Once this has happened, it allows the plug to turn and the lock is open. When the correct key is inserted, the split between the pairs of driver pins and key pins lines up along the edge of the plug where it meets the housing of the lock. The top, or ‘driver pin’, and the bottom, or ‘key pin’. The plug is prevented from turning by a series of pins, which obstruct the plug. There’s a central core or ‘plug’ that needs to rotate to open the lock.

Pin Cylinders are the most widely used locks in use today. His locks were so successful many people today refer to pin cylinder locks simply as ‘Yale’ locks, due to the success of that brand. However, they were popularised by Linus Yale Jr., who drew on the Egyptian design and patented his pin cylinder in 1851. The Pyramids of ancient Egypt had wooden locks that most resemble pin cylinder locks. The pin cylinder locking mechanism is probably the oldest of locking mechanisms. How to recognise them, how their configuration works (e.g., do they have pins, wafers, levers, or discs), and how to pick such locks to open them without the key.Ī Eurolock with a pin cylinder locking mechanism Let’s look at each of these locking mechanisms in detail. So, when I am asked “what picks do I need for a padlock?’ I need to know what type of padlock, meaning - what is the locking mechanism? You can get padlocks that use all five of these mechanisms. To understand the distinction more clearly, let’s consider padlocks.

While there are many different types of specialist lock mechanisms, of the ones you’ll likely encounter in your everyday life, and moreover ones that can be picked with tools, there are five main types you can learn how to pick : In this guide we’re going to focus on the locking mechanism, the way the lock works inside, and more importantly, the picks you’ll need to pick a lock given its internal mechanism. For instance, the word ‘padlock’ refers to the housing of a lock mechanism, but padlocks can use many different locking mechanisms. Things can get a little bit complicated because we need to establish whether we’re talking about the locking mechanism, or the lock housing. One of these locks may well be your first lock to pick. While there are many locks, I think we should focus on the most popular, the type of locks you’re likely to encounter in the real world, and will probably recognise from having seen around. It’s the question I get asked the most “What lock pick do I need for this lock,” next to “How to pick a lock?” In this guide, I’m going to explain the necessary tools to pick a lock, so you understand precisely what lock picks work for which locks!įirst of all, let’s look at the different lock types before learning how to pick them. Here’s How to Pick a Lock and Pick the Set You Need

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