Lock picking do's and don'ts

In addition to picks and tension wrenches, other tools that may be used in lockpicking include rakes, which are used to rapidly manipulate the pins or other components of the lock, and key extractors, which are used to remove broken keys or other foreign objects from the lock.

It is important to note that while lockpicking tools can be legally purchased in many countries, it is illegal to use them to gain unauthorized access to property. Lockpicking should only be used for lawful purposes and with the permission of the owner of the property being unlocked.

Choosing the right lockpicking tool for a particular lock can be a challenging process that requires some knowledge of the lock's design and mechanism. Before attempting to pick a lock, it is important to understand the type of lock being picked and its level of security.

Some basic tools, such as a tension wrench and a few different types of picks, can be used to pick many types of locks. However, more specialized tools may be required for high-security locks or locks with unique designs or mechanisms.

Another method of opening a lock without traditional lockpicking tools is called "impressioning," which involves making a copy of the lock's key by inserting a blank key into the lock and manipulating it until it creates a working key. This method requires a significant amount of skill and patience, as well as specialized tools such as key blanks and files.

While bypassing and impressioning may be useful techniques in certain situations, they are generally considered more difficult and less reliable than traditional lockpicking methods. In addition, they may not work on all types of locks, particularly those with higher levels of security or more complex mechanisms.

There are several different techniques and methods that can be used in lockpicking, each of which may be better suited for certain types of locks or situations. Some of the most common techniques include:

Single pin picking (SPP): This technique involves manipulating each pin in the lock individually, using a pick and a tension wrench to apply pressure and feel for feedback from each pin. SPP is often considered the most precise and reliable method of lockpicking, but it can also be time-consuming and require a high level of skill.

Raking: Raking involves rapidly manipulating the pins or other internal components of the lock using a specialized pick, such as a rake or a bump key. This method can be faster than SPP and requires less skill, but it may not work on all types of locks and may be less reliable.

Impressioning: Impressioning involves creating a copy of the lock's key by inserting a blank key into the lock and manipulating it until it creates a working key. This method requires a high level of skill and specialized tools but can be useful when SPP or raking are not possible.