Writing a novel, need lock picking advice

by **donkeyrider** » 18 Jun 2014 9:15

I am writing a novel. The opening chapter has a scene where an old lock is picked. I'd like to know how this might be done, so that I can describe it accurately. I figured this forum would be the best place to ask. Here are links to two photos of the lock I have in mind.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/noodlepie/14263817120/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/noodlepie/14470600833/

I've scanned the forum and youtube and there is a lot of advice for different old locks, but I don't see anything that exactly resembles this. If you can help, I'd be most grateful.

by **GWiens2001** » 18 Jun 2014 15:33

The lock itself is a euro-profile pin tumbler lock. Many great threads here on picking these locks. You can also do a search for Solomon's ebook "Lockpicking Detail Overkill".

In what time period is your book set? Asking because this lock format started being used about 150 years ago. That lock can be picked with modern-day pick sets. If your book is from an older era, a different lock type may be in order.

That lock style is used primarily in Europe. If your book is set elsewhere, another lock may be more accurate.

Keep us updated on what you are writing. A lot of us love to read.

Gordon

by **donkeyrider** » 18 Jun 2014 18:08

Thanks Gordon - that is super helpful. I'll research those locks and methods on the forum. The book is set in 2012. The lock is on the door of a Victorian water lily house in Kew Gardens, London. I will most definitely keep the forum informed re: the book. Would not have discovered this info without your help.

by **bembel** » 19 Jun 2014 17:43

This is a Yale cylinder and even if looks old, it's not. It's a standard euro cylinder and I dare to say that your character needs some good skills to pick this kind of euro locks mounted in a door. He should use at least one pick (better pick set) and a tension wrench to open it. He could also use a pick gun, e-pick, bump key or the more time-consuming impression technique.

P.S. Some years ago I've read Andreas Eschbach's "Der Nobelpreis". (Maybe unknown to you, but he did an excellent research on lockpicking and his description is very accurate). However, I'm not sure if most people will be interested in that much detail.

by **donkeyrider** » 23 Jun 2014 6:34

Thanks for the further info bembel. You're right, I won't go into overly long, technical details, but I do want to get it correct.

by **Joe Gerardi** » 24 Jun 2014 10:07

donkeyrider wrote:Thanks for the further info bembel. You're right, I won't go into overly long, technical details, but I do want to get it correct.

Then make sure you have the hero cuss a bit when it takes longer than he expects. That will be VERY realistic.

..Joe

by **GWiens2001** » 24 Jun 2014 15:25

Joe Gerardi wrote:
donkeyrider wrote:Thanks for the further info bembel. You're right, I won't go into overly long, technical details, but I do want to get it correct.

Then make sure you have the hero cuss a bit when it takes longer than he expects. That will be VERY realistic.

..Joe

Ain't that the truth!

Gordon

by **donkeyrider** » 25 Jun 2014 3:23

Thanks

Writing a novel, need lock picking advice

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