Subject: Raking
Technique
raking technique
Lock picking
A traditional set of lock picks. The two tools on the left are tension
wrenches. 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 [hide]
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
A traditional set of lock picks. The two tools on the left are tension
wrenches
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) possessing, producing or obtaining a lock pick by a person whose
profession and occupation doesn't require it;
2) delivering a lock pick 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 lock pick 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.