Wow.

[strider68744]

Hello, I'm obviously a new guy, here. And don't worry, you can put down the flaming torches; I searched and read around here a little.
I've ordered a lockpick set from lockpickshop, and I'm waiting for it to arrive.

Since I was eager to get picking after reading some neat tips and info, I went looking around for some spare locks around the house. With a little work, I found a few (unfortunately, they're kinda crappy except for one).

See, I don't know a lot about locks, so I decided to see if I can open one up to have a look inside.
We're talking about a standard deadbolt lock for front doors. Nothing too fancy.
So I found the main locking/unlocking mechanism where the key goes in (containing the pins, springs, etc).
Fidding around with that, I managed to pull the cylinder out... and to my surprise, springs and little... bits... flew around.

I spent a few minutes looking around my room and found everything. I attempted to put it back together (again, I knew little about locks), and decided to pry off this brass covering on the top of the cylinder part, where the springs and little.. metal.. bits can go in (along with the pins).

Judging from the key, I figured out what order the pins go in, and it was pretty easy to put back together.
The brass covering I ditched, because it was all bent and stuff from my prying it off. However, lucky for me, all that was needed next was placing the cylinder back into the main housing. The springs had something to resist against when inside the housing. So in effect, I have a working lock again when I put it back together!

So... from this fun exploding lock (Complete with Flying Bits Action (TM)!), I learned the insides and out of a typical deadbolt lock.
I had no idea how to pick, and couldn't get it to unlock using garbage around the house (I didn't really bother creating my own picks since some were shipping to me).
So I tried my luck with some small screw drivers.. and had little luck until I removed all but one pin.
Yes, it's cheating, but I needed to know how things were done.
So I picked a one-pin lock with a single screwdriver. AHURHURHUR.
So yeah, I think I figured it out... pretty interesting. I can sorta visualize the process in my head with multiple pins. I feel it's going to be tricky with all five pins in, but I'll get it some time.
I know I'm going to enjoy picking locks as a hobby.

Anyways. I just wanted to say hello, and I hope I can contribute in some meaningful and interesting way some time.

[strider68744]

Hmm, can't edit posts, eh?

Well, I also wanted to say that with some work with my dremel, I drilled a pair of holes into a board, bored the holes to be the right size for the lock's screws to go through, and mounted the lock to the board.

So what I have now is a perfect practice lock (adjustable difficulty, too, I guess).
I'd post pictures, but I feel lazy after playing around with this project for the last few hours (let's just say I started right after registering...).

[Shrub]

Hmmmm youre in the wrong section really so the torches may come out later

A good idea to do with your lock is to thread the top of each pin hole (where the plate was) and put a little grub screw in each chamber, this way you can quickly re-key the lock or remove pins quick and easy,
Either way dont leave it as it is, if nothing else at least put a piece of insulation tape over the top whether its in a hole or not,

Have a look at Matt Blazes site, he has a good article on picking locks that follows on nicely from the mit guide.

[digital_blue]

... and had little luck until I removed all but one pin.
Yes, it's cheating, but I needed to know how things were done.

That's hardly cheating. In fact, you've stumbled upon one of the best ways to learn to pick locks. In fact, this will become even more usefull when you have your proper picks. Once you have mastered picking the one pin lock (usually somewhere around 8 seconds after first trying) add a pin. Now it will get somewhat more difficult, as you will have to set one pin and keep it set until you get the other. Once you've been able to do that consistantly 10 times or so, add a 3rd pin and continue. This will give you the ability to build up your skill level and actually be aware of what is going on in the lock. It is, IMO, absolutely the best way you can learn to pick locks, so congrats on figuring it out for yourself!

Let us know how you progress! Happy picking!

db

[Geek142]

Hey

I remember i picked a one pin, I thought i was cool lol. Like digital_blue said you should be proud of yourself for figuring it out yourself because alot of people would have just gone and asked already answered questions. You are on the right track and are of to a good start. Keep at it!

Geek

[strider68744]

Heh, I felt cheap doing the one-pin thing. I attempted two, but couldn't (I only have one screwdriver that fits and no good materials for a makeshift tension wrench at the moment).
It was strange... I managed to stick the screwdriver in to manipulate the single pin and use it to also turn the lock. Impossible for more than one pin, though... not until I alter the screwdriver (which I wouldn't want to do anyways).

So for now, I just gotta wait for my picks, I think.

Oh, thanks for the welcomes!

One thing can be learned from this thread: be extra careful when opening spring-loaded locks, since they will probably explode, sending springs flying everywhere. As amusing as it seems, they can be hard to find.

I didn't really know where to put this thread. Off-topic?
Anyways, hello again!

[MrB]

You haven't read around the site enough yet. Exploding locks is a recurring theme, including suggestions for how to contain the explosion (put your hands inside a clear plastic bag to catch all the bits that fly out).

There are also detailed instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble a lock in a controlled manner using a plug follower.

You're off to a good start. Just do a bit more reading and searching around.

Most people when they improvise picks use the small screwdriver as the tension tool and use something else like a bent safety pin to manipulate the pins. Safety pins are made of very stiff wire and you can bend the end with pliers into a servicable hook. You want to make a shape something like this:

Code: Select all

         -
        / \
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You may want to file down or otherwise blunten the point of the pin otherwise it may carve bits out of your lock.

By the way to answer your question the Got Questions forum would be a good place to post on general lockpicking topics.