Easy desk lock, I'm new

[hugh jass]

I have never picked a lock before. I have a desk in my room that has a lock on one of the drawers, and I have since lost the key. I have ignored the problem for quite a while, but as Christmas is slowly approaching, I realize that I need something inside the drawer. I have looked through the forums, and I think that the lock would not be too complex. If in any way possible, I don't want to go out and buy lock picking tools, as this is the only lock I really want to pick. So I guess my question is, are there any household tools that I can use to pick this lock? I have read about tools that I can make, but I was wondering if there were any types of screwdrivers, or other materials that I could use.
I would appreciate your input.

Thanks

[illusion]

More description of the lock is needed - perhaps a photo would also be of use.

you can use household junk to ick locks, but it really depends WHAT you are trying to pick

[Shrub]

Call a locksmith

[hugh jass]

I haven't seen the inside in a while, but from the outside of the desk it looks something like this.

[Shrub]

You can use a banana to pick these

[zeke79]

While you are out picking up a banana why not pick up a new screen name with it......

[SFGOON]

If it's a wafer lock, paper clips and safety pins should work.

[hugh jass]

Sorry about the screen name thing, it was just the first thing that came to mind....

I'll search the forum for wafer locks

[digital_blue]

It's hard enough for a beginner to pick a lock with proper tools. I'd say it's doubly hard to pick a lock with makeshift tools. As GOON said, paper clips and safety pins may work, and in the hands of a skilled lockpicker, almost certainly would work. However, it's a pitiful way to try and learn to pick locks (I know that's not what you're after).

So, poke around in it for a while, and you may get lucky. Or, you may waste a bunch of time. Hard to say. If it's important, I like the locksmith option.

Cheers!

db

[vector40]

Give the paper clip thing a shot. Flip through the MIT Guide (check the FAQ for a link, or pop it into Google) to understand the basic notion, but mostly you'll just be digging around.

[NKT]

If you get a paperclip, fold it open then in half, and pop that in, you might get lucky with a bit of a jiggle. There is a knack to getting it just right, but when it works, you'll be amazed.

[hugh jass]

I finally got it after lots of jiggling and picking. I used the raking method using a bent nail I found in my basement, and a thin screwdriver. Finding a good tension wrench was the hardest part, the screwdriver crowded a good portion of the picking space, but the important part was that I got it.

Thank you all for the input and suggestions

[cha0s]

If you want a good tension wrench buy some new windshield wipers, winter is coming anyway ( for me atleast) and you could mos tlikey use some newones. If your in the southern hemisphere you get teh warm weather. But anyway get some new wipers! Then take the metal insert out of the rubber blade on your old ones. Just bend one end and then cut it so the long part is about 4 inches and the small bend about .5-.75 inches. (Stupid us and not using the metric system) Anyway i find these make the best tension wrenches. I even made my wallet set of picks from this stuff using a dremel.




Have fun, GL and post any questions here. BTW, anything good in the drawer?


-Drew

[Mad Mick]

I have ignored the problem for quite a while, but as Christmas is slowly approaching, I realize that I need something inside the drawer.

That letter to Santa must be sooooooo last-year by now.

[vector40]

Nice work.