Dr Bint Book On Lock Picking ##HOT##
Under this lock picking approach, you will need a hook pick to lift and set the pins, one after the other following the correct sequence or order. You will then use a tension wrench (also known as torsion wrench, torque wrench, tension tool, tension bar, tensioner, or turning tool) to apply pressure or torque to the plug while you pick the individual pins.
dr bint book on lock picking
Applying tension creates the ledge, which is a fraction of a millimetre wide. When pushed up, this enables the pins to sit. The pairs of driver pins and key pins must meet along the shear line, which happens to be the edge of the plug. Tension is a critical element in lock picking, which is why you have the wrench.
It takes practice to control and use the right amount of pressure when picking locks using the tension wrench or applicable turning tool. A rule of thumb is to avoid exerting too much pressure on the tension wrench when lifting pins because these pins can get stuck, fall below the shear line, and make this lock picking endeavour twice as difficult (you have to pick the pins one by one, after all).
In sum, this principle allows you to pick a lock pin by pin so you can turn the plug and open your door or padlock without the need for the right key. Many excellent books and guides exist that show you in detail how this is done.
Being very similar in design to pin cylinder locks minus the key pins and driver pins, wafer locks can be picked using the same pick sets. Accordingly, you use a tension wrench to apply the required pressure, insert a pick, and pick the wafers one by one. The goal is to position the wafers so they are at the shear line to allow the plug to turn. Single Wafer Picking, you could say about this lock picking technique. It is also possible to rake wafer locks with some success.
We hope this helps. Let us know if you'd like any other information on how to pick a lock for the first time or familiarising yourself with the fundamentals of picking a lock. For those learning how to pick the more difficult or complicated padlocks, contact us for more information. We specialise in lock pick sets for beginners and professional lock pickers because we take lock picking seriously.
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Lock picking gets a bad wrap. When most people hear the phrase, it congers images of illicit activities and unscrupulous personas. But really, when it comes to petty larceny the most effective strategy isn't going to be lock picking. Destructive entry: bricks, angle-gringers, bolt cutters and sledgehammers are the order of the day. The time it takes to finesse a lock open isn't something most criminals would be willing to commit themselves too (or so I'd imagine).The information to follow will strictly pertain to the budding hobbyist/enthusiast: how to get into "Lock-sport," as logically and cost-effectivly as possible. There will be no discussion on how exactly, to go about picking locks. There are plenty of web-sites and Youtube videos for that. Instead, this 'ible will focus on what to buy, where to buy it and additional resources that my be of benifit to you would-be pickers of the world. It's important to note, prior to any purchases, the rules and regulations of whatever state/province in which you happen to reside, and to know that lock-picking carries with it a stigma, which could put you in an uncomfortable situation should something go missing in your school or place of work, as such, discretion is recommended, and even more so, DON'T GO BREAKING THE LAW!!!Any and all sites/products mentioned herein I've personal experience with and have found either the information therein or merchandise supplied to be of merit sufficant to warrant their inclusion in this article. I've no affiliation to any web-site or businesses mentioned. Believe me, I wish I did! I'd have saved a pretty penny! Hope you enjoy, Cheers.PS: I've included a short glossary of terms in the final step in this instructable just in case. If you've any unanswered questions please feel free to drop me a line. Happy picking!
Before we get in too deep, it's important to know the three rules/laws of lock picking, or rather my interpretations of them, they are as follows;Never pick a lock in use. It may seem counterintuitive, but there's always the possiblity that in attempting to pick a lock you may damage it. It's no good attempting to pick open the front door of your fourth floor apartment only to have the pick snap off in the lock, trust me...Never pick a lock you do not own.If it's not yours, don't pick it! Not only is there the possibility of potentially damaging the lock, but there's also the very real possibility of jail time! You wouldn't pick your friends nose, you shouldn't pick their locks, without express permission of course. With permission, I guess it'd be okay to pick your friend's nose... weirdo.Never commit a crime in possession of your picks. Really, you should just never commit a crime. But, things happen: wrong place wrong time, traffic violations, drunk and disorderly, mistaken identity, jay-walking... It's not a stretch of the imagination for a court to argue felonious/malicious intent if you're already caught in the commission of a crime. It's always better safe then sorry. Best to leave your picks at home.
As with any emerging hobby, it's best to get your feet wet first so you don't go busting the bank chasing the thought of what could be, especially with lock picking. It takes a lot of practice/patience and certainly isn't for everybody. Also, as with most hobbies the resale market is pretty weak comparative to retail. So, it's not likely you'll recoup your initial investment if you should find it's not for you.The great news is, it's not really an expensive hobby, or at least, it needn't be. You really can pick a lock with a bobby pin if that's your inclination. Point of fact, there's in instructable for that: Hairpin lock picking: -To-Pick-A-Lock...
So, why Amazon and why this set? Well, I choose Amazon because it's a trusted site. If you google "lock picks for purchase," there are some awfully shady sites that spring up. The last thing I was looking to do was give my credit card number to some site touting low cost tools for larceny (told you lock-picking had a stigma). Anyway, I chose the kit above because it seemed as though it had all the basics from my research and because it came with a solid metal cutaway practice lock. Having read a number of reviews (on Amazon) a lot of people had the clear plastic cutaway locks fail on them. I figured that the metal lock might be a bit more sturdy.Once I received this first set I wasn't too convinced picking was for me. I think a large part of that was the quality of the picks themselves. They just looked and felt shabby. They came to me covered in machine oil, rough as all get out and the handles, though firmly riveted, were sharp and hurt my delicate little hands. The lock was the only thing that gave be hopeAfter a day or so, I decided to make due and solider on. I sanded down their rough edges (which wore away some of the black coating). I then appropriated straws from a number of different dining establishments till I found one (Duncan Dounuts) that slipped over the handle tightly enough to stay in place. After that, I had a grand ol' time picking my practice lock over and over till I could do so in under 20 seconds with my eyes closed! Then, I was hooked.
Once I'd throughly conquered my cutaway, I decided it was time to try something a little more challenging. Overly amped, I headed over to my local hardware store and picked up a brand spanking new Master Lock #3. From what I'd read, it seemed the most logical progression. I will tell you this, don't watch a Bosnian Bill vid and think that Master Locks fall open at a whim. They do not. After watching a bunch of Youtube videos I thought all it'd take was a tension wrench a pick and a modicum of finesse... Yeah, not so much... After hours of picking I got nowhere and started to lose heart. Thankfully, I'm not the type to give up so easily. It's was just a matter of persistence, patience and dogged determination. The master lock #3 is a four pin lock with no security pins. It's really a great stepping stone for those new to the hobby. After I got it open once, I was able to get the picking order down and then it wasn't even fair. I could pick it blind-folded, slightly inebriated listening to "golden eye," trust.After that first purchase from the local hardware store ($7.95USD). I decided I couldn't go about buying anymore locks retail. With that, I turned to that warm ever-welcoming bosom of consumerism: Ebay. I managed to pick up four (older) American brand laminated padlocks NOS (new old stock).
Upon retrospect this was not a great buy. Older American brand locks are more well made with tighter tolerances then the good ol' number 3 to which I'd become accustomed . I say older because now they're owned by Master Lock. God bless America. Needless to say I was lost... till I learned about TOK tensioning that is.Locks with tighter tolerances are more difficult to pick given that lock picking itself relies on slight manufacturing defects within any given lock. A perfect lock where everything is made with absolutely zero variance would be, theoretically, impossible to pick.
In the previous step, I mentioned places where you could potentially buy locks. Here I wanted to go over what brands to look out for, and which. may cost you a premium if you're looking to take 'em home.Master Lock: Master lock brand locks are actually great locks on which to practice. They come in a variety of flavors and price points. I don't know if it's because of the their quality, or the ease by which they're opened (once you've gotten the knack), but they seem to last quite a while, and are great for those just starting out and are apt to be a little more heavy handed. *Keep in mind that when you're picking, you're compressing the springs backing the key and driver pins. The more repetitively they're compressed the greater the likelihood of their failure.American: American brand padlocks are now manufactured by Master Lock, but vintage American brand locks had much greater manufacturing tolerances and thus were a great deal more difficult to pick. Something to consider.Abus: These locks can be quite expensive if you were to buy them singularly. Be careful which ones you buy. Depending on the model you may run into some security pins or über challenging warding. All in all, these are quality locks.Paclock (pacific lock company) : These locks are made in America (for those of us who care for that sort of thing) and if I'm to be honest are insanely well built. These, like Master Lock run the gambit from cheaper laminated padlocks to re-keyable aluminum, brass and steel bodied locks. Again like Abus depending on the the model you may run into some security pins. Wilson Bohannan: This company has been around since the mid-late 1800's so they must be doing something right! I'm not familiar with their locks' current incarnations, but their vintage stuff is choice. Look for their five pin locks. They're great practice. I owe this tasty little tidbit to Bosnian Bill's "improving your lockpicking" vid check it out: