Picking a Doorknob

Michael Peterson: Hello, my name is Michael Peterson. I've been an independent locksmith in Oak Park Illinois, for the last 10 years. Today I'm demonstrating basic lock picking techniques.

Now I'm going to show you how to pick a doorknob. In this demonstration I'll will using tension wrench in a basic pack. What you are trying to do is line up the pins inside of the cylinder to where the key raises them up to normally. To do this you have to manipulate the pins with the pack. To keep the pins at this position where they normally rest with the key, there has to be tension on the cylinder. To create this tension, use the tension wrench. You insert the tension wrench and put clockwise or counter wise turning pressure on the cylinder. When you pick the pins this will keep them in their position. Let's try, insert the tension wrench, put clock wise pressure on the cylinder.

Insert you pick and generally try to manipulate the pins. I'm trying to manipulate so they line up with a normally would if they where a key inserted into it. It's important that you be patient and gentle and take your time. You don't want to force the lock and you don't want to break a pick. Once the cylinder turns use a flathead screwdriver to turn the cylinder. Now the lock should now be unlocked. Before inserting a key use the flathead screwdriver to return the key way to the resting position. This will allow you how your key to work again.

In our next demonstration I'll be showing you how to pick single sided deadbold.


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