A traditional set of lock picks. The two tools on the left are tension wrenches

Lock picking is the act of unlocking a lock by analysing 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. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 318 pixelsFull resolution (1692 × 672 pixel, file size: 154 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 318 pixelsFull resolution (1692 × 672 pixel, file size: 154 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Locksmithing began as the science and art of making and defeating locks. ... Rekeying is the process of changing a locks tumblers to work on a different key than the current one. ...

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 typical bump key Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially-crafted bump key. ...

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. Burglar (or intrusion), fire and safety alarms are found in electronic form today. ...

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. Hack value is the notion among hackers that something is worth doing or is interesting. ...

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. A key blank is a key that has not been cut to a specific bitting. ...

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.

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.

Torsion wrench

The torsion wrench (also known as a tension or torque wrench), 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. A traditional set of lockpicks. ...

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.

Warded pick

A warded pick is a device for opening warded locks. It is generally made to conform to a generalized key shape relatively simpler than the actual key used to open the lock; this simpler shape allows for internal manipulations. A warded lock is a type of lock that uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. ...

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 any 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, rendering simple possession a crime.^[1] Look up prima facie in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

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] Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ...

In Utah possession itself is not a crime: intent to commit a crime is also required.^[4]. Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York also require proof of intent, while mere possession is illegal in Washington, DC. [1] This article is about the U.S. state. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Official language(s) None (English and French de facto) Capital Augusta Largest city Portland Area  Ranked 39th  - Total 33,414 sq mi (86,542 km²)  - Width 210 miles (338 km)  - Length 320 miles (515 km)  - % water 13. ... Official language(s) English Capital Concord Largest city Manchester Area  Ranked 46th  - Total 9,350 sq mi (24,217 km²)  - Width 68 miles (110 km)  - Length 190 miles (305 km)  - % water 4. ... This article is about the state. ... Aerial photo (looking NW) of the Washington Monument and the White House in Washington, DC. Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia (also known as D.C.; Washington; the Nations Capital; the District; and, historically, the Federal City) is the capital city and administrative district of the United...

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. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... At law, an accomplice is a person who actively participates in the commission of a crime, even though they take no part in the actual criminal offence. ... This article is about witnesses in law courts. ...

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 (organised by TOOOL), which was reported on in the newspapers.^[5] The Open Organization Of Lockpickers (also known as TOOOL) is a unique group of people based in The Netherlands who partake in the hobby of picking locks. ...

Poland

In Poland according to the delinquency Codeep Act article 129 § 1:
1) possessing, 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.^[6] The penalty for this can be upward of 5 years' imprisonment. The arresting officer must have "reasonable cause". Reasonable Suspicion, as opposed to probable cause, is the suspicion that a crime is being committed or is being planned to be committed. ...

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 potential penalties of three years' prison or a fine of up to 2000 pounds if accompanied by the intent to use it for burglary^[7].

See also

• Hotwiring
• Lock bumping
• Physical Security
• Safe-cracking
• Security

This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A typical bump key Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially-crafted bump key. ... Physical security describes measures that prevent or deter attackers from accessing a facility, resource, or information stored on physical media. ... Safe-cracking is the process of opening a safe, generally without the combination. ... For other uses, see Security (disambiguation). ...

References

1. ^ "Code of Virginia Section 18.2-94", Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System. 
2. ^ "Locksmith Companies and Employees", California Department of Consumer Affairs. 
3. ^ "California Penal Codes, Sections 466–469", California Legislative Information. 
4. ^ http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE76/htm/76_07017.htm Utah Criminal Code: Title 76 - Chapter 06 - Section 205
5. ^ "Lock pickers hebben slot in paar seconden open", the Leeuwarder Courant, 2002-12-02
   • "Vito Tieke", Even Vragen Aan, the Algemeen Dagblad, 2002-12-02
   • "Duitser kampioen sloten openen", the Sp!ts, probably 2002-12-02
   • "Duitser wordt in Sneek kampioen sloten openen", the Friesch Dagblad, probably 2002-12-02
   • "Duitser eerste kampioen sloten openen in Sneek", the Dagblad van het Noorden, probably 2002-12-02
   • "Sloten openen als nieuwe sport", Dagblad de Limburger, probably 2002-12-02
   Note: the dates of some articles were not available, but considering the fact that newspapers generally report promptly, it can be assumed the given dates are correct. It was also documented on television, in the programs Hart van Nederland and on Omproep Friesland.
6. ^ Police-information.co.uk legislation index. Retrieved on 2006-08-10.
7. ^ New Zealand Crimes Act Section 223 subsection 1 - Being disguised or in possession of instrument for burglary. Retrieved on 2006-08-14.

Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Lock Picking Guide - A comprehensive guide to lock picking
• Map detailing locksmith legislation in different states in the U.S. - Courtesy of ALOA.