Lock Picking (for fun...)

michael_w
michael_w Posts: 2,813
edited April 2024 in Clubhouse Archives
Kind of a long shot but does anyone here pick locks? I recently acquired a text file that is a scan of the book Secrets of Lock Picking by Steven Hampton and have found it to be pretty interesting; scary at times but definatly interesting.

I've read through the book and have been trying my best on a pin tumbler padlock, but am having no luck. I'm not sure if I just need a lot more practice or my tools aren't up to the task (possibly the tension wrench I'm using?). I can't seem to get the pins to break and stay there. Amazingly I've been able to get the first pin to break about three times but after that I've had troubles getting it to break again.

Anyone fiddle with this stuff as a hobby or profession? I'm looking for any tips on technique or tool crafting that might help here. In the meantime I'll be poking and prodding away at my little padlock.

Thanks!
Michael
Post edited by Ryan_Soundunited on
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Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,676
    edited January 2006
    All you other Canadians, LOOK OUT!!!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • michael_w
    michael_w Posts: 2,813
    edited January 2006
    Hehe thanks....

    I just found a different guide and have been flipping through that. It shows of how different locks have the holes drilled differently which means you have to set the pins in a certain order... probably why I've not been able to have much luck just trying the front pin first.
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  • BobMcG
    BobMcG Posts: 1,585
    edited January 2006
    I just forwarded a copy of this post to the one and only organization that can give you the kind of help and attention you need...




























    The Office of the Royal Canadian Mounties. :D:D:D:D
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited January 2006
    Just use liquid nitrogen and a sledgehammer.
    Never Forget
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  • BIZILL
    BIZILL Posts: 5,432
    edited January 2006
    shoot the lock with a 10mm glock.

    POLK SDA-SRS 1.2TL -- ADCOM GFA-5802
    PANASONIC PT-AE4000U -- DIY WILSONART DW 135" 2.35:1 SCREEN
     ONKYO TX-SR805
    CENTER: CSI5
    MAINS: RTI8'S
    SURROUNDS: RTI8'S
    7.1 SURROUNDS: RTI6'S
    SUB: SVS PB12-PLUS/2 (12.3 series)
    XBOX 360    WiiPS3/blu-rayTOSHIBA HD-A35 hd dvd

    http://polkarmy.com/forums/index.php
    bobman1235 wrote:
    I have no facts to back that up, but I never let facts get in the way of my arguments.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited January 2006
    michael w, Let me know when you plan of visiting Yellowknife so I can increase the security system. I'll just put raw meat outside so the Grizzly will smell it.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • michael_w
    michael_w Posts: 2,813
    edited January 2006
    But will a grizzly be able to handle the wrath of Michael weilding liquid nitrogen, a sledgehammer and a 10mm glock?? I'd get my **** kicked but anyways....

    For anyone that might care... I found out the tension wrench was not quite working properly. Fixed that and now I need a new pick because the one I'm using is bending due to the extra force required to set the pins. Time to have at 'er on a piece of metal with a hacksaw and file and craft some decent tools :D
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited January 2006
    michael you are beginning to scare me. What in the world are you up to?
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • michael_w
    michael_w Posts: 2,813
    edited January 2006
    Okay I'm on winter holidays so I'm off school. I had planned on doing a lot of snowboarding but with the lack of snow, me being sick, and my messed up knee that isn't going to happen for a while. I have to find at least a few things to occupy my time ;)

    Does it not intrigue anyone in the least about learning to get in or out of anything locked using no more than a paperclip and a screwdriver? My intentions with this are purely hobby orientated -- I don't plan on breaking in anywhere, I'm just damn bored right now.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited January 2006
    Actually the lock thing is interesting. On the other hand, a girlfriend may be a little more entertaining. Good luck michael and hope you have a speedy recovery.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2006
    all I`m gonna say is ...

    The tension tool is key..
    and learning to feel the tension is also kkkkkkkkkkeeee
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,676
    edited January 2006
    C4 is quicker.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2006
    stealth brother steeeeeeeees, ;xlm;x ''ad,
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,918
    edited January 2006
    FWIW: The famous, brilliant, and rather wacky physicist, Richard Feynman, was also a lock picker in his spare time.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited January 2006
    "Work the lock, don't look at the dogs."

    Anybody remember where that quote comes from?
    Never Forget
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  • Skynut
    Skynut Posts: 2,967
    edited January 2006
    Sounds not only intertaining but also like a good way to score more equipment. :D
    Skynut
    SOPA® Founder
    The system Almost there
    DVD Onkyo DV-SP802
    Sunfire Theater Grand II
    Sherbourn 7/2100
    Panamax 5510 power conditioner (for electronics)
    2 PSAudio UPC-200 power conditioners (for amps)
    Front L/R RT3000p (Bi-Wired)
    Center CS1000p (Bi-Wired) (under the television)
    Center RT2000p's (Bi-Wired) (on each side of the television)
    Sur FX1000
    SVS ultra plus 2

    www.ShadetreesMachineShop.com
    Thanks for looking
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  • propman07
    propman07 Posts: 52
    edited January 2006
    PolkThug wrote:
    "Work the lock, don't look at the dogs."

    Anybody remember where that quote comes from?

    LURKING

    Magnum P.I.

    /LURKING
    David

    HT Setup
    Display: Sony KDF-60XS955
    Receiver: Sony STR-DA5000ES
    Front Main: Polk RTi10
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surround: Polk FXi3
    Subwoofer: SVS-PB12-ISD
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  • LiquidSound
    LiquidSound Posts: 1,261
    edited January 2006
    I think I just saw that episode! Didn't he steal the Ferrari right afterwards?

    "I know what you're thinking"
    Two Channel Main
    Receiver - VSX-54TX
    Mains - Csi40's
    Sub - Spiked Velodyne Cht-8 On Spiked Landscaping Stones

    "If you could put speakers in a needle, I'd never see him again..." - My Girlfriend
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited January 2006
    I once used a Sledgehammer on my entry door in the garage, lock keys in house.

    Sledgehammer WON / Door LOST :(

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited January 2006
    There's a terrific lock picking apprenticeship program available in Virginia. Tuition is reasonable, and the campus sounds charming:
    wallensridge.jpg
    Wallens Ridge State Prison, Big Stone Gap, Virginia
    "As the sun sinks, evening rises on Wallens Ridge.
    The valleys darken first, and then the face of the mountain fades.
    At last, only the peaks are lined with light.
    When this happens the coils of razor wire gleam like gold,
    and the prison, for a moment, is lovely." ;)
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  • ledhed
    ledhed Posts: 1,088
    edited January 2006
    I also have dabbled a bit in lockpicking and am planning on picking it up more in the summer. An easy way to make tools is buy using a hacksaw blade and filing or grinding it into the shape you need. Also, search Wikipedia for lockpicking and there is a link at the bottom to some VERY good websites about the subject.
    God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8
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  • Skynut
    Skynut Posts: 2,967
    edited January 2006
    If you are making your own tools then consider using metal banding material.
    I frequently make slim jims out of this to help my employees that often lock their keys in their cars.
    Skynut
    SOPA® Founder
    The system Almost there
    DVD Onkyo DV-SP802
    Sunfire Theater Grand II
    Sherbourn 7/2100
    Panamax 5510 power conditioner (for electronics)
    2 PSAudio UPC-200 power conditioners (for amps)
    Front L/R RT3000p (Bi-Wired)
    Center CS1000p (Bi-Wired) (under the television)
    Center RT2000p's (Bi-Wired) (on each side of the television)
    Sur FX1000
    SVS ultra plus 2

    www.ShadetreesMachineShop.com
    Thanks for looking
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  • michael_w
    michael_w Posts: 2,813
    edited January 2006
    Thanks for the tips people. I made myself a nice hook pick with a metal strap thing I had lying around and a grinder. I also ground down an allen key for a torque wrench but I'm thinking I'll need something better than that...

    Cool links too. It's nice to see pictures along with the words as most guides are just plain text.

    I think tomorrow I'll take a visit to the hardware store and see what might work well as a torque wrench and maybe a diamond pick.
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited January 2006
    F' the lock picking crap / go for Safe Cracking ;)


    Bigger Bucks :D

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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