Lock picking is the art of unlocking a lock by analyzing and manipulating the components of the lock device, without the original key. Although lock picking can be associated with criminal intent, it is an essential skill for a locksmith. Lock picking is the ideal way of opening a lock without the correct key, while not damaging the lock, allowing it to be rekeyed for later use, which is especially important with antique locks that would be impossible to replace if destructive entry methods are used.

Usually it is possible to bypass a lock without picking it. Most common locks can be quickly and easily opened using a drill, bolt cutters, bump key, or a hydraulic jack. The hasp, door, or fixture they are attached to can be cut, broken, or otherwise removed.

A lock that offers high resistance to picking does not necessarily make unauthorized access more difficult, but it will make surreptitious unauthorized access more difficult. They are often used in combination with alarms to provide layered security.

Some people enjoy picking locks recreationally, because they find it brings high satisfaction and is an enjoyable way to pass the time; it also has hack value.

Contents   1 Key impressioning 1.1 Method 2 Type of tool 3 Tool sets 3.1 Tension wrench 3.2 Hook pick 4 Legal status 4.1 United States 4.1.1 California 4.2 European Union 4.2.1 Netherlands 4.2.2 Poland 4.2.3 United Kingdom 4.3 New Zealand

Key impressioning

Contrary to what one might think upon hearing the term, key impressioning does not have anything to do with molds. Instead, one starts with a key blank.

Method

One uses the file to polish the top of the key; that is, the part of the key that the pins come into contact with. (Before starting the impressioning, it is good to count the number of pins in the lock with a hook pick, thus helping choose the correct sized blank.) The key is put into the keyhole and gently turned, binding the key, which is then jiggled up and down. This serves to leave perpendicular scrapes of the pins on the key.

After filing a few thousandths of brass off of the key with the pippen or rat tail file, the process is repeated. Care must be taken to only file if a little dimple is seen in the key grooves. When enough material has been filed from the blank, the blank will approximate the cut of the key and the lock should open when the key is turned.

This method makes high-security drivers (if they are grooved or mushroomed) irrelevant. This method works well on car doors and other wafer locks.

Type of tool

The following is a list of tools that would be found in a commercial set. Depending on the size of the set it may contain sizes and/or designs to better fit different locks. Most all of them are made of thin steel or other hard metals.

Tool sets

The tools for lock picking are usually different for each type of lock and can sometimes be improvised from common items.

Lock pick kits can be purchased openly via the internet. Many different selections are present. Nine-piece sets and a 32-piece set equipped with a Pick Gun for example differ in value and price greatly. However, many lock pickers state that for most locking devices, a basic set of five picks is enough; therefore it is unnecessary to carry around a wide variety of professional lock picks.

Tension wrench

The Tension wrench, or torsion wrench as it is more accurately described, is used to apply torque to the lock plug to keep pins from being pushed back down by springs after they are correctly set at the shear line. It is usually anywhere from 1/16th inch to 1/8th inch wide, bent into an L, and occasionally has a quarter twist on the long side.

Hook pick

The hook pick is self explanatory, it is similar to the half diamond pick, but has a hook shaped tip rather than a half diamond shape. The hook pick is sometimes referred to as a 'feeler' and is generally used to lift the pins individually, rather than 'rake' them simultaneously.

Legal status

United States

In United States, laws concerning possession of lock picks vary from state to state. Generally, possession and use of lock picks is considered equivalent to the possession of a crowbar or other tool that may or may not be used in a burglary. Illegal possession of lock picks is generally prosecuted as a felony under the category of possession of burglary tools or similar statutes. In many states, simple possession is completely legal as their statutes require proof of intent. In some states, however, possession without appropriate licensure is considered prima facie evidence of intent to commit a crime (in California for example), rendering simple possession a crime.^[1]

California

In California, locksmiths must be licensed by the state.^[2] However simple possession is legal as illegal possession must be coupled with felonious or malicious intent.^[3]

European Union

Most countries of the European Union don't regulate the possession of lock picks. All responsibility concerning criminal or legal acts using the picks is taken by the user of the lock picks, when the owner of the lock picks may be involved in the jurisdiction or legal process as an accomplice or witness.

 

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, owning lock picks is legal, but using them on someone else's locks without permission is not. There is a lock picking championship, the Dutch Open (organized by TOOOL), which was reported on in the newspapers.^[4]

 

Poland

In Poland according to the Delinquency Code Act article 129 § 1:
1) posessing, producing or obtaining a lockpick by a person whose profession and occupation doesn't require it;
2) delivering a lockpick to a person whose profession and occupation doesn't require it;
3) […]
is punishable with arrest, freedom limitation or fine. § 3 says that that a lockpick is forfeited even if it wasn't a property of the principal.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, a person who carries a lock pick set (even a home made one) can be charged with the offence of "going equipped", unless they have a good reason for carrying them.^[5] The penalty for this can be upward of 5 years' imprisonment. The arresting officer must have "reasonable cause".

New Zealand

In New Zealand, possession of lock picking tools "without lawful authority or excuse" falls under the crime of "being in possession of instrument for burglary", which carries a maximum penalty of three years' prison, if accompanied by the intent to use it for burglary.^[6]