Many people view lock. picking set as a skill only accessible to members of the criminal underworld, claiming that those who learn it must have nefarious intent. We believe that this is a shameful misconception, because not only are basic lock picks handy for everyday applications like helping a friend unlock their house, but they’re also wicked fun to use. In the event of a mass-societal collapse or pandemic, having a set of these tools on hand could be invaluable.

Unlocking the World of Lock Picking: Tools and Techniques for Beginners

A standard lock pick set contains a tension wrench and a selection of hook, rake, and shim-type picks. Among these, the standard short hook is the most popular and versatile choice; mastery of this pick is often correlated with mastery of lock picking itself. Other popular picks include the gem, which adds a short, pointed tip to the original short hook for extra reach and maneuverability, and the half diamond, which provides a little more depth of cut than the standard short hook.

Start by inserting your tension wrench into the lock and applying gentle pressure to the plug, maintaining a consistent pressure on the wrench throughout the entire process of picking the lock. Next, probe around with your pick for the first binding pin. It will feel different than the other pins and be stiffer to lift. Once you find it, slowly raise the pick and gauge how much pressure you’re putting on the pin. If you notice the plug rotate slightly or hear a click, the first pin is now set and it’s time to move on.