Picking locks might sound intimidating, but trust me, it's not rocket science, and anyone can learn it. With a little knowledge, practice, and some basic lockpicking tools (purchased or homemade), you'll learn how to pick locks very quickly.
Although lock-picking can be associated with criminal intent, it is an essential skill for the legitimate profession of locksmithing, and is also pursued by law-abiding citizens as a useful skill to learn, or simply as a hobby (locksport).
Some mechanical or electronic locks do not use a key at all. This makes them completely immune to key bumping. The most secure example would be the Kaba Mas CDX-09, which uses a dial outside like a safe lock. Sargent and Greenleaf offers the "Brute" mechanical rim lock to compete with the CDX-09.
Buying and owning lock picking tools is legal in the majority of states and most jurisdictions around the world. However, some US states, such as Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, and Virgin, have specific laws directly restricting lock-picking tools or their use in some capacity.
Since picking a lock requires a specific skill set to be successful, most burglars damage or remove doors and windows to gain entry when locked because it is faster and easier for them than using tools. Don't be fooled by what scriptwriters use for a dramatic effect.
Homes in high-visibility places, like on corner lots, are far less likely to be broken into. There are simply too many potential ways to be seen. But townhomes, houses in the middle of the block, or houses in a cul-de-sac are much better targets.
Your attic is not likely to be visited by a burglar because they are usually hard to find and access. So, it is always a good idea to store valuables in attic storage containers.
Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.
There are many ways in which lock picking can permanently damage a lock. Several common ways include breaking the springs, eroding internal components, or even breaking your pick in the keyway. For these reasons and more, you should never pick a lock that is currently in use.
Picking a lock with paper clips works pretty much the same way as picking a lock with a traditional tension wrench and rake. You just need to turn two paper clips into those two very same tools, and then pick the lock with them like you'd normally do.
Deadbolts, however, are still vulnerable to lock picking. Pin and tumbler locks are the most common designs in use today. These locks use a series of small, spring-loaded pins to keep the cylinder from turning. When there is no key in the lock, the position of the pins blocks the motion of the cylinder.
It's just takes a while to learn. Raking on the other hand - in it's most basic form - can be learned in a few minutes. Even using a tension tool is easier with raking. This means, as long as you have a few locks at your disposal, the chances of opening one of them in an hour, or at least in an afternoon is very high.
Myth 2 | Lock picking is instantaneous
This is rarely the case. Even on very low-security locks, it could take 10 to 15 seconds to open the lock. For more complicated locks, it is more likely to take minutes. But all of this takes skill and success is not a given simply by virtue of using lock picks.
If so it can be easily snapped! Lock snapping is one of the most common burglary methods, and it has been estimated around 27% of all burglaries are through snapping the lock. Lock snapping occurs when force is applied to the outside of the cylinder, using mole grips or similar.
Can a locksmith open a lock without breaking it? Yes, a locksmith can open your lock without damaging it, most locksmiths use a non-destructive way to open your door to enter the property ensuring no damage is done to the lock or door.
In fact, leaving a key in the lock can actually make it easier for intruders to gain access to your home. If a key is left in the lock, it can give burglars an opportunity to manipulate the lock using various picking methods, including lock bumping or lock snapping.
No, police do not have master keys to homes. First, there is no such thing as a “master key” which would fit all locks. A simple query on the internet would reveal at least a half-dozen well-known brand names and several more “higher end” lock manufacturers. Kwik-set keys don't fit Schlage locks, and vice versa.
A skeleton key has the warded section of the key removed so that it opens all the doors of a system. Some applications, such as a building with multiple entrance doors, have numerous locks that are keyed alike; one key will open every door.
Research shows that leaving your lights on at night might not be effective at deterring crime if there is no one around to see it. Outdoor lights make the burglars harder to hide, but the lightning will be useless if no one actually sees the suspicious activity.