Picking locks with makeshift tools

[jimu57]

This is the first topic I have created. I have quite a few different lock picks like most people here. I am fairly new to lock picking tho. I was curious as to what types of odd ways you have opened locks. I mean, without using the typical pick or special tools bought from Peterson or even a homemade pick. But with other things like paper clips, zip ties, finishing nails hammered flat, just stuff you find around the house or workshop. Would be to see what kind of simple innovative things people have come up with.

jimu57

[GWiens2001]

There are several threads on improvised picks. But it is good you think of doing so.

Gordon

[pickmonger]

Both these books give ideas on making picks and wrenches when you are with out your normal tools

How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools: Practical, non-destructive ways of getting back into just about everything...Aug 8 2001 by Hans Conkel

Improvised Lock Picking: Secrets from the Master
Steve Hampton

[Robotnik]

While playing around, I've picked a dozen or so locks with paper clip picks and tensioners. Includes an American 5200 (serrated and spoorated pins). Also a Defiant deadbolt cylinder with a zip tie tip (used basically as a rocker/wave pick); zip ties also work well on wafer tumbler locks. Add to that a rolled piece of printer paper on a Kwikset deadbolt, a cut-up gift card in a simple wafer tumbler...anything that will lift the pins (or wafers) to the shear kind will function as a pick. As Gordon mentioned, these have been previously discussed in other threads; am sure others have ever more creative stories than mine .

[GWiens2001]

Used a cheap key ring, bent in half enough times to break it in half. Used one side as a tension wrench, and the other like a reach pick.

Gordon

[Robotnik]

Used a cheap key ring, bent in half enough times to break it in half. Used one side as a tension wrench, and the other like a reach pick.

Gordon

Nice. My personal favorite that I've used is technically a bypass, so I won't specifically discuss technique, but...

At our old apartment, management installed a new, HID access controlled door separating the gym from the rest of the main office/lounge. Apparently they'd had issues with non-residents using the facilities. Fine, but turned out they'd installed the door separating the gym from the water fountain. Cue me, a couple days later. Finish a set, go to grab a drink...and I'm stuck outside the gym staring in at my sweatshirt with ProxCard and keys in the pocket.

Ordinarily, this wouldn't have been a huge issue, but 1) it was Sunday and the leasing office was closed, and 2) my wife was gone for the day. Thus, I had not only locked myself out of the (empty) gym, but also my apartment and car.

Fortunately, I saw a coiled-wire door stop that proved to be relatively easy to remove and straighten...combine that little length of spring steel with a sloppy electric strike, and I was back to my workout before I'd even cooled off. I was even nice enough to re-coil and install the doorstop .

[jimu57]

Now THAT is McGyver stuff! Wild!

[pickmonger]

As part of my locksports hobby I collect all kinds of books on locksmithing topics.

This an other book on improvised tools for when you don't have your locksmith gear.

How To Open Locks Without Keys Or Picks

[CP_1993]

The one on the bottom is made from the steel insert of a windshield wiper and the top is a southord. Lol I do better work with the bottom.

[mcsteve]

My old favorite pick for wafer locks was a nut pick filed flat at the end, leaving something resembling a long reach pick but a little thicker. Worked as well as a key on a lot of cheap 3-4 wafer cam locks, no tension tool required. More 'fabricated' than 'improvised' I suppose.