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QuestionHow do I cut off a padlock if I can't pick it?
Shawn FagoShawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton.
Master LocksmithYou would use something with a cutting wheel, like an angle grinder with a cut-off blade on it or a Dremel with a metal cutting blade. If you don't have those tools, you can drill the shear line on the cylinder and then turn the cylinder to unlock it. -
QuestionCan you use a paperclip to pick a bike lock?
Trevor MacliseTrevor Maclise is a Locksmith and the Owner of Infinity Key Locksmith in San Diego, California. Trevor has over five years of experience in the industry. He specializes in working with residential doors, including door and frame replacements, door hardware installation, multi-point locks, and mortise locks.
LocksmithYes, you can use this method to pick padlocks that are used for locking things like bikes, lockers, or storage units. -
QuestionWhy is a tension wrench necessary?
Community AnswerYou need to apply pressure to the lock so the pins don't fall back into place, and so you can turn the lock completely to finish the job. -
QuestionWill the lock still be usable after this?
Community AnswerYes, the lock still should be usable. The lock pick acts the same way that a key does.
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QuestionI locked my door accidentally. It does not have a key hole, just a small pin hole. How do I open it using a paperclip?
Community AnswerStraighten the paperclip, slide one end into the hole, and feel for a button on the inside of the lock of the door knob. When you find it, push. -
QuestionDo I only need two paper clips and what size should they be?
Community AnswerYes, you need at least two; one to act as your tension wrench and one to act as your pick. They should be large and durable, around 2 inches (5cm) long would do. -
QuestionDoes the same principal work with bobby pins?
Community AnswerI've always used the flat side of a bobby pin as the tension wrench because it doesn't just spin around like a paperclip, but still use paper clip as the pick, because a bobby pin is usually too thick and will get jammed in the tumblers. When that happens, you're done.
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QuestionWill this work on all locks?
Community AnswerIt will work on most pin-tumbler locks. The more expensive locks are more finely machined to resist this sort of attack, but are still vulnerable to a skilled picker.
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QuestionCan this be used on a regular Walmart bedroom door lock? My son keeps locking me out.
Community AnswerYes, they are the most common type to do this on, but because they are cheaply made, the hole may not be directly in line with the inside pin, so you sometimes have to move the paperclip around in the knob a little bit until you find the pin, then just push. -
QuestionDoes the rotational pressure mean that I have to turn the wrench as I jiggle the pick?
Community AnswerNo, just make sure there is continuous pressure, not a lot, on the wrench. It will not turn until you have all pins in place, and then it will open because you have pressure on it. When that happens, gently turn the wrench until the lock drops open.
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QuestionWould this work with something that has been outside and is rusty?
Community AnswerThat depends on the condition of the internal lock mechanism. If it's rusted inside, most likely not.
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QuestionCan I use paperclips to unlock a vending machine lock?
Community AnswerIf it is a pin-tumbler lock, then yes, probably. Whether or not you're successful depends on the quality of the lock.
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QuestionHow can I tell if my tension wrench is working?
Community AnswerIf it feels like you are applying pressure to all of the pins, you're probably doing it right.
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QuestionWhat do I do if I need to pick a lock and I don't have paper clips or pliers?
Llendra ObedenciaBottsCommunity AnswerUse a Bobby pin as a backup, or something like that. My friend recommended that to me, and it worked just fine. -
QuestionHow do I combat dummy pins?
Community AnswerWhen picking more secure locks, dummy pins tend to be more loose. Instead of pushing on it, try using mild pressure to test if it is part of the lock or a dummy pin.
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QuestionDoes this method work on an entry doorknob?
Community AnswerYes, it should work on nearly any doorknob.
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QuestionWhat is a pin and how can I tell if I've set it?
Onni KursulaCommunity AnswerPins are literally pins in the lock. They are set if they are depressed and don't just pop up again. -
QuestionWhat should I do if these instructions don't work and the pins return to their original state?
ThirteenstarsCommunity AnswerTry and try again. Keep at it and eventually you will pick it. The easiest way, however, is purchasing a "bump key."
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QuestionWhat if the wrench won't fit in the shear line?
Community AnswerAll pin locks are the same size, so it will almost always work; if not, use a bobby pin.
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QuestionI did this once successfully, but now the paper clips are bent and the technique no longer works. What can I do?
Community AnswerIf the paper clips are bent, then use new ones or try to bend the other ones back into the proper shape.
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QuestionDo I have to use pliers?
Community AnswerNo, but it's much harder and not guaranteed to work without them.
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QuestionMy locker doesn't have a handle, will this work to open my locker?
Community AnswerYes this method will still work, just make sure you keep pressure on the wrench.
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QuestionCan this be used to open any kind of lock?
Community AnswerIt will only work with pin locks.
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QuestionHow do I pick a lock that's built into my suitcase?
Community AnswerFollow the instructions listed in the article above.
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QuestionWill this work on a school lock?
Community AnswerIt depends on the type of lock.
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QuestionCan I pick a pin and tumbler lock with a paperclip?
Community AnswerYes, it works with most pin and tumbler locks (the conventional way). The more expensive ones will resist it, but if you have a normal lock, it should work.
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QuestionHow do I pick a heavily guarded Lockwood padlock?
Community AnswerIt's difficult, but you can use the same method with very good tools.
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QuestionIs there a way to pick a combination lock with pins?
Community AnswerNo, but you can change the password if you forget it. There should be instructions on the packaging.
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QuestionIf I only have 2 paperclips, can I still unlock the lock without the pliers?
Le_VictorianCommunity AnswerThe pliers are for shaping the paperclips, you could shape them with your fingers, but the bends won't be as definite. -
QuestionWhat items can I use to pick a lock?
Community AnswerYou can use paper clips, bobby pins or strong wire. They will all hold together, but strong wire is recommended.
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