We’ve all seen heroes and villains of every type picking locks with immense ease. But just how at risk are we from someone breaking into our homes or offices using lock picking, and how can we defend ourselves against such skilled thieves is something that we seriously need to ponder upon.
Often we see our beloved hero or the dastardly villain taking less than a minute to pick the lock of a door and then carry on with whatever adventure is underway – but how realistic is this? Should we just suspend our disbelief and appreciate this as a plot device, or is it actually possible?
The simple answer is yes, it is wholly possible. The portrayal of lock picking in media is notoriously inaccurate and often the methods or tools employed are completely unrealistic. This could be down to ignorance, or because producers are wary that they don’t want to give a “how to” lock pick tutorial.
The reality is, if you’re looking to learn lock picking, you don’t need to go too far to search. Lock picking tutorials are easy to find online, as are stores to buy lock picks. There are forums on how to beat certain locks and you can buy transparent locks to practice your picking skills with.
Still feeling secure behind your locked door? Perhaps stop reading here if you want that to continue.
Can you actually pick a lock with just a single paper clip?
We all remember how Macgyver would pick a lock with just about anything, or remember watching any number of scenes where the hero picks his or her way out of handcuffs or a locked door with some metal they have cleverly found or hidden away. In the longest yard Chris Rock famously picks a lock using an afro pick!
Take this scene from “In the Electric Mist”, which provides an example of inaccuracy in terms of tools used. The lock is picked in four seconds flat using a single tool – the pick alone. So is this actually possible, or just some Hollywood stunt?
In reality, in order to pick a lock, you need both a pick to manipulate the lock cylinders, and what’s known as a tension wrench in order to apply the rotational force on the cylinder. Here’s a more accurate example from “midnight run”, where you can see a tension wrench being used.
Be aware that it’s not as hard as you think to get started. There are tutorials online showing how to make lock picks and tension wrenches using simple bobby pins and paper clips.
How about the time it takes? In the example above the lock was picked in seconds flat. In reality it takes around 7-10 minutes on average for experts to pick most household locks. But bear in mind these are experienced professionals carrying out this task in a well lit, often stress free environment.
When picking locks ‘in real life’, the time it takes comes down to three main factors:
The age of the lock
The age of the lock can directly affect its security as most old locks are worn, have outdated technology and are therefore easier to pick and less secure. Although, in rare occasions, old poorly maintained locks can prove harder to break into due to their functionality being reduced, or the likely unfamiliarity with an older lock. Still, we advise that you replace and old lock with a newer version.
Experience and skill of the individual
As mentioned above, most locksmiths can enter average household in under ten minutes. But there are people for whom lock picking isn’t just a hobby or source of income, but their life passion. There are lock picking competitions where contestants travel from all around the world to showcase their skills and highlight the vulnerabilities of certain locks. They can beat almost any lock with mind numbing speed!
Types of lock
Not all locks are created equal. Locks exist with proofing and defence against lock picking in mind. The more secure your lock, the more time it will take for someone to break in. In fact, you may actually be given a discount if you can show you have a more secure lock.
Four pin tumbler
The average household door will feature a five pin tumbler lock. This is the overall standard of price versus security and as these locks are not all that expensive, they are not particularly secure.
In fact, there are numerous YouTube videos of these types of locks being picked, often in under a minute, and a variety of ways in which to “pick” them. This lock is seldom used in lock picking competitions as it is just too easy to beat.
With 3D printing technology, it’s even possible to print what’s known as a ‘bump key’ to open a 5 pin tumbler lock with no more information than the depth of the lock and a picture of the keyhole!
Multipoint locking systems
These systems operate by bolts locking into the door frame at multiple points at the turn of a key. They require a strong door and doorframe material, usually their locks are not any more secure than standard but the door itself is more of a secure barrier.
Deadbolts
Deadbolt locks typically provide the most security on residential doors. A deadlock is called so because it can only be unlocked by rotating the lock cylinder. The more common spring bolt lock uses a spring to hold the bolt in place, allowing it to be forced open. A deadbolt can therefore make a door more secure.
A single-cylinder deadbolt is operated by a key on the outside and by turning a lever on the inside. The double-cylinder is operated with a key on both the inside and outside.
Companies like Kwikset create secure locks which they claim to be unpickable – they even go so far as to donate them to lock picking competitions to prove their worth.
Keyless, and other alternatives
Rather than traditional locks, these mechanisms can use either rolling codes or your smartphone to open the door. You can even provide a code so that friends/family/others can enter your home without a key. Repeated wrong attempts can result in an alarm and they can even be configured to home security to prevent unwanted tampering.
How to stay secure
As the vast majority of the public have standard, fairly modern locks, it comes down to the experience and skill of individuals. In fact, even Fu Manchu, an orangutan in captivity at Omaha Zoo reportedly escaped by crawling through air ducts to reach a service door which he then “picked” using a metal tool. Admittedly he didn’t pick the lock mechanism itself, rather used the metal to “shimmy” the bolt, however it goes to show that the faith we place on a locked door and the feeling of security it gives us may be misplaced.
So, if it really isn’t that hard to pick a lock, what can you do to stay safe? One option is to install a security system – have a look at this article on how to choose the right burglar alarm.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
