This guide will not teach you how to pick a lock. Specific instructions are beyond the scope of this document which is too short to do the subject any justice. This guide will, however, introduce you to some of the basic theory of lock picking and how to get started on picking a lock. It should be noted first that lock picking in itself is neither a sinister nor illegal activity. There are legitimate reasons to want to pick a lock and there is nothing illegal about the knowledge itself. For some people lock picking is an interesting hobby and, others, it is their business. Locksmiths, future and present have need for lock picking and provided they do not encroach upon the rights of others, enthusiasts are entitled to their hobby, as with any other.
Lock picking is often rightly associated with thievery and destructive forced entry. If your interest in lock picking is for this purpose go away now as this document is not for you. If you wish to learn more about this fascinating subject then read on. It is important to understand that there is a very old code of ethics that goes with lock picking as a past time or a profession. You should never employ your skills as a lock picker for willful or reckless destruction, theft, vandalism or otherwise malicious intent. If you do use your skills to obtain access to somewhere you shouldn't it is your responsibility to exercise subtlety. You should leave no trace that you were there and you should never ever perform a brute force attack on any lock.
Before you get started on trying to pick any lock you should thoroughly research the subject first. There are a number of excellent documents and books on the subject available. On the web one of the best such documents is known as the "MIT Guide to Lock Picking", or at least it was. (The group responsible has since disowned this document for their own reasons, however, it can be easily located by a web search) It should be noted that the (former) MIT Guide uses terminology for specific concepts and toolsand refers to other authorities on the subject, which may cause some confusion. Therefore, it is probably best to corroborate with another online source. Matt Blaze's Crypto page (http://www.crypto.com/papers/notes/picking/) is a good authority to consult on this, and gives good instructions on how to go about starting out.
Respected lock picking books include Manual of Lock Picking by Gerry Finch (only available in libraries), and Locks, Safes and Security , an encyclopedic guide to lock picking by Marc W. Tobias. There are many other titles containing good information on this subject, which you can find with further research.
Picking combination locks is a slightly different skill but falls within the same school of knowledge. To learn the basic theory and techniques used in picking combination locks research Master lock picking. These are great locks for beginners.
The basic lock picking tools that a beginner will need are:
Lock picks : A straight length of flattened metal with a hook on the end for manipulating the individual pins in pin tumbler locks.
Torque wrench : A rigid length of metal with a 90° bend in it, with one end flattened so that it will fit into the keyway without obscuring it. The hacker uses this to turn the plug in the cylinder while picking it.
Rake : Used for imprecise manipulation of the pins or wafers of tumbler lock. Used by inserting into the keyway and applying quick, but careful, back and forward motions while turning the torque wrench.
Practice locks : Some cheap locks to practice with. Best bought at the hardware store, you should get these with the intention of being able to re key the locks by changing the pin configuration and with the assumption that you will probably eventually break them. That's part of the learning curve.
Bump mallet : Not necessarily the best thing for a learner to be buying, however, it eventually is an important tool in the repertoire of any lock picker.
Patience : Lock picking is rarely quick and always requires a wealth of knowledge to reliably pull off. Make sure you're equipped for the long waits in between.
Avoid buying any lock picking tools that promise magical results or cost exorbitant amounts of money. Lock picking tools are simple in nature and should never be terribly costly. Above all, don't upset anyone and try to have fun!
