BLUF
Lock picking is a simple and useful skill that only requires basic mechanical understanding of locks, common tools, and a few hours of dedicated practice. Knowing this skill will provide an option to enter a restricted location though covert and non-destructive means. (Other entry tools are covered here.)
Lock Picking Basics
Practice: It is best to train with common locks found at a local hardware store such as Master Lock, Kwickset, or Schlage.
Tools Required: At a minimum you’ll need a Tension Bar, Hook Pick, Rake Pick.
Initial Setup: Take your Tension Bar and insert it at the opposite end from which the lock pins are protruding. Turn the Tension bar in the direction that the key would normally turn (left of right). Apply light tension.
Lock Picking Method: SINGLE PIN PICKING (SPP)
This is the act of deliberate manipulation of a one pin at a time in order to duplicate the action that a proper cut key would conduct to achieve an unlocked status.
After initial setup is completed, insert your Hook pick and lift each pin to the correct height to allow it to bind at the shearline. Start with deepest pin and work your way out of the keyhole. The plug will become looser with each pin lifted. Once all pins have been lifted to the shearline, the plug will turn and an unlock status will be achieved. Too much tension could cause pins to bind before reaching the correct height. Adjust tension as needed.
Lock Picking Method: RAKING
This is the act of performing uncalculated yet sequential movements with a raking instrument done by gliding the tool across tumblers (of similar depth) in order to achieve an unlocked status.
After initial setup, push rake in/out of the keyway rapidly to have the pins jump past the shear line. Apply upward pressure of rake during extraction movements. If unlock not achieved after 15 seconds, remove rake, move ear to lock, release tension on rod, listen for clicking of pins, if no sound heard, adjust tension on next attempt (+/- pressure). Try again until unlock status achieved. *After partially raking (1 or 2 pins not lifted to shear line), you can then attempt to individually pick the remaining pins.
This locking picking guide is an excerpt from the Hip Pocket Brief. Get the fully illustrated pocket-sized booklet here.
This article was originally written by the Grayman Briefing. Stay in the know. Sign up for Intel and Situational Awareness alerts pushed to your phone on emerging threats and preparedness warnings. Click HERE to subscribe to the Grayman Briefing.
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