In this article, you will learn how locksmiths unlock doors and gain a better understanding of their techniques. Whether you’ve been locked out of your home or need help with a broken lock, locksmiths are the professionals who can come to your rescue. They possess the skills and knowledge to unlock doors in various ways, and you will find out more about their methods in the following paragraphs.
Locksmiths employ several methods to unlock doors, depending on the type of lock and the situation at hand. One common technique is known as lock picking, where they use specialized tools to manipulate the lock’s pins and levers until they align properly, allowing the lock to be turned. Another method is using a bump key, a specially crafted key that can be inserted into the lock and then lightly tapped to jolt the pins into place. Additionally, locksmiths may also use drills or other tools to physically remove the lock or damage it in strategic places, ultimately unlocking the door.
Types of Locks
Pin Tumbler Locks
Pin tumbler locks are one of the most common types of locks found in residential and commercial properties. They work by using a series of pins of different heights that need to be aligned correctly in order for the lock to be opened. When the correct key is inserted into the lock, the pins are lifted to the correct height, allowing the lock to be turned and the door to be unlocked.
Wafer Locks
Wafer locks are often found in older vehicles and some residential properties. They use flat wafers instead of pins, which need to be aligned correctly for the lock to be opened. Unlike pin tumbler locks, wafer locks do not require the pins to be lifted to a specific height. Instead, the wafers need to be pushed flush with the lock’s body to allow the lock to turn.
Tubular Locks
Tubular locks, also known as radial locks, are commonly used in vending machines, bike locks, and some residential properties. They have a cylindrical shape and use pins that are set in a circular pattern. Tubular lock picks are specifically designed to fit into the lock cylinder and manipulate the pins to unlock the door.
Lock Picking Tools
Tension Wrench
A tension wrench is a crucial tool in lock picking. It is used to apply rotational pressure to the lock cylinder while the lock pins or wafers are being manipulated. The tension wrench needs to be inserted into the bottom of the keyway, providing a firm grip and allowing the locksmith to feel the subtle movements of the pins or wafers.
Lock Picks
Lock picks come in various shapes and sizes and are used to manipulate the pins or wafers inside the lock cylinder. They are specifically designed to lift and push the pins or wafers to the correct position, allowing the lock to be opened. Lock picks require skill and precision to be effective, and locksmiths often have a wide range of picks to handle different lock types.
Bump Keys
Bump keys are specially crafted keys that can be used to bypass certain types of pin tumbler locks. They work by applying a series of quick, sharp impacts to the key, causing the pins inside the lock to jump momentarily. While the pins are in their elevated state, the lock can be turned, unlocking the door. Bump keys require minimal skill to use, but they are limited to certain types of locks.
Pin Tumbler Lock Picking
Understanding Pin Tumbler Locks
Pin tumbler locks consist of a series of driver pins and key pins. The driver pins are located above the shear line, preventing the lock from being turned without the correct key. The key pins are aligned with the cuts on the key, allowing the lock cylinder to turn when the correct key is inserted.
Inserting Tension Wrench
To begin picking a pin tumbler lock, you need to insert a tension wrench into the bottom of the keyway. Apply gentle rotational pressure in the direction that the lock needs to turn. The tension wrench should have enough pressure to create resistance, but not too much to prevent the pins from moving freely.
Manipulating Lock Pins
Using a lock pick, insert it into the keyway above the tension wrench. Feel for the pins as you gently push them upward. Pay attention to each pin’s response and feedback. When a pin reaches the correct height, you will feel a slight click or a subtle change in resistance. Repeat this process for each pin until all pins have been set and the lock can be turned.
Wafer Lock Picking
Understanding Wafer Locks
Wafer locks consist of flat wafers that need to be aligned in order to unlock the door. Each wafer corresponds to a groove on the key, and when all wafers are properly aligned, the lock can be turned. Wafer locks are often found in older vehicle ignition systems and furniture drawers.
Using Wafer Picks
To pick a wafer lock, insert a wafer pick into the keyway, just like a normal key would be inserted. Gently slide the wafer pick in and out of the lock while applying slight pressure. Feel for any resistance or feedback from the wafers. Gradually move each wafer into the correct position until all wafers have aligned, allowing the lock to be turned.
Applying Lateral Pressure
In some cases, simply aligning the wafers may not be enough to unlock the door. If you encounter this situation, applying slight lateral pressure to the lock while picking can help push the wafers into alignment. This can be achieved by inserting a tension wrench and slightly turning it to the left or right while picking the lock with the wafer pick.
Tubular Lock Picking
Understanding Tubular Locks
Tubular locks, also known as radial locks, are designed with a circular pattern of pins inside the lock cylinder. The pins need to be picked in a specific order to unlock the door. Tubular locks are commonly found on vending machines, bike locks, and some residential properties.
Using Tubular Lock Picks
Tubular lock picks are specially designed tools that can manipulate the pins in a tubular lock. These picks have a hollow shaft with a series of needles or prongs that correspond to the pins in the lock. By inserting the tubular lock pick into the lock cylinder and manipulating the pins in the correct order, the lock can be opened.
Lock Impressioning
Creating Key Impressions
Lock impressioning is a technique used to create a duplicate key by making impressions of the lock pins or wafers. A blank key is inserted into the lock, and the locksmith applies rotational pressure while gently wiggling the key. This causes the pins or wafers to leave marks on the blank key. The process is repeated several times, gradually filing down the blank key until it operates the lock smoothly.
Making a Duplicate Key
Once a key impression has been made, the locksmith can use the impressions to create a duplicate key. The impressions on the blank key are filled with a material called impressioning compound, which hardens and creates a mold of the key’s cuts. The locksmith then uses this mold to cut a duplicate key that matches the original lock.
Lock Bumping
Understanding Bump Keys
Bump keys are specially crafted keys that can be used to quickly and easily bypass certain pin tumbler locks. They have a series of specially spaced grooves and ridges along the key blade, allowing the key to “bump” the pins when inserted into the lock. When a bump key is used correctly, the pins inside the lock momentarily jump above the shear line, allowing the lock to be turned and the door to be unlocked.
Applying Bumping Technique
To use a bump key, insert it into the lock and apply slight rotational pressure. Then, firmly strike the bump key with a hammer or any other suitable object. The impact causes the pins to momentarily jump, creating a small gap between the driver pins and the key pins. With the tension wrench in place, apply steady rotational pressure and the lock should turn, unlocking the door.
Lock Decoding
Understanding Lock Mechanisms
Lock decoding is a method used to determine the correct key bitting or combination of a lock without the original key. It involves analyzing the lock’s internal mechanisms and identifying the exact positions of the pins or discs that need to be aligned. Lock decoding is often used when the original key is lost or in forensic investigations.
Decoding the Lock Pattern
To decode a lock, a locksmith uses special decoding tools to manipulate the lock mechanism and determine the positions of the pins or discs. By precisely aligning each pin or disc and analyzing their relative depths, the locksmith can create a code or pattern that represents the correct key bitting or combination. This code can then be used to create a duplicate key or open the lock using another method.
Locksmithing Tools for Specific Locks
Locksmith Tools for Cars
Locksmiths who specialize in automotive locksmithing have a range of specific tools to handle car locks. These tools include slim jims, which are used to manipulate the locking mechanism of a car door, and car lock picks, which are designed to pick the unique car lock mechanisms.
Locksmith Tools for Safes
When it comes to opening safes, locksmiths use a variety of specialized tools. These may include safe lock picks, safe drilling tools, or safe dial manipulation tools. Safes often have complex locking mechanisms and require specialized knowledge and tools to be opened safely and without causing damage.
Conclusion
Locksmiths use a variety of techniques and tools to unlock doors. Whether it’s picking a pin tumbler lock, wafer lock, or tubular lock, locksmiths possess the knowledge and expertise to manipulate the lock’s internal mechanisms and gain access. They may also use techniques such as lock impressioning, lock bumping, or lock decoding when necessary. With their skills and specialized tools, locksmiths provide an essential service in helping people regain access to their properties and possessions.
