The Ultimate Guide to Picking Locks with Bobby Pins: Tips and Tricks

Lock-picking is a useful skill to have for emergency situations, or if you forget your keys and find yourself locked out. While it may seem like a skill only reserved for criminals and spies, it’s actually a skill that anyone can learn. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of lock-picking with bobby pins and provide step-by-step instructions for beginners. We’ll also discuss the legal and ethical issues surrounding lock-picking, and why bobby pins make such great tools for the task.

Basic Lock-Picking Concepts and Terminology

Lock-picking is the art of unlocking a lock without using a key, typically using tools like bobby pins and tension wrenches. There are two main types of locks: pin tumbler locks and wafer locks. Pin tumbler locks are the most common type of lock and consist of a cylinder with several pins of varying lengths that correspond to the cuts in a key. When the correct key is inserted, the pins align with the shear line and allow the cylinder to rotate, unlocking the lock. Wafer locks have flat wafers that line up with a groove in the lock cylinder, allowing it to turn when the correct key is used. It’s important to know the type of lock you’re dealing with before attempting to pick it.

Preparing for a Lock-Picking Attempt

The first step in lock-picking is to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a tension wrench and a bobby pin or two. The tension wrench is inserted into the bottom of the keyway, and used to apply torque to the lock cylinder. The bobby pin is used to pick the pins in the lock. It’s important to use a bobby pin without any coating, as coatings can make the bobby pin more brittle and prone to breaking. Before attempting to pick the lock, it’s also important to clear your mind and focus on the task at hand.

Step-by-Step Guide to Picking a Lock with a Bobby Pin

Step 1: Insert Tension Wrench

Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyway and apply slight pressure in the direction that the lock turns. Hold the tension wrench in this position with your left hand.

Step 2: Insert Bobby Pin

Insert the bobby pin into the top of the keyway, with the rounded end pointing toward the pins. Push the bobby pin all the way into the keyway until you feel it hit the back of the lock cylinder.

Step 3: Apply Pressure

While applying slight pressure with your left hand on the tension wrench to keep the cylinder in place, use your right hand to apply pressure on the bobby pin. Push the bobby pin forward while also lifting it upward until you feel it hit the first pin in the lock.

Step 4: Feel for Resistance

Move the bobby pin upward until you feel resistance, which means the pin has reached the shear line. Once you feel resistance, apply a small amount of pressure with the bobby pin until you feel the pin click or set. Repeat this process for each pin in the lock.

Step 5: Turn the Lock

Once all the pins are set, use the tension wrench to apply more pressure in the direction that the lock turns. The lock should then turn, allowing you to open it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when picking locks with bobby pins is applying too much pressure. It’s important to use a light touch when applying pressure with the bobby pin and tension wrench. Another mistake is using the wrong type of bobby pin, with coatings or other decorations that make it less effective for lock-picking.

Additional Tips and Techniques for Advanced Lock-Picking Scenarios

While the basic steps for lock-picking with bobby pins are relatively simple, there are more advanced techniques that can be used for more complicated locks. For example, raking involves rapidly inserting the bobby pin into the lock and quickly pulling it back, which can help set multiple pins at once. Another technique is single pin picking, which involves using a narrow pick to set each pin individually.

Conclusion

Lock-picking with bobby pins is a useful skill to have when faced with emergency lockout situations. With the right tools and technique, anyone can master the basics of lock-picking. However, it’s important to remember the legal and ethical considerations that come with the skill, and to always use it responsibly. With this guide, you should be well on your way to becoming a lock-picking expert with bobby pins.