Picking a lock involves manipulating its internal components, specifically the pins in a common pin tumbler lock, to mimic the action of the correct key and allow the cylinder to turn.
The Basic Principle
Standard pin tumbler locks contain a cylinder (or plug) inside a stationary housing. This cylinder is held in place by several sets of pins, each consisting of an upper pin and a lower pin. When the correct key is inserted, the irregular cuts on the key lift each pair of pins precisely so that the break between the upper and lower pin aligns with the gap between the cylinder and the housing. This alignment creates a "shear line," allowing the cylinder to rotate and the lock to open.
Lock picking works by manually setting each pin pair to this shear line one by one while applying rotational tension to the cylinder.
Common Lock Picking Techniques
Two primary techniques are widely used to pick standard pin tumbler locks:
1. Single Pin Picking (SPP)
This technique is slower but offers more control and is often used for learning or on more difficult locks.
- Tools: Requires a tension wrench (to apply turning pressure to the cylinder) and a variety of individual picks (like hook or diamond picks) to manipulate the pins.
- Process:
- Insert the tension wrench into the keyway and apply light rotational pressure in the opening direction. This tension causes one of the pins to bind against the cylinder.
- Insert a pick and feel for the binding pin.
- Gently lift the binding pin until you feel or hear a slight click. This indicates the lower pin has been lifted to the shear line, and the upper pin is now sitting on the cylinder.
- Maintain tension and repeat the process for each remaining pin until all pins are set.
- Once all pins are set, the cylinder should turn, and the lock will open.
2. Raking
Raking is a faster, less precise method that attempts to set multiple pins simultaneously through rapid manipulation.
- Tools: Uses a tension wrench and a rake pick (which has multiple humps designed to manipulate several pins at once).
- Process:
- Insert the tension wrench and apply light tension.
- Insert the rake pick to the back of the keyway.
- While maintaining tension, quickly pull the rake pick out of the keyway, wiggling or jiggling it up and down as you go.
- Repeat this raking motion several times, varying the tension slightly. The goal is to randomly bounce pins up to the shear line until enough are set to allow the cylinder to turn.
Tools of the Trade
Successfully picking a lock requires specific tools designed for the task:
- Tension Wrench: A small tool used to apply rotational pressure to the cylinder. It is crucial for feeling when pins are set and holding them at the shear line.
- Lock Picks: Thin metal tools with various shapes on the end, designed to lift and manipulate the pins inside the lock. Common shapes include:
- Hooks: Used for single pin picking.
- Rakes: Used for the raking technique.
- Diamonds: Versatile picks that can be used for SPP or raking.
Time and Technique
The time it takes to pick a lock varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the lock, the tools used, and the skill of the person attempting the pick. Simple locks can sometimes be picked very quickly. For example, one source describing the process suggests that picking can be relatively fast, noting a timeline where possibly within "20 seconds and the lock will. Crack. More 20 seconds and the lock will. Crack." However, more secure locks with advanced features can take much longer or be effectively resistant to picking.
Security Features
It's worth noting that modern locks often incorporate security features, such as spool pins or mushroom pins, designed to make picking significantly more difficult by providing false set feedback. High-security locks may use completely different mechanisms less susceptible to these traditional picking methods.
Lock picking requires practice and a delicate touch to feel the subtle feedback from the pins under tension.
