Lockpicking

Lockpicking

Lockpicking is the art of opening a lock through the analysis and manipulation of its components without using a key intended to open the lock. The process is generally non-destructive and covert, and is contrasted with various forms of destructive entry. When dealing with the opening of safes or vaults, it is referred to as safecracking. A bypass is technically different than picking the lock, though there are many similarities between the two techniques.

Lockpicking is made possible by small irregularities during the manufacturing of locks. Small variations in the size, shape, and alignment of components allows for picking tools to be used to pick the lock. Depending on the type of lock, different methods of picking may be available.

Picking Methods

There are various methods used to successfully pick a lock. There is no "right" way to pick; every lockpicker has their own preference. The most common types of picking are listed:

Single Component Picking

A pick designed to manipulate individual components is used. Single pin picking focuses on the irregularities of each individual component to determine the order of binding and proper position of each component. Commonly referred to as single "pin" picking, but applicable to non-pin locks, as well. Though many pick types are suitable for this purpose, the classic hook shaped pick is most appropriate.

Raking

A pick designed to manipulate many (or all) components is used. Raking focuses on rapidly varying the position of components in the lock to simulate a wide variety of key depths. Raking is especially effective if the proper position of components is in a predictable pattern, such as a staircase. Picks specifically designed for raking are known as rakes.

Pick Guns

A pick gun is designed to hit the bottom of all pins and transfer energy to the pin stacks to allow for rapid opening of the lock mechanism. Vibration picks fall into this same category.

Bump Keys

A key with depth cuts to the lowest positions. Key bumping is a fundamental problem in most pin tumbler locks that allows for energy transfer between the bump key and the pin stacks to allow for rapid opening of the lock mechanism. This is similar in function to the use of a pick gun.

Tryout Keys

A set of keys modified to different depth positions. Tryout keys take advantage of poor tolerances in locking components. While most locks represent themselves as having a large amount of theoretical key differs, some have very few due to poor tolerances.

Comb Picks

A pin-tumbler pick designed to move all pin stacks out of their blocking position by pushing them into the cylinder chambers, allowing the plug to rotate freely.

Impressioning

The process of duplicating or otherwise simulating the action of a proper key for the target lock. Impression can take many forms, some of which are not strictly classified as lockpicking.

Decoding

The process of decoding the position of internal components either through manipulation of components, disassembly of the lock, or analysis of the key. Decoding can take many forms, most of which are not strictly classified as lockpicking.

Tools Used

The specific tools used to open the look depend on the type of lock and the preferences of the lockpicker.

Traditional picking of most locks involves both a pick and tension tool. The pick is used to manipulate internal components to their unlocked position and the tension tool is used to hold the components at these positions. Once all components are in the unlocked position the lock is free to open and considered picked. This applies to pin-tumpler, tubular/axial, dimple, and lever locks.

Warded locks are distinct because they do not require the use of a tension tool to be picked. Instead, only picks are used.

Combination locks generally do not require tools unless they are a hybrid locking design. Most combination locks are opened with decoding or bypass rather than picking.

Legality

The practice of lockpicking in itself is entirely legal if you own the lock you are picking or have permission of the owner. Most legal complications with lockpicking as a hobby stem from possession of lockpicking tools. See the Legal Issues page for more information.

Lockpicking in the Media

Lockpicking has been portrayed in many television shows and films. Often techniques and tools are incorrect, with the most common mistake being the lack of a tension tool. In most cases the lock is picked almost instantly, which misrepresents the difficulty and skill involved in picking the majority of locks.

Television:

• 24
• Dexter
• Desperate Housewives
• House
• Lost
• MacGuyver
• Monk
• Mythbusters 1
• N.C.I.S.
• Supernatural
• The X-Files

Films:

• Das Leben Der Anderen 1
• Foolproof
• Gone in 60 Seconds
• Midnight Run
• Mission Impossible 3
• Predator 2
• Real Genius
• See No Evil
• US Marshalls
• Terminator 2
• The Italian Job
• The Skulls

Lockpicking in the News

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