Lost a Key? Here Are Some Alternative Ways to Open a Padlock

We’ve all been there—rummaging through bags, pockets, and even checking under couch cushions, only to realize we’ve lost our keys. It happens to the best of us. Whether it’s the key to your front door, a padlock on a storage unit, or a forgotten diary lock, losing keys can be a real headache. But don’t worry, today I’m going to share a nifty trick that might just save the day: how to open a lock with a bobby pin. This isn’t about breaking and entering—it’s about getting yourself out of a jam when you need to.

So, when might you actually use this skill? Here are a few scenarios where knowing how to pick a lock with a bobby pin can come in handy:

• Locked Out of Your Home: Misplaced your keys and no spare in sight? A bobby pin might save you from an expensive call to a locksmith.
• Forgotten Combination: Have a padlock with a forgotten combination? Picking it might be easier than trying to remember.
• Securing Forgotten Keys: Locked your keys inside a cabinet or drawer? A bobby pin can help you retrieve them without damaging the lock.

Before you start picking locks, it’s helpful to understand how they work. Most locks, especially padlocks, use a pin tumbler mechanism. Inside the lock, there are several pins of different lengths. When you insert the correct key, these pins are pushed up to align perfectly at what’s called the shear line. This alignment allows the lock to turn and open.

When you’re picking a lock, you’re essentially doing the same thing: lifting the pins to the shear line. Instead of a key, though, you’ll be using improvised tools made from bobby pins.

How Do Pin Tumbler Locks Work?

Let’s take a deeper look into how pin tumbler locks work. These locks have a series of pins of varying lengths that need to be aligned to unlock. The key pushes the pins up to their correct heights, aligning them at the shear line—the point where the outer cylinder can turn to open the lock.

When picking a lock, you’re essentially mimicking this process. The tension wrench holds the cylinder in place, while the pick lifts the pins to the correct height. When all the pins are aligned at the shear line, the lock opens.

Step 1: Preparing Your Tools

For this task, you need two bobby pins. These will act as your tension wrench and your pick. Here’s how to prepare them:

Step 2: Make a Tension Wrench

Take the first bobby pin and bend it at a 90-degree angle. This will be your tension wrench. The tension wrench applies rotational pressure to the lock’s cylinder, simulating the turning motion of a key.

Step 3: Making the Pick

Take the second bobby pin and straighten it out completely. This will be your pick. If you want to get a bit more sophisticated, you can flatten one end with a hammer or make a small notch at the end, but these modifications aren’t strictly necessary for our basic guide.

Step 4: Time to Open the Lock

Insert the bent bobby pin (your tension wrench) into the bottom of the lock. This tool will apply pressure to the lock’s barrel, which is crucial for lifting the pins. Gently apply pressure with your finger. The amount of pressure is critical—too much, and you’ll bind the pins; too little, and the pins won’t lift correctly. You want just enough tension to feel the cylinder move slightly.

Now, take your straightened bobby pin (your pick) and insert it into the lock, above the tension wrench. You’ll use this tool to lift the pins. There are two main methods to pick the lock: raking and single pin picking.

Raking

Raking is a quicker method and is great for beginners. Insert the pick all the way to the back of the lock. Apply slight upward pressure and pull the pick outwards while simultaneously jiggling it up and down. This motion will hopefully set several pins at once. Keep applying gentle tension with your wrench during this process.

Single Pin Picking

For a more controlled approach, you can lift each pin individually. Insert the pick and feel for the pins. Apply upward pressure on each pin, starting from the back and working your way to the front. When a pin reaches the correct height, you’ll feel a slight click, and the cylinder might move a bit. Move on to the next pin and repeat the process until all pins are set, and the lock opens.

Tips for Success

• Patience is Key: Rushing through the process will only lead to frustration. Take your time to feel for the pins and apply the right amount of pressure.
• Less is More: When it comes to tension, less is often more. It’s better to start with light pressure and gradually increase it if needed.
• Feel the Click: Pay attention to the subtle clicks as each pin sets. This tactile feedback is crucial for knowing you’re on the right track.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right technique, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Pins Not Setting: If the pins aren’t setting, you might be applying too much tension. Try reducing the pressure and see if that helps.
• Tension Wrench Slips: If your tension wrench slips out of place, make sure you’re holding it firmly but gently. You don’t need a death grip—just enough to keep it steady.
• Lock Won’t Turn: If the lock won’t turn after you’ve set the pins, check your tension. You might need to increase it slightly. Also, ensure all the pins are set properly.

Ethical Considerations

It’s important to reiterate that while lock picking is a useful skill, it should be used responsibly. Only practice on locks you own or have explicit permission to pick. Using these techniques on locks you don’t own is illegal and unethical. This guide is meant to help you in situations where you’re locked out of your own property, not for any nefarious purposes.