Locked Out No More: Common Lock Picking Tools

08/10/2015 Back To Blog

Locks are not indestructible or unconquerable. Each lock in existence today can be picked and opened in case of emergency. The only difference is that they vary in terms of lock picking difficulty. This is not for the benefit of thieves or intruders, mind you. It’s to familiarize yourself with the tools often used by professional locksmith service providers for opening doors if you lost your house keys or when the same have been stolen. Here are some of them.

Snap Gun

Otherwise known as a pick gun, this lock picking tool has the ability to simultaneously hit every tumbler in a door lock with just one sharp rap. It is promoted as a device for quick entry, which like any of the other tools, can only be used by industry experts. These tools are not available for sale on regular people to avoid being used in burglary or break-ins.

Bump Key Set

A bump key would be able to open a common pin tumbler lock after gently whacking it using a hammer. However, there is no universal bump key. A different bump key is required for every kind of lock brand, hence, this set.

Kevin Mitnick’s business card

This one is set of lock picking tools that is perfect for emergency situations. It is a business-card like tool that is made out of spring steel. On it are four picks that can be punched out as well as a tension wrench.

Tubular Lock Pick

As the term suggests, this tool is designed for picking tubular locks. For your information, the pins in a tubular lock are set in a circular way. It can be used for picking to make the said pins easier to crack.

Plug spinner

Deadbolt locks are recommended to be used at homes because they provide better security. They don’t have spring mechanisms so they can’t be picked. Other tools that are used for opening regular door knobs may not work with this one. A plug spinner is what locksmiths often use for this situation. A deadbolt, once cracked, should be turned either clockwise or the other way around. If not done properly, there is a possibility that it will lock again. This plug spinner can flick the core of the lock at 180 degrees without locking it again.

You may experience lock problems for various reasons. However, there are things that you can do to prevent them from happening. One way is to do preventive maintenance. This would keep your lock working smoothly for a long time. Cleaning and lubricating locks is an effective way to do this. Lockout is also another issue that you may face and this can be prevented by ensuring that you always have your keys secured. Using a lanyard or a retractable keychain would be helpful.