Help! Re my lock picking character

[Maybe]

Hi, I'm writing a book where a character(Tony) wants to search his flatmate's bedroom. I'm struggling to get the facts right.
Do any of you know what is more realistic? That Tony manages access using a set of skeleton keys or that he picks the lock using pick+tension wrench? or any other method (I want to avoid the spare key option)
With these methods, is it possible for Tony to lock the door when he is done, so that the flatmate doesn't realise that his room has been searched?
Cheers!

[FrenchKey]

In a bedroom, the most common (at least in France and probably in Europe) is such locks that can be open with a skeleton key.
Pick and tensioner are more for entry door locks.

and yes, he can lock the door after he is done

FrenchKey

[FarmerFreak]

Based on the houses that I have worked on around here. (Salt Lake City, Utah). If the story takes place in an older house I would go with the skeleton key. But if it is a newer/modern house I would go with the pick and tension wrench.

Both are good options. Hope the book turns out great.

[raimundo]

Fictional characters tend to have skills as a way to impress the reader, but if your character is not acknowleged to be interested in lockpicking, there are many ways he may have gotten in, such as the really old credit card slipping of a snaplatch. Really on a lot of interior doors, for fictional purposes, he may have slammed his hand on the door really hard and suceeded in causeing it to pop open, and a snap latch will always lock up again when you close the door.
It sounds to me like your protagonist is not a lock specialist, so owning picks would be out of character, Or you could have him buy some at a flea market and have his first success at this door. A first success gives all the newbies a thrill, you could write that in.

[jos weyers]

Besides kicking the door in, any way of opening a door can be reversed: Yes your hero will be able to lock the door if he is able to open it.

[Maybe]

Guys,
Thank you to all of you for the information and ideas, this is really useful. Very much appreciated!!!