any tools you could recommend for lock-picking garage door?

[zaoblock]

Hi,

The remote control of the garage door does not work and the previous owners have not left us a key. Could you recommend me a suitable lockpicking tool. Do you know what type of lock this is? I've called locksmiths and was told the lock needs to be drilled out.... I'd like to give lockpicking a try! thanks!

http://i53.tinypic.com/30i8fw7.jpg (lock)

http://i52.tinypic.com/346lrh4.jpg (garage door)

[MacGyver101]

I'm sorry: I'm sure that your intentions are fine, but we can't help you break into a garage (even your own garage)... because then the instructions will be right here for anyone who Googles "how to break into a garage". (I hope you understand!)

If there's another door into the garage (e.g., from the house or the side yard) then go inside the garage and pull the release handle to open the door. It looks, from the photo, like you can unbolt the lock from the inside... if so, take it to a locksmith: they should be able to help you easily. If you can't get inside the garage, call a locksmith: it's not a complicated lock, and should be a quick visit for a professional locksmith to open and replace the cylinder (or possibly cut you a key, depending on the time involved).

[zaoblock]

We can't get into the garage. I'll probably call a locksmith after playing bit with tension wrench and hair pin.

Thank you for your reply!

[Solomon]

If a locksmith needs to drill that out, you need to find a much better locksmith

[MacGyver101]

Best of luck... and, again, sorry that I couldn't help more with your problem!

[JK_the_CJer]

If a locksmith needs to drill that out, you need to find a much better locksmith

Agreed!

These responses to your locksmith's incompetence should motivate you to have a go at it. You don't want to be like a locksmith now do you?

[Rickthepick]

Its a good starting point to learn lock picking. I remember picking my dads toolbox wafer lock when i was a kid. I was amazed when it opened and iv been hooked since

[Squelchtone]

If a locksmith needs to drill that out, you need to find a much better locksmith

the OP probably called the first thing in the phone book, which is usually those shady AAAAA Lockout locksmiths from the Middle East who work out of the back of their car and charge $250 to drill a lock.

Call a real locksmith shop in your town, the type you can walk into and show them that pic and then they'll tell you what it will cost to drive out, and what it will cost to pick it open and make a key for it.

good luck,
Squelchtone

[zaoblock]

The ones who suggested drilling were referred through a sourcing agency. They called me back and estimated their charges to be $25 + ($55 - $75) depending on work, and said that garage doors need to be drilled.. Another real locksmith shop, whom I called earlier, had much more straightforward attitude and price and accent, but I need to call him again to verify that he is not going to drill out the lock. But first, I will try my first lockpicking practice on the garage door.

Thank you all for your great responses,

[globallockytoo]

I would think most likely that the lock you have indicated is probably for a mechanical portion that may be unlocked.

If you cannot activate the electronics because you have no remote or pin code, it is most likely the key cylinder will not be operating anything.

You need to bypass the motor and use the emergency release.

for info on how to do so....PM me.

[mhole]

I would think most likely that the lock you have indicated is probably for a mechanical portion that may be unlocked.

If you cannot activate the electronics because you have no remote or pin code, it is most likely the key cylinder will not be operating anything.

You need to bypass the motor and use the emergency release.

for info on how to do so....PM me.

The cylinder *is* the mechanical override. The cylinder doesn't do anything when it turns, but once it is open/picked you can pull it out of the door, and then pull the string attached to the back of the cylinder to disengage the powered opener. Then simply lif the door manually and roll it up.

That cylinder will open with gentle raking in a matter of seconds, I did one in an identical (albeit much larger) door earlier this week.

[zaoblock]

Encouraging! I'm playing with it.

[zaoblock]

Inside the lock (1st picture in my first post) on the top section there are two small sliding doors. The key pushes back these doors when entered. Are these slides supposed to make it harder to pick the lock?

Thanks

[MacGyver101]

If I understand your question correctly, the "sliding doors" are the main locking parts ("wafers") that interact with the key and actually stop the lock from opening without the proper key being present. (The key needs to lift each of them to the right height before the lock opens.) Search around here for "wafer lock".

[zaoblock]

Great! I do believe the lock is a wafer one.