3 Easy Steps to Open a Lock with Bobby Pins

Bobby pins used to pick a lock

Unveiling the secrets of lock-picking, this guide empowers you with the knowledge and techniques to conquer the challenge of opening a lock with just two ordinary bobby pins. Whether you’re a seasoned locksmith or an eager beginner, prepare to delve into the intricate world of lock anatomy and the art of manipulation. With patience, precision, and the guidance provided, you’ll be unlocking doors and padlocks like a seasoned pro in no time.

Before embarking on this lock-picking adventure, it’s crucial to understand the inner workings of a typical pin tumbler lock. Visualize a series of small pins, each with a spring beneath it, arranged inside the lock cylinder. When the correct key is inserted, the pins align perfectly, allowing the cylinder to rotate and unlock the mechanism. Our mission is to replicate this alignment using two bobby pins, one acting as the pick and the other as the tension wrench.

To initiate the lock-picking process, insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole and apply gentle pressure, rotating the tool slightly to create tension. This tension simulates the turning of the key and keeps the pins in place. Simultaneously, guide the pick into the keyhole from the top and gently probe the pins. By applying light pressure, you’ll feel the pins give way as they align with the shear line, allowing the cylinder to rotate further. With each successful pin alignment, the lock weakens, and the ultimate prize – an unlocked mechanism – awaits your triumph.

Unlocking Basics: Understanding Bobby Pins as Tools

Bobby Pins and Their Functionality

Bobby pins, everyday hair accessories, possess an unexpected utility in the world of lockpicking. Their slim profile, flexibility, and versatility make them ideal for manipulating lock mechanisms. The two common types of bobby pins used in lockpicking are the standard bobby pin and the tension wrench.

Standard Bobby Pin: This type serves as the pick, inserted into the lock to interact with its internal components. Its wire-like shape and pointed end make it easy to navigate through the keyholes of standard pin tumbler locks.

Tension Wrench: When bobby pins are used in pairs, one performs the picking while the other creates tension. The tension wrench, made from a heavier bobby pin with its head bent at a 90-degree angle, applies gentle pressure to the lock’s plug, maintaining tension on its internal components.

Preparation: Choosing the Right Bobby Pins

Types of Bobby Pins

For lock picking, there are two main types of bobby pins: standard and security. Standard bobby pins are the most common type and are easily available at most stores. They are usually made of metal and have a wavy shape with two prongs that can be bent into different positions. Security bobby pins are similar to standard bobby pins, but they have a thicker wire and a smaller head. They are more difficult to bend, but they are also more durable.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the bobby pins you choose will depend on the lock you are trying to pick. For most locks, standard-sized bobby pins will be sufficient. However, for larger or more complex locks, you may need to use security bobby pins. Bobby pins with a wavy shape are generally easier to use than those with a straight shape.

Bendability

The bendability of the bobby pins is also an important factor to consider. Bobby pins that are too stiff will be difficult to bend into the correct positions, while bobby pins that are too flexible will not be able to provide enough tension to pick the lock. The ideal bobby pins will be flexible enough to be bent into any shape, but stiff enough to provide the necessary tension.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the type, size, shape, and bendability of the bobby pins, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing bobby pins for lock picking. These factors include:

Material: Bobby pins are typically made of metal, but they can also be made of plastic or other materials. Metal bobby pins are more durable, but they can also be more difficult to bend. Plastic bobby pins are less durable, but they are also easier to bend.
Coating: Some bobby pins have a coating that helps to protect them from corrosion. This coating can also make the bobby pins more difficult to bend.
Price: Bobby pins are relatively inexpensive, but the price can vary depending on the type, size, shape, and other factors.

Hooking the Lock: Inserting Bobby Pins into the Keyhole

Once you have the right bobby pins, it’s time to insert them into the keyhole. This can be a bit tricky, so here are some step-by-step instructions:

Choose two bobby pins and straighten them out completely.
Take one of the bobby pins and bend it into a hook shape at one end.
Insert the hooked bobby pin into the keyhole, with the hook facing down towards the pins.
Take the second bobby pin and insert it into the keyhole, next to the first bobby pin.
Apply slight pressure to both bobby pins and begin to gently jiggle them up and down.
Continue jiggling the bobby pins until you feel the pins inside the lock start to move.
Once the pins have moved, slowly turn the hooked bobby pin to rotate the lock.

If you’re having trouble, here are a few additional tips:

Make sure that the bobby pins are inserted far enough into the keyhole.
Don’t apply too much pressure to the bobby pins, or you could break them.
Be patient. It may take several minutes to open the lock.

Tip	Description
Use a small flashlight to illuminate the keyhole if necessary.
If you’re having trouble finding the pins inside the lock, try using a magnifying glass.
If you’re still having trouble, you may need to call a locksmith.

Setting the Shear Line: Aligning the Pins to Open

The most challenging part of lock picking with bobby pins is aligning the pins to set the shear line, which is the point where the pins will be held in place by the lock’s cylinder. To do this, you’ll need to use a bobby pin to push each pin up individually until it reaches the correct height.

The following steps outline how to set the shear line:

1. Insert the bobby pin into the lock and gently push it up on the first pin.

2. Apply light pressure and rake the bobby pin back and forth across the pin.

3. As you rake the pin, listen for a clicking sound. This sound indicates that the pin has been set to the correct height.

4. Once you hear the clicking sound, hold the bobby pin in place and move on to the next pin.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each pin in the lock. It’s important to be patient and precise during this process. Setting the shear line can take time and practice, but with patience, you’ll eventually be able to do it quickly and efficiently.

After you have set the shear line, you can turn the lock by applying pressure to the bobby pin that is holding the pins in place. If you have set the shear line correctly, the lock should turn smoothly and open.

Tension and Release: Applying Pressure to Turn the Lock

To open a lock with bobby pins, you’ll need to create tension on the lock’s keyhole while simultaneously pushing the pins upwards. This can be done by placing one bobby pin into the keyhole and applying pressure to the back of the lock, while using another bobby pin to lift up on the pins inside the lock.

To create tension, hold the lock in one hand and insert the tension wrench into the keyhole. Apply steady pressure to rotate the lock in the direction it would normally turn with a key. This tension will keep the pins from falling back into their locked positions.

To lift the pins, insert the pick into the keyhole and gently push it upwards. Start with the pin closest to the edge of the keyhole and work your way inwards. As you apply pressure to each pin, listen and feel for a slight click. This indicates that the pin has been lifted to the shear line and can be bypassed.

Continue lifting the pins until the lock opens. If you encounter a pin that is stuck, try applying more tension or using a different picking technique.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps involved in applying tension and release:

Step	Description
1	Insert the tension wrench into the keyhole.
2	Apply pressure to rotate the lock in the direction it would normally turn with a key.
3	Insert the pick into the keyhole.
4	Gently push the pick upwards on each pin, starting with the pin closest to the edge of the keyhole.
5	Listen and feel for a slight click as the pin is lifted to the shear line.
6	Continue lifting pins until the lock opens. If a pin is stuck, try applying more tension or using a different picking technique.

Dual-Pinning for More Complex Locks

Dual-pinning is an advanced technique for opening locks with multiple sets of pins. This method involves setting two pins at once, using two bobby pins simultaneously.

Mastering dual-pinning requires practice and patience. The steps are similar to single-pin picking, but with some key differences:

Insert the two bobby pins: Hold one pin in each hand, with the tips at a 45-degree angle to the keyhole.
Locate the pins: Wiggle the pins back and forth to determine which pins are setting.
Set the bottom pin: Push one pin down gently until it sets.
Lift the top pin: Use the other pin to lift the pin above the one you just set.
Check if it turns: Try to turn the lock. If it doesn’t, experiment with adjusting the position of the pins.
Repeat for other pins: Repeat steps 1-5 for the remaining pins in the lock.
Pressure and timing: Dual-pinning requires precise pressure and timing. Apply just enough pressure to set the pins without oversetting them. Additionally, find the rhythm that works best for you and stick to it.

Tip	Explanation
Use longer bobby pins	Longer pins provide more leverage and control.
Lubricate the pins	A small amount of lubricant can reduce friction and make it easier to set the pins.
Practice on multiple locks	Expose yourself to different lock mechanisms to build your skills.

Mastering dual-pinning takes time and effort but can significantly expand your lock-picking abilities. Remember to practice regularly, and you’ll eventually be able to open even the most complex locks with ease.

How To Open A Lock With Bobby Pins

Bobby pins are a common household item that can be used for a variety of purposes, including opening locks. While it may seem like a strange or unconventional method, it is actually quite simple and effective. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to open a lock with bobby pins.

To open a lock with bobby pins, you will need two bobby pins. One bobby pin will be used to create a tension wrench, and the other bobby pin will be used as the pick. The tension wrench is used to apply tension to the lock, while the pick is used to manipulate the pins inside the lock.

To make a tension wrench, simply bend the bobby pin in half at a right angle. The hook at the end of the bobby pin will be used to apply tension to the lock. To make a pick, simply bend the bobby pin at a 45-degree angle. The sharp end of the bobby pin will be used to manipulate the pins inside the lock.

Once you have made your tension wrench and pick, you are ready to begin picking the lock. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole and apply gentle pressure. Then, insert the pick into the top of the keyhole and begin to manipulate the pins. The pins will need to be lifted in a specific order in order to open the lock.

With a little practice, you will be able to open a lock with bobby pins in no time. This is a valuable skill that can come in handy in a variety of situations.