subject: how to pick a lock ? [print this page] When we talk about picking locks, tumbler pin locks (the most common type of deadbolt lock) immediately spring to mind. While it isn't crucial that you understand how they work in order to effectively use a lock pick, it can be very helpful to visualize and understand what's going on.
Locked out of your house in the middle of the night? Have you lost the key to the padlock on the shed? Before you pay a locksmith to let you in or to open something up, consider picking the lock yourself. Most locks around the home or office are simple pin-and-tumbler locks and can be relatively easy to open using a pick and tension wrench, both of which can be improvised from common household items. While the process is simple and can be mastered with practice, picking such a lock requires a great deal of patience.
Additionally, having a knowledge of how locks work will make you look much smarter and honest about your pursuit of knowledge should you get caught picking the lock to your own door. You'll be much more convincing if you can explain that this is an educational project of yours or that you've learned how to do this because you're constantly locking yourself out of your room.
A modern lock employs a series of pins that vary in length. Each of these pins, if raised just enough (but not too far) will move out of the way and allow you to turn the key and unlock or lock the deadbolt. When you use a key, notice that you're not just turning the key. You're rotating the entire cylinder around the key. Your object when picking a lock is to lift all five pins to just the right height which will allow you to rotate that cylinder.
