How Does Lock Picking Work

1. How locks and keys work

Locks come in all different sizes, shapes, and designs. However, most locks have similar internal components. The keys to each lock has slightly different ridges to fit their specific lock. You can have more than one key to a lock by getting a copy of the key made. When using a key in a lock you turn the key one direction to lock it and the opposite direction to unlock. When leaving your home it is important to secure all locks to prevent unwanted entry to your home without your knowledge.

There are two parts to a cylinder lock – the cylinder and the cam. You use a key by putting it into the cylinder and turning the key. This action turns the attached cam. Turning the key one way unlocks the lock and the opposite way locks it. A deadbolt is similar to an ordinary cylinder lock but just doesn’t have a spring feature. The cam either slides in or out depending if you’re locking or unlocking it. Inside the lock is a pin and tumbler type of puzzle that only the key made for it can solve. The ridges of the key push up the pins at the right level for the key to work.

Another method is called raking. It is essentially sticking a bigger piece of metal into the lock, all the way to the back of the lock. You then pull it out really fast. As the pins move, some of them will be where you want them then you can easily pick the rest of the pins. Lock picking wafer tumbler locks is slightly easier than lock picking pin and tumbler locks because the wafer tumbler locks have a wider key hole. You can use the same technique for lock picking a wafer tumbler lock as you would pick a pin and tumbler lock.

Lock picking can be a fairly easy process to do if you have the right equipment, skill and knowledge. But if you find it hard to do this yourself, you can always call on a professional to pick a lock for you.