Or is it just another fictional concept made to sound real by novelists ? If it's true,what sort of hairpins are used and how's it done ? Do these tricks work on latest locks? Has anyone ever seen it ? (I'm not talkin about hair locks...)
2006-09-12 20:26:02 · 14 answers · asked by ajay v 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
It really depends on the lock. Very rarely will it work on a main house door lock. Its much more complex. Internal doors, with the single hole in middle easily open to a small thin object
2006-09-12 20:34:06 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, in my experience, I've found that hairpins are only good for picking cheap, simplistic locks (like the ones that "lock" a diary/notebook...easy to pick them). It can be done - you hold the hairpin at an angle inside it (usually to the front inside right of a lock, or the side the lock opens on), and when you feel the thing that keeps the lock in, press against it and it will release and open the lock.
But they're too inefficient for picking decent locks (small padlocks even). Some fictions do exaggerate when a character picks a large lock with a hairpin or miscellaneous piece of wire. Sometimes the internal part of a lock is more intricate than abovementioned simple locks so they can't be directly picked, and even if you did twist and bend the crap out of a flexible hair pin/wire, it just wouldn't work. They definitely wouldn't work on the latest locks - combination and digital locks are more secure against hairpins, as well as padlocks.
2006-09-13 03:59:04 · answer #2 · answered by Satinette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very simple locks can indeed be opened with a hair pin. Usually these are only one or two levers or pins, or are very weak. Unless you are very skilled these "tricks" will fail when they are attempted on higher quality, newer locks because the spring pressure behind the pins or levers is too high for the hairpin to hold in place for long.
Professional lock picks are usually made of stainless steel and picking locks requires a certain amount of talent, skill and practice, with which most lock types can be opened. Some are harder than others - it depends on the number of pins, discs or levers, the type of cylinder, the age of the lock and the quality! British standard locks usually feature anti pick technology.
As for "how it's done" check out how stuff works! and there are lots of online stores dedicated to lock picks, and tutorials on how to pick them. It usually requires some knowledge on the type of lock and a lot of patience.
Yes, I have seen it done, though it was with one hair pin and a brass rod. There used to be several locksmiths at the place I work that could do it, sadly all but one has retired now.
2006-09-14 09:11:05 · answer #3 · answered by the_darksquall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they sometimes or most of the times open it needs skill and agility and the person to be alert so as not to leave any broken parts in the lock. These are based on locks using drums cylinders pins and springs, they open when the pins are aligned to the surface of the drum so the the cylinder rotates and the system works . This is applicable to locks made by YALE which are relatively old and whose operation is based on that principle. newer ones cannot be opened this way thus reducing the theft probability to a very high one/
2006-09-19 15:23:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, it's just like sam fisher in the game "splinter cell". you can unlock locks with a ''hairpin" easily if you know the anatomy of the lock that you like to unlock. I've tried that before and it really works! but the second time i tried to open it, the hairpin broke and it was stuck inside the lock. unlocking locks with a hairpin may not be a good idea.
2006-09-13 03:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by centralian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've tried the hairpin/bobby pin thing on locks and have been unsuccessful. I've also tried the credit card thing - so far I've struck out. Good luck!
2006-09-13 03:34:35 · answer #6 · answered by natureutt78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have opened my screen door with a hair pin.
(a Bobbi? pin) It was relatively easy too.
Just stick the open end into the lock, making sure to line it up properly. You will hear a click, then turn. you will hear another click, this should be the door unlocking
2006-09-13 03:31:48 · answer #7 · answered by tui 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister tried opening my car door with tweezers. I called her daft
2006-09-13 03:34:32 · answer #8 · answered by ♤ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
easy to do with pins and paper clips... but watch how the bump key experts do it... you'd have second thoughts about your locks... hehehe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uv45y6vkcQ&search=bump+key
http://www.toool.nl/bumping.pdf#search='bump%20key'
2006-09-13 03:37:08 · answer #9 · answered by Shangri-La 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've seen it been done but never tried it
2006-09-13 03:42:03 · answer #10 · answered by carlos a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋