How To Pick A Lock With A Screwdriver

Are you looking to learn how to pick a lock with a screwdriver? It’s a skill that can be incredibly useful and can help you gain access to places or items that are otherwise locked away.

We will explore the steps and techniques for using a screwdriver to pick a lock, as well as some safety tips and considerations. With the proper knowledge and practice, you’ll be able to master this skill quickly and easily. So, if you’re ready to unlock your potential, read on.

Types of Locks and Screwdrivers Used to Pick Them

Before we delve into the process of picking a lock with a screwdriver, it’s important to understand the types of locks and screwdrivers that can be used for this purpose.

Pin and Tumbler Locks

The most prevalent kind of lock is a pin and tumbler lock, which is frequently seen on residential doors. These locks have a series of pins with varying lengths. When the correct key has been placed, it aligns the pins to allow the lock to turn.

Wafer Tumbler Locks

Wafer tumbler locks are similar to pin and tumbler locks, but instead of pins, they have flat, circular wafers. These locks are often found in cabinets, lockers, and some cars.

Tubular Locks

Tubular locks, also known as radial or ace locks, have a circular keyway and are often found on vending machines, bike locks, and some high-security padlocks.

Disc Detainer Locks

Disc detainer locks use a series of rotating discs with cutouts. The key aligns these cutouts to allow the lock to open. These locks are often found on high-security padlocks and bike locks.

Screwdrivers

The most common types of screwdrivers used for lock picking are flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers. The size of the screwdriver needed will depend on the size of the lock.

Preparing for lock-picking

Before you start picking a lock with a screwdriver, there are a few things you need to prepare:

Screwdriver: As mentioned earlier, the most common types of screwdrivers used for lock picking are flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers. The size of the screwdriver needed will depend on the size of the lock.

Tension Wrench: This is a tool used to apply tension to the lock while you are picking it. You can make your tension wrench using a paperclip or a bobby pin.

Safety Glasses: It’s important to protect your eyes while picking a lock. Small pieces of metal can fly out of the lock and into your eyes.

Practice Lock: Before you start picking real locks, it’s a good idea to practice on a lock that you don’t mind damaging.

Legal Considerations: It’s important to note that picking locks should only be done on locks that you own or have permission to pick. Picking locks that you don’t own or without permission is illegal and unethical.

Getting Started with Lock Picking: Basic Technique

• Insert the Tension Wrench: To pick a lock with a screwdriver, first place the tension wrench in the keyhole’s lower opening. For unlocking the door, apply pressure to the area where the key would turn. This will bind the first pin that needs to be set.

• Insert the Screwdriver: Next, insert your screwdriver into the top of the keyhole. This will be used to push up the pins inside the lock.

• Feel for the Pins: As you apply pressure with the tension wrench, use your screwdriver to feel for the pins inside the lock. You should be able to feel them springing back up after you push them down.

• Push Down the Pins: Once you’ve located the pins, use your screwdriver to push them down one at a time. Start with the first pin that binds (the one that doesn’t spring back up).

• Set the Pins: As you push down each pin, you’ll feel a slight give or click. This means that the pin has been set. Continue this process with each pin until all of them have been set.

• Turn the Tension Wrench: Once all the pins have been set, you should be able to turn the tension wrench and unlock the lock.

Remember, practice makes perfect. It may take several attempts before you successfully pick a lock with a screwdriver. Start with a simple lock and work your way up to more complex ones as you gain confidence and skill.

Advanced Techniques for Lock Picking

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of lock picking with a screwdriver, you can move on to more advanced techniques. These techniques can help you pick more complex locks and improve your skills.

Raking: This technique involves quickly running the screwdriver back and forth over the pins to set them all at once. This method can be faster than single-pin picking, but it also requires more skill and practice.

Bumping: ‘Bumping’ a lock with a screwdriver or other similar instrument entails first inserting a specially cut key (called a bump key) into the lock. This causes the pins to jump up and align correctly so the lock can be turned.

Impressioning: This is a more advanced technique that involves creating a key for the lock. The pins mark the key when you turn the lock after inserting a blank key. You then file down the key at these marks and repeat the process until you have a working key.

Decoding: This technique involves using a special tool to measure the depth of each pin in the lock. You can then use this information to create a key or pick the lock.

Conclusion

Using a screwdriver to pick locks is a practical ability that can be helpful in many circumstances. However, it’s important to remember that this skill should only be used ethically and legally. Ensure you have permission to pick a lock, and never use this skill for illegal activities.

With the right tools, practice, and patience, you can learn to pick various locks with a screwdriver. As your skills improve, start with simpler locks and work up to more complex ones. Remember that practice makes perfect, so keep going if you get results immediately. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master this skill.

Finally, always prioritize safety. When picking locks, use safety glasses to shield your eyes and take precautions to avoid getting hurt.