Lock Picking – A Skill That Should Be Used Responsibly

We see lock picking in movies, games and on rare occasions, on our activities. A lot of people are fascinated with the skill and there are some who tend to abuse such skill and use it for bad. Burglars are examples of people abusing the skill. However, many people who have used the skill appropriately have been lifesavers and have helped people out with emergencies. The people helping out in these kind of emergency situations are called locksmiths. Let us identify the tools used by both locksmiths and burglars.

image: farm6.staticflickr.com

image: farm6.staticflickr.com

Locksmiths are highly skilled technicians not only called for emergency locked out situations but also in repairing and installing locks and security systems. Together with their specific set of skills, are the lock picking tools that help them do their job efficiently.

Here are the most common tools used by people skilled in lock picking:

1. Tension tools – They are the most common tools used by locksmiths in which may take some time to master. They can also be called shaped tools and are used to push pins up. Tension tools are inserted inside the key hole in order to provide tension to the lock.

2. Wafer, Pin or Tumbler Picks – These tools are popular in North America and UK and are designed for wafer, pin or tumbler locks.  They come in sets and each set is composed of torsion wrench and picks that range from slagel, hook, half-diamond, rake or warded picks. A set usually have 9 to 32 pieces of picks in which each pick has its special function.

  • Rake Picks – they are used to rake the pins within the lock
  • Warded picks – also known as skeleton keys. They are used to open locks that utilize a common shape key
  • Half-Diamond picks – are designed for pin locks
  • Slagel picks – are used for electronic locks
  • Hook picks – are utilized for common or traditional locks

3. Pick Guns – You can choose to have a manual or automatic pick gun. Locksmiths prefer to use the manual type of pick gun since it allows them to use their knowledge and skills in timing and positioning. The manual pick gun possesses a trigger that allows the pin to jump within the lock.

Lock picking is a skill that has been used for years. Locksmiths are highly trained technicians that have been using the skill to make a living and help people in  emergencies. If you need more information about locksmith professional services, visit Seattle Locksmith Services and Solutions or Call Now at (206) 829-8169.