Whether your 5-year-old accidentally locks themselves in the bathroom or you’re looking to upgrade your own home security system, lock opening tools are essential. These specialized picking instruments allow you to bypass the lock’s keyhole and open the door from the inside without having to break down the door or call for a professional locksmith. Typically, they’re made to conform to a generalized key shape, making them easy for you to manipulate and operate. They also tend to be smaller and more lightweight, making it easier for you to maneuver them in tight spaces.

Unlocking the World of Lock Opening Tools: A Comprehensive Guide

There are many different types of lock picking tools, and it’s important to invest in a high-quality set that accommodates the style of picking you wish to learn. However, you’ll progress much faster by spending more money on one or two high-quality tools that accommodate the technique that you’re learning than you would by buying a set that includes 17 different picks with only slight variations in their feedback.

Once you’ve identified a set of lock opening tools that fit your needs, it’s time to start practicing. Insert a pick into the keyway and begin feeling for the pins using the tool’s tip. Gently probe each pin to gauge how they feel and identify the first one that binds (resists) more than the others. This is the first binding pin, and it will need to be set in order for you to successfully open the lock.