What is Lock Picking

It is simply the method whereby a lock is opened after proper analysis and manipulations of the components of that lock with the intent to open that lock without using the correct key. In most cases, no damage is done to the lock and the actions of the lock picker will not be discovered and therefore this is something completely different from destructive entry. However, more sophisticated lock picking which involves high-security systems such as safes or vaults is mostly referred to as safecracking. There is also another lock picking method which is known as bypassing and this is somewhat different to standard lock picking although those methods shares some similarities. When locks is manufactured there are always some irregularities and their presence makes lock picking possible. There are things such as small variations in the shape, the size and the alignment of certain lock components and this makes it possible to use picking tools to open those locks without actually having the correct key. For each different type of lock, it may be necessary to use a different lock picking method. There are people who are picking locks as a recreational hobby and these practices are known as lock sport.

The history of lock picking

Historians are fully aware that lock picking has existed for as long as locks have been manufactured and therefore their existence can be traced back more than 4000 years. Most of the early lock designs from those manufactured by the Romans until the invention of Barron's double-acting tumbler in 1778 relied almost exclusively on wards. Most of the available warded locks were opened by the use of a skeleton key. They were cut in such a way that they were able to pass any and all wards, which might be in the lock. There is a very wide definition for skeleton keys because this can include any instrument which could effectively open such a lock and this could even include a piece of bent wire. Eventually in 1778, Robert Barron patented the principle of all modern mechanical security locks, which became known as the double-acting movable detainer. From this point onwards lock picking require at least two instruments, one to apply binding pressure and the other instrument is then used to move any detainers present which is trying to prevent the movement of the bolt in a cylindrical lock.

There are many lock picking methods

Many methods have been developed over the years, which can be used to successfully pick a lock. Most professionals agree that there is no correct way to pick a lock and therefore every lock picker has their own preferences when it comes to lock picking tools. However, some favorite methods have been identified over the years and one of them is known as the single component picking method. This requires the person to have a pick, which has been designed to manipulate individual lock components. When it comes to single pin picking then the lock picker will concentrate on the irregularities of each individual component in order to determine as quickly as possible the order of binding as well as the proper position of each component situated in that lock. There is also many other lock picking methods.