How to Pick a Lock

Learning to pick a standard pin and tumbler lock shows just how vulnerable they really are. Pin and tumbler locks feature two pins (a driver pin and a key pin) in each channel, as well as a spring. When the proper key is inserted, each pin stack is lined up along what’s called the shear line and this allows the internal cylinder to rotate. The goal in picking a lock is to apply tension and push each pin stack upwards, causing the driver pin to move past the shear line and stay put. Once each pin

An Introduction to Lock Picking: How to Pick Pin Tumbler Locks