How do you pick a door lock?

Question

How do you pick a door lock without the right tools? Like with a bobbypin and things like that...thanks

Answer 1

If you have a key that will fit inside the door, then push it in, then pull it out slightly (until you hear it click once). Then take a hammer and pound the key in fast & hard. This will cause the pins in the tumbler to jump up and allow you to turn the key.

Answer 2

The simple answer is: Without the right tools, whether professional or homemade, you can't pick a lock. Even with the proper tools, some locks cannot be picked. Now the cheaper locks you buy for your house have mushroom shaped pins that defy picking. Auto locks with double sided keys are another example of futility in picking, because both sets of pins must be aligned.
There are many easier ways and some require breaking something. Better to ask: Would it be cheaper to break this, or call a locksmith?

Answer 3

There are a number of techniques for a regular tumbler type lock - bump key, vibrating pick, pick gun etc. I've used a screwdriver and a straightened-out paperclip after seeing a demo at DEFCON. An offset torque tool would be easier as the screwdriver gets in the way a bit. Just put a bit of tension on with the screwdriver (try gently to turn the lock, I mean) and stroke the pins with the paperclip. With a bit of luck they catch on the side of the cylinder, then when they're all caught, the lock opens. Some years ago, I broke into my house in the UK by forcing a window by hand. But the window catch was crap.

Answer 4

all those booby pin, McGuyver tricks are just that, TV tricks.

credit card down the door jam to push the locking tab back might work. if the gap is wide enough, a small pocket flat head screwdriver put into the jam and use to push back the lock tab (use to do this on our home/garage door when a kid).

there are too many tumblers and items to work inside a lock for a simple item inserted to make it unlock. now mind you, buy some 4.99 lock from like Odd Lots, sure, then anything would pick it as it is cheap to start with.

if it is a door on the interior, many have a unlock release for child safety. either a hole in the handle or around the trim of the handle. a paperclip or such put in hits a tab and unlocks the door.

Answer 5

Depends on what kind of door. If it's a car door, a clothes hanger can do the trick. If it's an exterior or interior door with the door swinging away from you, a 1" paint scraper to the latch does the trick. If it has a deadbolt, dress up as a postal employee and ring the door bell. They usually answer if it's not passed 6pm. I'm kidding of course, and if you plan on robbing me, I'll call the cops!

Answer 6

Basically, you don't - nor should you even try, since that's called "breaking and entering", plus "attempted grand theft, auto"! If you're trying to break into your own vehicle, you'll need a coat hanger, a slim jim or similar item that will allow you to release the lock manually; but as for "picking" the lock, unless you're an experienced thief or a licensed locksmith, don't even try it!!

Answer 7

If it's easy to pick with a bobby pin try that or if the lock is stronger and secured call a locksmith, they have all the tools.

Answer 8

I use two 1/8th inch allen wrenchs ground down and filed just so. One to push the tumblers and the other to apply a alittle pressure to help hold them down and turn the lock. Works very well if you know what you are doing.

Answer 9

with practice, most locks can be manipulated in under 30 seconds. looks easy. without experience, you will never get it. i am a amature locksmith and it took maybe 200 hrs. practice to get to the 30 sec. point. good luck.

Answer 10

You don't, except in the movies. Why? Keys locked in your car? Call your roadside assistance program (or lacking that, the local towing company) and they will open it for you.