Have you ever been locked out of your home, office, or car and then realized that you lost or forgot your keys someplace else? If you’re here reading this, it probably already happened to you, as it has happened to many of us. This is a common situation that many, who didn’t know how to open a lock, have faced. Being locked out can be quite frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry or have tasks to take care of.
Knowing how to open a lock can save you time, effort, and bring you peace knowing that you can take care of yourself in a lock-out situation. If not, your friends at Ace Locksmith are always here for you.
We’re about to look into three resourceful ways to open a lock without a key. Whether it’s a paperclip, credit card, or tension wrench and a pick made from everyday items, you can be sure you’ll now have the tools to get back in.
Using paperclips or similar objects to manipulate the lock mechanism
You have likely seen this happen in movies and television, but how do you open a lock with paperclips exactly? Well, ideally you want two paperclips (or two halves of a broken one) to push and manipulate the pins inside the lock. When done correctly, the pins will align, and the lock will open. This method is typically used on older locks and may not work on more modern locks.
A. Step-by-step:
- Straighten out one of the paperclips, fully bend it in half, then bend one end at a 90-degree angle.
- Straighten out the second paperclip and bend one end into a hook or rake shape.
- Insert the bent end of the first clip into the lock, then apply pressure in the direction the lock would open with a key and keep it in place.
- Using the hooked/raked end of the second clip, gently push each pin up until all of them click into place.
- Once all the pins are in place, move the first paperclip in the same direction as before to open the lock.
B. Tips and tricks to ensure success!
- Make sure to use a sturdy paperclip or a similar object that won’t easily bend or break.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the lock or yourself.
- Experiment with different angles and pressure until you find what works best.
Bypassing the lock with a credit card
You’ve found yourself locked in… or out, there are no paper clips around and you don’t know how to open a lock in this situation. Luckily, most people nowadays always have cards on them. We’re looking for something with metal, like a credit card, to slip between the lock and the door frame, with the right moves the card will push the locking mechanism, allowing you to open the door.
Plastic cards also work as an alternative, although not as effectively. This method works best on spring-latch locks.
A. Step-by-step:
- Position the credit card above or below the lock mechanism, insert the card and move it around between the lock and the door frame.
- Push the card in as far as you can and apply pressure to the door handle.
- Once the card slides up the end of the latch, the lock should pop open, allowing you to open the door.
B. Tips and tricks to ensure success!
- Make sure to use a card that is thin enough to fit between the lock and the door frame.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid any damages.
- This method takes a bit of practice, so take your time and experiment with different angles and pressure until the card slides onto the latch.
Picking the lock with a tension wrench and pick made from everyday items, such as a bobby pin or hairpin
A tension wrench is a tool used to apply tension to the lock mechanism while the pick is used to manipulate the pins inside the lock.
Now that you know how to open a lock with a paperclip, this method is not much different. It involves using the tension wrench and a pick to manipulate the lock mechanism and release the latch. The process requires a bit of skill, but with practice, you can master it and open locks quickly and easily. Generally, a tension wrench can be purchased by itself, with a lockpicking kit, or you can improvise and use a screwdriver or a small piece of metal as a tension wrench.
A. Step-by-step:
- Get a bobby pin or a hairpin to use as a pick.
- Straighten out the bobby pin or hairpin to use as a pick, but leave one end shaped like a rake or hook to probe the pins.
- Get the tension wrench and insert it into the keyhole. Apply gentle tension in the direction you would normally turn the key.
- Use the pick to move the pins inside the lock by probing around and lifting them up until they reach the shear line, at which point they will fall into place, allowing the lock to open.
B. Tips and tricks to ensure success!
- Practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you will become at picking locks.
- Use a bobby pin or hairpin with a small curve or hook to make it easier to reach and lift the pins inside the lock.
- Apply gentle, consistent tension with the tension wrench to avoid damaging the lock mechanism.
Conclusion
And there you go! Three resourceful yet easy ways on how to open a lock without a key. Be it a paperclip, credit card, tension wrench, or hairpins, you would be surprised how many everyday items can turn into a key if a bad situation requires us to put our minds to it. These methods rely on the creativity and resourcefulness of the person attempting to open the lock and may not work on all types of locks.
Additionally, some of these methods may be illegal under particular circumstances, and it is not recommended to try and open a lock without proper authorization; for everyone’s safety, always remember that for any professional lockout needs, your friends at Ace Locksmith are always around! Give us a shout at any of our locations, any time and we’ll be there!
