendicular scrapes of the pins on the key.

After filing a few thousandths of brass off of the key with the pippen or rat tail file, the process is repeated. Care must be taken to only file if a little dimple is seen in the key grooves. When enough material has been filed from the blank, the blank will approximate the cut of the key and the lock should open when the key is turned.

This method makes high-security drivers (if they are grooved or mushroomed) irrelevant. This method works well on car doors and other wafer locks.

Tool sets

The tools for lock picking are usually different for each type of lock and can sometimes be improvised from common items.

Lock pick kits can be purchased openly via the internet. Many different selections are present. Nine-piece sets and a 32-piece set equipped with a Pick Gun for example differ in value and price greatly. However, many lock pickers state that for most locking devices, a basic set of five picks is enough; therefore it is unnecessary to carry around a wide variety of professional lock picks.

Torsion wrench

The torsion wrench (also known as a tension or torque wrench), is used to apply torque to the lock plug to keep pins from being pushed back down by springs after they are correctly set at the shear line. It is usually anywhere from 1/16th inch to 1/8th inch wide, bent into an L, and occasionally has a quarter twist on the long side.

Hook pick

The hook pick is self explanatory, it is similar to the half diamond pick, but has a hook shaped tip rather than a half diamond shape. The hook pick is sometimes referred to as a 'feeler' and is generally used to lift the pins individually, rather than 'rake' them simultaneously.

Warded pick

A warded pick is a device for opening warded locks. It is generally made to conform to a generalized key shape relatively simpler than the actual key used to open the lock; this simpler shape allows for internal manipulations.

Legal status

United States

In the United States, laws concerning possession of lock picks vary from state to state. Generally, possession and use of lock picks is considered equivalent to the possession of a crowbar or any other tool that may or may not be used in a burglary. Illegal possession of lock picks is generally prosecuted as a felony under the category of possession of burglary tools or similar statutes. In many states, simple possession is completely legal as their statutes require proof of intent. In some states, however, possession without appropriate licensure is considered prima facie evidence of intent to commit a crime, rendering simple possession a crime.^[1]

In California, locksmiths must be licensed by the state.^[2] However simple possession is legal as illegal possession must be coupled with felonious or malicious intent.^[3]

In Utah possession itself is not a crime: intent to commit a crime is also required.^[4]. Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York also require proof of intent, while mere possession is illegal in Washington, DC. [1]

Lock Picks Manufactured by SouthOrd

Featherweight Jackknife Lock Pick Set	Part #: JPXS-6 / $39.50 Jackknife Lock Pick Set	Part #: PXS-05L / $16.50 Five Piece Lock Pick Set
Part #: MPXS-08 / $29.95 Eight Piece Lock Pick Set With Metal Handles	Part #: MPXS-11 / $31.95 Eleven Piece Lock Pick Set With Metal Handles	Part #: PXS-14 / $26.95 Fourteen Piece Lock Pick Set
Part #: MPXS-14 / $37.95 Fourteen Piece Lock Pick Set With Metal Handles	Part #: PXS-17 / $37.95 Seventeen Piece Lock Pick Set	Part #: MPXS-20 / $48.95 Twenty Piece Lock Pick Set With Metal Handles
Part #: MPXS-32 / $79.95 Thirty-Two Piece Lock Pick Set	Part #: MPXS-62 / $149.95 Sixty-nine Piece Lock Pick Set with Metal Handles	Part #: SO-212 / $44.95 Pocket Pen Lock Pick Set
Part #: PXS-05L / $21.95 Five Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set	Part #: C-801 / $32.95 Nine Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set	Part #: 1500 / $37.95 Fifteen Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set
Part #: 1510 / $42.95 Fifteen Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set	Part #: 2010 / $57.95 Twenty-Two Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set	Part #: 3010 / $85.95 Thirty-Seven Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set
Part #: 6010 / $159.95 Seventy-Four Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set	Part #: 608717 / $19.95 How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools	Part #: 52032 / $16.95 The Complete Guide To Lockpicking
Part #: FPB-100 / $30.00 A Repossessor's Guide To Auto Locks	Part #: 978806 / $19.95 Visual Guide To Lockpicking	Part #: C-9142 / $21.95 Basic Locksmithing, A Training Course For The Beginning Locksmith
Test Product	Part #: TW-03 / $1.65 Tension Tool - TW-03	Part #: TW-01 / $1.25 Tension Tool - TW-01
Part #: TW-11 / $1.25 Tension Tool - TW-11	Part #: TW-02 / $1.50 Tension Tool - TW-02	Part #: TW-18 / $1.50 Tension Tool - TW-18
Part #: TW-15 / $3.75 Tension Tool - TW-15	Part #: TW-20 / $1.65 Tulip Tension Tools Straight - TW-20	Part #: TW-21 / $1.90 Tulip Tension Tools Twist Flex
Part #: TW-22 / $1.50 Euro Tension Tool (Slim Line Series) TW-22	Part #: TW-23 / $1.75 Double Ended Euro Tension Tool (Slim Line Series)	Part #: RL-10 / $16.95 Auto Tension Wrench RL-10
Part #: CRT-15 / $24.95 Basic Circular Tension Tool	Part #: CRT-21 / $41.95 Spring Loaded Circular Tension Tool	Part #: TNT-2 / $57.95 Spring Loaded Circular Tension Tool
Part #: A-2 / $9.95 Feather Touch Tension Tool	Part #: E500XLT / $169.95 Electric Lock Pick Set	Part #: E110C-E110H0 / $164.95 E110C and E110HO Electric Lock Picks
Part #: E110N10 / $8.75 E110 REPLACEMENT PICKING NEEDLES: SET OF 10	Part #: E110N4 / $5.50 E110 REPLACEMENT PICKING NEEDLES: SET OF 4	Part #: LAT-17 / $49.95 Snap Gun Lock Pick
Part #: A5-PGS / $24.95 Lock Picking Plug Spinner-A5-PGS	Part #: D10-PGS / $99.95 Dino Lock Picking Plug Spinner	Part #: SO-P1 / $43.95 Lock Picking Pocket Compact Plug Spinner
Part #: TPXA-7 / $84.95 Adjustable Tubular Manipulation Picks	Part #: TPXA-8 / $84.95 Adjustable Tubular Manipulation Picks	Part #: TPXA-78 / $154.95 Adjustable Tubular Manipulation Picks - TPXA-78
Part #: WP-10 / $9.95 Warded Pick Set - wp-10	Part #: DSS-4 / $25.95 Double Sided Lock Picks - DSS-4	Part #: SA-01 / $21.95 Schlage Wafer Pick Set - SA-01
Part #: SPS-20 / $24.95 Padlock Shim Set - SPS-20	Part #: Mex-4 / $19.95 Broken Key Extractors - Mex-4	Part #: A-3 / $9.95 Sesame Decoder - A-3
Part #: SJ-50 / $10.95 Shovit Tool - SJ-50	Part #: ST-09 / $47.95 Kwik-Pull Lock Core Remover - ST-09	Part #: CC77 / $3.95 Gas Cap Kit - CC77
Part #: RGN211 / $139.95 Navigator 3 in 1 Scope - RGN211	Part #: SO-218 / $59.95 Locksmith Car Light - SO-218	Part #: SO-219 / $64.95 Locksmith Scope - SO-219
Part #: HC-11 / $14.95 Practice 'Cuff Practice Handcuff HC-11	Part #: TP7-S / $54.95 Visible Tubular Practice Lock - Standard Pins - TP7-S	Part #: TP7-SD / $54.95 Visible Tubular Practice Lock - TP7-SD
Part #: TP7-SSD / $99.95 Visible Tubular Practice Lock - TP7-SSD	Part #: ST-23 / $99.95 Locksmith School In A Box Progressive Lock Picking Learning System	Part #: ST-34 / $49.95 Visible Cutaway Practice Lock
Part #: TULK-7 / $14.95 Seven Pin Tubular Practice Lock TULK-7	Part #: DVD-2000 / $39.95 Lockpicking for the New Millenium DVD-2000	Part #: DVD-1000 / $39.95 Visual Guide To Lock Picking DVD-1000
Part #: 52032 / $16.95 The Complete Guide To Lock Picking Book	Part #: C-9142 / $19.95 Basic Locksmithing: Beginner's Training Course C-9142	Part #: C-9057 / $9.95 Keys To Understanding Tubular Locks Manual C-9057
Part #: FPB-100 / $30.00 A Repossessor's Guide To Auto Locks FPB-100	Part #: 608717 / $19.95 How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools - 608717	Part #: 87363 / $17.95 Pick Guns - Lock Picking for Spies, Cops, and Locksmiths
Part #: CS01 / $76.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 1	Part #: CS02 / $87.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 2	Part #: CS03 / $159.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 3
Part #: CS04 / $159.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 4	Part #: CS5A / $264.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 5A	Part #: CS05B / $264.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 5B
Part #: CS06 / $379.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 6	Part #: CS07A / $484.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 7A	Part #: CS07B / $484.95 Combination Lock Pick Set 7B
Part #: SP-05 / $1.65 Individual Standard Lock Pick	Part #: SP-09 / $1.65 Individual Standard Short-Hook Lock Pick	Part #: SP-04 / $1.65 Individual Standard Double Ball Lock Pick
Part #: SP-10 / $1.65 Individual Standard C-Rake Lock Pick	Part #: SP-13 / $1.65 Individual Standard Key Extractor	Part #: SP-06 / $1.65 Individual Standard Large Diamond Lock Pick
Part #: SP-11 / $1.65 Individual Standard S-Rake Lock Pick	Part #: SP-12 / $1.65 Individual Standard L-Rake Lock Pick	Part #: SP-03 / $1.65 Individual Standard Long Double-Ended Lock Pick
Part #: SP-02 / $1.65 Individual Standard Short Double Ended Lock Pick	Part #: SP-07 / $1.65 Individual Standard-Small-Diamond-Lock-Pick	Part #: SP-14 / $1.65 Individual Standard W-Rake Lock-Pick
Part #: SP-08 / $1.65 Individual Stardard Long-Hook Lock Pick	Part #: MP07 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle Short Hook	Part #: MP10 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle W-Rake
Part #: MP04 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle Small Diamond Head	Part #: MP-09 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle Small C-Rake Tip	Part #: MP05 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle Small Double Ball Tip
Part #: MP14 / $4.29 Stainless Steel Handled Key Extractor	Part #: MP06 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle Single-Ball Tip	Part #: MP-11 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle L-RakeTip
Part #: MP12 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle S-RakeTip	Part #: MP-03 / $4.29 Large Diamond Head Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle	Part #: MP02 / $4.29 Individual Lock Pick Stainless Steel Handle Long Hook Tip
Part #: SLS-11 / $2.10 Slim Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-06 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard-Individual Standard Lock Pick SLS-06	Part #: SLS-01 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick
Part #: SLS-08 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-09 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-14 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick
Part #: SLS-05 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-10 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-13 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick
Part #: SLS-15 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-02 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-12 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick
Part #: SLS-04 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-07 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick	Part #: SLS-03 / $2.10 Slim-Line Standard Individual Lock Pick
Part #: MSL-03 / $4.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-15 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-13 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle
Part #: MSL-01 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick\ w/ Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-04 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-07 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle
Part #: MSL-11 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal-Handle	Part #: MSL-10 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal-Handle	Part #: MSL-02 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle
Part #: MSL-12 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-14 / $4.39 Slim-Line-Lock-Pick-Metal-Handle	Part #: MSL-06 / $0.00 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle
Part #: MSL-05 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-09 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick Metal Handle	Part #: MSL-08 / $5.39 Slim-Line Lock Pick w/ Metal Handle
Part #: JP-1 / $1.50 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Part	Part #: JP-2 / $1.50 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Part	Part #: JP-3 / $1.50 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Part
Part #: JP-4 / $1.50 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Part	Part #: JP-5 / $1.50 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Part	Part #: TW-6 / $2.20 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Part
Part #: S-6 / $1.75 Jackknife Lock Pick Replacement Control Screw	Part #: PXS-05C / $9.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for PXS-05L Lock Pick Set	Part #: MPXS-08C / $9.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for MPXS-08 Lock Pick Set
Part #: MPXS-11C / $9.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for MPXS-11 Lock Pick Set	Part #: PXS-14C / $10.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for PXS-14 Lock Pick Set	Part #: MPXS-14C / $10.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for MPXS-14 Lock Pick Set
Part #: PXS-17C / $18.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for PXS-17 Lock Pick Set	Part #: MPXS-20C / $18.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for MPXS-20 Lock Pick Set	Part #: MPXS-32C / $30.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for MPXS-32 Lock Pick Set
Part #: MPXS-62C / $42.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for MPXS-62 Lock Pick Set	Part #: C-500C / $9.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for European C-500C Lock Pick Set	Part #: C-801C / $9.95 Leather Lock Pick Case for C-801C European Lock Pick Set
Part #: C-1500C / $10.95 Leather Case for European Lock Pick Sets	Part #: C-1510C / $10.95 Leather Case for European Lock Pick Sets	Part #: C-2010C / $18.95 Leather-Lined Zippered Lock Pick Case
Part #: C-3010C / $30.95 Leather-Lined Zippered Lock Pick Case	Part #: C-6010C / $42.95 Leather-Lined Zippered Deluxe Lock Pick Case	Part #: SJ-100 / $12.95 Slim Jim Car Opening Tool - 24 in.
Part #: SJ-100L / $13.95 Long Slim Jim Car Opening Tool - 30 in.	Part #: SJ-100WJ / $13.95 Wide Jim Car Opening Tool - 1.25 x 24.5 In.	Part #: SJ-100LO / $13.95 Lock On Jim Car Opening Tool - 24 x 1 in.
Part #: CC77 / $3.95 Universal Gas Cap Key	Part #: FW1 / $4.95 Car Door Opening ABS Plastic Wedge - Small	Part #: FW2 / $5.95 Large ABS Plastic Car Door Opening Wedge
Part #: FW12 / $9.95 Car Door ABS Plastic Car Door Opening Wedge Set	Part #: PR-1 / $9.95 Universal Pull Rod Auto Locksmithing Tool	Part #: PR2 / $15.95 Extended Universal Pull Rod Auto Locksmith Tool
Part #: VE-03 / $59.95 B and E; A to Z (Video Tape)