DIY Lock Picking: Crafting Your Own Tools from Household Items

In the realm of lock picking, many enthusiasts and beginners start their journey by creating their very own lock picking tools. Traditional lock picks were often made using materials at hand, such as forks, paper clips, and even worn-out coping saw blades. Today, we'll explore how you can make your own basic lock picking tools using household items like bobby pins and paperclips. This guide will teach you how to create both a bobby pin and paperclip pick and tension wrench, helping you to pick locks without the need for specialized equipment.

Materials Needed

Bobby pin (with straight and wavy sections) Paperclip Pliers Small screwdriver (for reshape purpose) Dremel (if reshaping is needed)

DIY Bobby Pin Pick and Tension Wrench

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Bobby Pin Pick

Remove Rubber Tips: Remove the rubber tip from the straight side of the bobby pin. Be cautious with your teeth as an alternative, but beware of potential injury. Straighten the Bend: Straighten out the bend in the bobby pin using your fingers to start and pliers if necessary. Aim for a single aligned shaft. Create a 45-Degree Hook: Clamp the pliers over the last 1 cm (0.39 in) of the straight end, pinch with your free hand, and bend the tip at a 45-degree angle. You can go up or down, but aim for precision. Make a Second Bobby Pin Tension Wrench: Similar to the pick, straighten the outermost bend of another bobby pin and bend it into an L-shape. Refine the bends if necessary.

DIY Paperclip Pick and Tension Wrench

Prepare the Paperclip: Straighten out the outermost bend of the paperclip, creating a straight shaft roughly equal in length to the remaining curved section. Use metal paperclips at least 4 cm (1.6 in) long. Create a Tension Wrench: Unfold the second paperclip into an elongated U shape, straighten the innermost bend, and flatten the U-shaped curve. Bend the last 2.5 cm (0.98 in) of the base at a right angle. Twist the straight sections around each other 2-3 times with pliers for added durability.

Creating the Lock Pick and Tension Wrench

Once you have both picks and tension wrenches, it's time to practice lock picking. However, remember to only pick locks you have explicit permission to do so. This skill is valuable for security professionals, but for recreation, it's important to handle it responsibly.

Conclusion

DIY lock picking is not only an art but also a practical skill with security implications. By understanding the basics of creating your own lock picks from household items, you can explore this fascinating field without spending a fortune. Whether you're a hobbyist or someone interested in home security, the knowledge gained from these homemade tools can be incredibly useful.