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 is contrasted with various forms of destructive entry. When dealing with the opening of safes or vaults, it is referred to as safecracking.
Lockpicking is made possible by small irregularities during the manufacturing process of locks. Small variations in the size, shape, and alignment of components allows for picking tools to be used to pick the lock.
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 it is the basis for picking methods on non-pin locks, as well. Though many pick types are suitable for this purpose, the classic hook shaped picks are 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. Picks specifically designed for raking are commonly referred to as rakes.
- 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, covert opening of the lock mechanism.
- 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.
- 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.
Warded locks are distinct because they do not require the use of a tension tool to be picked.
