LOCK PICKING by: Black Cobra So you want to be a criminal. Well, if you are wanting to be like james bond and open a lock in fifteen seconds, go to hollywood because that's the only place your gonna do it. Even experienced locksmiths can spend 5 to 10 minutes on a lock if they're unlucky. If you are looking for extremely quick access, look elsewhere. The following instructions will pertain mostly to the "lock-in-knob" type lock, since it is the easiest to pick. If there is sufficient demand, I will later write a file discussing the other forms of entrance, including dead-bolt first of all, you need a pick set. If you know a locksmith, get him to make you a set. This will be the best possible set for you to use. If you find a locksmith willing to supply a set, don't give up hope. It is possible to make your own, if you have access to a grinder (you can use a file, but it takes forever.) The thing you need is an allen wrench set (very small). These should be small enough to fit into the keyhole slot. Now, bend the long end of the allen wrench at a slight angle..(Not 90 deg.) It should look something like this: #1 \\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ (this is the handle \\\ that was already \\\ (here.) \\\ \\\ \\\ now, take your pick to a grinder or a file and smooth the end (#1) until it's rounded so it won't hang inside the lock. Test your tool out on doorknobs at your house to see if it will slide in and out smoothly. Now, this is where the screwdriver comes in. Is it small enough for it and your pick to be used in the same lock at the same time, one above the other ? Lets hope so, because that's the only way your gonna open it. In the coming instructions, please refer to this chart of the interior of a lock: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx| k # # # # # # | e # # # # | y * * | h * * * * * * | o | l | e xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx| #= upper tumler pin *= lower tumler pin x= cylinder wall (this is a greatly simplified drawing) the object is to press the pin up so that the space between the upper pin and the lower pin is level with the cylinder wall. Now, if you push a pin up, its tendancy is to fall back down, right ? That is where the screwdriver comes in. Insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn. This tension will keep the "solved" pins from falling back down. Now, work from the back of the lock to the front, and when you're through..... There will be a click, the screwdriver will turn freely, and the door will open. Don't get discourage on your first try! It will probably take you about 20-30 minutes your first time. After that you will quickly improve with practice. This is by no means the most efficient way of entering a house. If you would like another item or two devoted to these other ways, let the sysop know. Eof