What are the techniques used by a locksmith

Typically they have a small set of slender steel thingies which allow them to trip the pins inside the lock so that the tumbler will move as if the right key was used. It's an art and requires some knowledge of the particular lock brand/model to work. I took a high tech crime security class about 20 years ago and came away with a small set of such tools. I satisfied myself that I was able to open the lock on an old desk I have for which I never had a key. Interesting tidbit from the class: old and/or cheap worn locks with loose clearances can be harder to pick than newer, more expensive better made locks. Because with an old lock the excessive play makes it harder to detect when a pin has cleared its spot in the tumbler. Some locks may have features that defeat traditional picking.

You can probably find a lock pick set and instructions on the internet. Just don't get caught trying to pick a lock that isn't yours or for which you don't have the owner's explicit permission. And don't get arrested with a lock pick set on you. LOL.


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Post# 1025938 3/1/2019 at 03:06 (1,881 days old) by harriserickson (Canada)
Checkrate/Likes Hey guys, I had to call a locksmith service yesterday to open up my front entry door. I lost the keys while coming back from work and I didn't have any spare keys with me. So I had to call a locksmith service ( protectionplus.ca/residential/lo... ) to help me out. He could open up the doors within a few minutes. To be honest, I was astonished. So, I am just wondering what are the techniques a professional locksmith usually use to open up locked doors? If they are practical for a common man, maybe I could try them next time lol

Post# 1026007 , Reply# 1 3/1/2019 at 19:50 (1,880 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Se�ora de Los Angeles de Porci�ncula)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Geta smart lock... It's much cheaper than 1 call to a locksmith, they add convenience and they're extremely safe.

Post# 1026378 , Reply# 2 3/6/2019 at 01:18 (1,876 days old) by SudsMaster (SF Bay Area, California)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Typically they have a small set of slender steel thingies which allow them to trip the pins inside the lock so that the tumbler will move as if the right key was used. It's an art and requires some knowledge of the particular lock brand/model to work. I took a high tech crime security class about 20 years ago and came away with a small set of such tools. I satisfied myself that I was able to open the lock on an old desk I have for which I never had a key. Interesting tidbit from the class: old and/or cheap worn locks with loose clearances can be harder to pick than newer, more expensive better made locks. Because with an old lock the excessive play makes it harder to detect when a pin has cleared its spot in the tumbler. Some locks may have features that defeat traditional picking. You can probably find a lock pick set and instructions on the internet. Just don't get caught trying to pick a lock that isn't yours or for which you don't have the owner's explicit permission. And don't get arrested with a lock pick set on you. LOL.

Post# 1026414 , Reply# 3 3/6/2019 at 13:42 (1,875 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)
Checkrate/Likes 1 As always look on YouTube! There are scads of locksmith'ing and picking videos there. If a picture is worth 1000 words, what is 60 pictures a second along with audio worth? ;) I enjoy this guys videos, although they are more often aimed at portable locks. He sure likes embarrassing MasterLock! Yes it can take a bullet but perhaps not a small hammer!