Lock picking is a skill that elicits a lot of different feelings in people when it’s brought up. Some think of crafty criminals breaking into homes, while others think of spies employing discreet tools to ply their trade. While both these situations can be true, the reality of lock picking is that it’s a skill that prepared-minded people value for both emergency and everyday situations. It’s a common misconception that lock-pick sets and bypass tools are illegal. However, most states and municipalities have no restrictions on carrying lock picks beyond the intent to use them in a crime. In fact, most basic lock-picking sets are inexpensive and accessible to everyone.
Before we get into how to pick a lock, let’s look at some of the practical reasons why we would need to pick a lock.
In an emergency, locked gates may inhibit our ability to bypass blocked or damaged roads. This decoder bypass tool made short work of the gate’s combination lock.
Practical Everyday Lock Picking
One of the most straightforward reasons to learn lock picking is being stuck in one of the most common and frustrating situations people face: getting locked out of the house. This is exactly why I got started. After locking myself out and having to climb all over my house to try and find an open window, I was eventually able to kick in a small basement window and squeeze myself through it. I could’ve spent a few hundred dollars and had a locksmith come out, but for the price of a few scrapes and bruises, I learned some valuable lessons. First, my home security needed improvement because of those basement windows. Second, if I had lock-picking skills and a lock-pick set, I could’ve easily avoided any discomfort in this circumstance.
Since then, I’ve been in a few situations that being able to pick locks proved valuable. I’ve found myself returning later than expected during a day hike to find the parking lot gate locked. Being able to quickly bypass the pad lock and relock the gate allowed me to egress from the parking lot and saved the park ranger a trip. This is a more common occurrence than people think, as I have spoken with several avid outdoors people who have been in a similar situation.
Beyond that there have been quite a few pad locks that have had lost keys and dial locks that we have long since lost the combinations to that needed to be opened. With all these examples, it’s clear to see knowing how to pick a lock can aid us on a day-to-day basis, but what benefits does this serve in an emergency?
When SHTF, valuable resources like the propane tanks may be locked behind gates and cages. Having the ability to pick or bypass the lock can quickly and quietly give you access to what you need to survive.
Lock Picking in an Emergency
In emergencies, especially in urban environments, the ability to pick a lock can help us access supplies, obtain shelter, or egress an otherwise closed-off area. A news story that comes to mind occurred in upstate New York. There was a major winter storm that left numerous people stranded in their vehicles. The quick thinking of one man saved several lives when he opted to break into a local school and gather people from assorted vehicles to take shelter indoors.
While this action was technically breaking and entering, no charges were filed because of the nature of the emergency. In this case, a window was broken, resulting in repair expenses. If anyone in the group was proficient at lock picking and had a lock-pick set with them, the people would have been able to access lifesaving shelter without the need to destroy any property.
Locked out? Lock picking provides a quick and inexpensive way to get back in.
How to Pick a Lock
When we look at the question “how to pick a lock,” there isn’t really a single, straightforward answer. This is mainly due to the large number of different lock-pick sets and tools available and all the different types of locks that exist. You can take any lock, from the simplistic Master Lock all the way to cylinder key locks and even electronic locking systems, and there will be numerous tools out there to bypass each of them.
“Lock Sport” is a term that you may come across while researching lock picking. This refers to lock picking as a hobby and, in some cases, a competitive sport. As with many skills and tools that move into the realm of hobbyists, there will be many opinions out there as to what tools are great and what tools are not so great. For the novice or those who are just interested in learning how to pick locks for emergency preparedness, it’s best to avoid the hype of the latest and greatest and stick with some of the tried-and-true classics.
Ultimately, learning how to pick or bypass locks comes down to having the proper tools and a lot of practice. Let’s look at some of the basic tools used to bypass common locks and how they function.
Anatomy of a Lock and How Lock Picks Work
The inside of most standard locks looks remarkably similar. Inside of a rotating cylinder, there are several pins attached to springs that must be pushed up to certain levels to release the lock. The grooves in our keys are designed to precisely do this.
When we’re picking a lock, instead of using a key we’re using small tools to manually push the pins into place. There are several distinct types of picks out there; some are designed to push single pins, while others are designed to move multiple pins at once.
Beginner Lock-Pick Sets and Tools
Beginner lock-pick sets typically include three different types of picks and at least one torsion wrench. The torsion wrench is a simple tool that allows the lock to be turned into the open position once the lock picks have done their job. For most people, mastering a beginner set will give them the skills and tools they need to open most common locks that use keys including padlocks and door locks.
For beginners, the rake-style pick is one of the most commonly used tools. It features a series of small bumps that slide across the lock’s pins to push them into position. Once the pins are aligned, a torsion wrench can be used to rotate the lock and open it.
Another tool that beginners should learn to use is the single hook pick. Although this pick moves only one pin at a time and is much slower than rake picking, it helps novices develop a better understanding of a lock’s structure and mechanics. Just like the rake pick, a torsion wrench will be used to turn the lock to an open position.
The last type of lock pick that’s usually found in beginner pick sets is the comb pick. The name itself is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s not a pick at all but a bypass tool. The comb pick functions by mimicking a key, pushing all the pins up simultaneously. While it works quickly, comb picks are generally effective only on low-quality padlocks and are unlikely to open high-quality locks, such as those used on house doors.
Common Bypass Tools
We discussed the comb pick being a bypass tool, but what exactly is a bypass tool and how does it differ from a lock pick? To put it simply, a lock pick allows the user to manually engage individual pins while a bypass tool is designed to completely go around the security measures built into locks. Bypass tools aren’t as versatile as lock picks; each one is designed for certain types of locks. While they lack the versatility of traditional lock picks, with a little practice they can typically defeat their intended lock in seconds.
Combs
These are designed to defeat cylinder locks commonly found in Master brand and other similar-styled locks. There are different comb lengths that work for unique styles of locks. Combs work by inserting the comb into the lock face, which will push all the pins up to disengage the lock.
Quick Sticks
This simple bypass tool is designed to bypass low-quality padlocks by completely bypassing the pins and directly disengaging the lock. Simply insert into the lock face and push it up to disengage the lock clasp.
Jiggler
This bypass tool is designed to defeat wafer locks. Wafer locks are named after the flat wafers used internally instead of pins. These types of locks can be found on some mailboxes, filing cabinets, desk drawers, older car locks, and RVs. Wafer locks present a unique challenge, as the internal parts can be easily damaged if the wrong key is used or in aggressive picking, making it unable to disengage without physically removing the lock. To use a jiggler bypass tool, simply insert it into the lock face and gently move it around until the lock can be disengaged. It’s important to note that car locks require specific types of jigglers that are becoming increasingly ineffective due to electronic lock technology.
Decoder Shims
These bypass tools are designed to defeat locks without keys such as luggage locks and combination padlocks. Like quick sticks, the decoder shim is pushed up through the side of the number dial to quickly disengage the locking clasp.
Practice Locks
While not an actual lock-picking tool, practice locks are essential to helping the novice develop their skill set. Practice locks offer a cut-away window to allow the user to see what’s going on inside the lock while they are practicing picking. These provide a deep sense of how a lock works and how each of the tools we are using impacts the internal components of the lock.
A set of lock picks and the skill to use them are a great addition to a functional EDC setup (items pictured Tuff Possum Entry, ZT0308CF, ASP Defender Sport, Fenix PD 25R).
Practice, Practice, Practice!
By reading the descriptions of how each of these tools works, it sounds easy to do. I wouldn’t classify any basic lock-picking activity as difficult, but it does require finesse and dexterity that’s only developed through practice. Starting with practice locks and moving to standard locks is a fantastic way to get a feel for both your tools and a feel for distinct types of locks and brands of locks.
I emphasized finesse for a good reason — lock picks may be tools, but they are delicate precision instruments. Applying too much force even to high-end hardened steel and titanium lock picks will result in bending and snapping. In the beginning of your lock-picking journey, slow and steady wins the race.
The Tuff Possum Bogota Set fits discreetly in the Wazoo Cache Cap.
Nick’s Personal Lock-Pick Sets and Bypass Tools
The sheer number of different lock-pick sets and bypass tools on the market can be overwhelming for those new to the art of lock picking. Here are some of the tools that I use and rely on to get the job done.
This kit has all the picks and bypass tools to tackle the most common locks.
Main Kit: Tuff Possum Entry Kit
Tuff Possum’s Entry Kit is a compact kit that includes all the basics you need to get most lock-picking jobs done. The Entry Kit has three different double-sided torsion wrenches, allowing you to apply six different levels of tension. The kit also includes five different picks, three rakes, a hook, and a half diamond. All five picks are held together by a rivet so nothing gets lost, and you can easily switch tools if needed. There’s also a bypass tool set held together by a rivet that includes three combs, two jigglers, and a quick stick. There are also two stand-alone EZ Decoders. This setup gives you everything a beginner user needs to get started and effectively pick locks. For everyday carry, I keep it all in the optional Compact Lock Pick Case, which tucks discreetly into any pants pocket and some coin pockets.
The Entry Kit also includes a few more advanced tools, which includes a set of warded lock picks used specifically for warded locks and an EZ Card that can easily bypass many locked latch doors such as gates and home interior doors.
This has been my go-to set for a while due to the compact size, versatility, and quality steel construction of the tools. The compact size of these tools can make them challenging for beginners to practice with, but Tuff Possum offers an affordable beginner kit featuring full-sized tools. The pick profiles and tension wrenches are identical to those in the entry set, ensuring a smooth transition as users progress.
Lock picks are an ideal addition to your urban SERE kit (Tuff Possum Bogota Set, Superesse EDC SERE Kit, Silcock Key for accessing water in cities).
Discreet Carry Option: Bogota Set with Covert Key Slip
Although the Entry kit is very compact, I also like to account for the times where I may not have those items in my pocket, or in the event I become separated from my primary lock-picking set.
This simple set has a Bogota Quad Rake and a Single Hook Pick (again from Tuff Possum) with the backsides of each acting as a tension wrench. While not as versatile as a full set, the ability to clip it to my pants button with the Covert Key Slip or stash it in my Wazoo Cache Cap as part of my compact SERE kit ensures I always have backup lock picks on hand.
The Grim Workshop “Sparrow Bushcraft” Signature Survival Card is an ideal compact addition to your wallet of Wilderness Kit.
Wilderness Option: “Sparrow Bushcraft” Signature Survival Card
When out in the wilderness, there may not be a need for a full-sized lock-picking kit, but as we discussed earlier there are moments when we may need to defeat a lock. Having some tools available rounds out my wilderness survival kit.
Grim Workshop is renowned for creating ultra-compact survival tools, including dog tags, Altoid tin kits, and their widely popular survival cards. Among their offerings in the realm of lock picking and escape and evasion, one card stands out for blending high-quality lock picks with essential wilderness tools: the Sparrow Bushcraft Signature Survival Card.
Created by Bill Roque, also known as Sparrow Bushcraft, this card reflects his dual passions for lock picking and outdoor adventure. It features several effective pick styles, a four-pin comb bypass tool, multi-step tension wrenches, and two serrated saws that also function as tweezers. Measuring roughly the size of a credit card, it fits seamlessly into a wallet, sitting discreetly alongside a Wazoo Fire Card to cover key outdoor survival needs.
These tools are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, built for durability, and designed for repeated use. They can easily be reattached to their original spots on the card thanks to a tacky backing material.
Final Thoughts
This covers the fundamentals of lock picking and using bypass tools. With these tools and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to tackle most common locks, taking a big step toward becoming more self-reliant. Lock picking has many practical day-to-day applications and will serve you well in many scenarios.
But the basics are only the beginning. The art of lock picking offers endless opportunities to explore, from specialty tools and advanced techniques for complex locks to electronic bypass devices for more modern systems. There’s always more to learn and master.
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The post Lock Picking 101 appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.
By: Nick Italiano
Title: Lock Picking 101
Sourced From: www.offgridweb.com/survival/lock-picking-101/
Published Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000
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