How to Pick Any Lock

A Complete Lock Picking Guide for Beginners

Alright, not every lock—there are thousands out there, and some are ridiculously obscure—but if you’re looking to pick the most common and widely used types, this is the guide for you.

Lock Types Covered:

• Pin Cylinder Locks
• Disc Detainer Locks
• Warded Locks
• Tubular Locks
• Cross Locks
• Chinese 'Smiley' Locks
• Combination Dial Wheel Padlocks
• Dimple Locks
• Wafer Locks
• Lever Padlocks
• Mortice & Curtained Lever Locks

 

Learning how to pick locks is a skill that blends precision, patience, and the right tools. This guide walks you through the main lock types you’ll encounter and gives you detailed instructions on how to open locks step-by-step. Whether you’re brand new or building on a foundation, this is your go-to guide for lock picking for beginners. Of course, 

I don’t dive into exhaustive detail here, but you’ll find everything you need to understand the fundamentals. This guide acts as a map, helping you navigate the landscape of each lock type covered. Where there are gaps, you’ll find links to tools, videos, and other resources to dig deeper. And if you’re still unsure about something, our team of experienced lock pickers is always here to help—just drop us an email.

We’re more than just a shop—we’ve built our reputation on being there for you for as long as you need us. Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more detailed guides and technique breakdowns. We also highly recommend the YouTube channel Lock Picking Legend, especially his playlist on cross-section locks—it’s one of the best visual resources out there. The reason we’re still the biggest lock picking website in the UK, nearly 20 years on, is simple: we don’t abandon you after the sale. In fact, it was the lack of support our founder experienced when buying lock picks online that inspired him to build this shop in the first place. So please make use of it!

Pin Cylinder Locks

The Foundation of Lock Picking

How They Work

Pin cylinder locks consist of two main parts: the housing and the plug (also commonly referred to as the core). Inside are pin stacks—each made up of a key pin and a driver pin. When you insert the correct key, the cuts on the key lift the key pins, which in turn raise the driver pins so that the split between them aligns perfectly with the shear line—the imaginary boundary between the plug and the housing.

When you apply tension to the plug, it creates a slight ledge at the shear line. This allows correctly lifted driver pins to catch and stay in place—they’re now “set.” You then move on to the next binding pin.

A binding pin is the one that’s currently being trapped between the housing and the core due to the tension you’re applying. You identify the binding pin by feeling along the pins with your pick and looking for the one that offers the most resistance. All pins will have a bit of resistance because of the small spring in each chamber, but the binding pin will feel noticeably stiffer—your tension is pressing it against the walls of the chamber, effectively wedging it in place. This concept of applying tension and trapping a pin (or lever) is at the heart of most lock picking techniques and locks.

Once a binding pin is correctly lifted to the shear line, it sets. When all the pins are set, there's nothing obstructing the plug from turning. Since you’ve already applied tension, the plug rotates—and the lock opens.

Tools You Need

• Tension wrench (aka turning tool or tension tool)

• Hook pick or rake

• Any decent lock picking set includes these tools. I would start with a BOK (bottom of keyway tension tool) as opposed to a TOK (top of keyway tension tool) for reasons that will become apparent as you develop your skills. But you can use either. Top of Keyway tension tool are amazing, and as you develop your skills, they are definitely worth getting. But in my experience, it's easier to learn with bottom of keyway tension tools.

How to Pick It (Step-by-Step)

Single Pin Picking (SPP):

1. Insert the tension tool into the keyway and apply very light torque.

2. Insert a hook pick and feel each pin from front to back.

3. Find the pin that feels firm (not springy)—this is your binding pin.

4. Slowly lift it until you feel or hear a slight click and sometimes a very subtle turn of the core.

5. Repeat until all pins are set and the lock opens.

Important Note: If you lift a key pin too far, it may get stuck between the plug and the housing—this is called an overset pin. It can block other pins from binding and prevent you from picking the lock. If you feel a click and a tiny turn of the plug but the lock won’t open, you’ve likely overset. Be patient and lift pins slowly.

Also, if the plug pushes back on your tension tool when picking, you’re dealing with a security pin, like a spool pin. This causes counter rotation—a false signal that the pin is set. If your tension wrench visibly moves, it’s likely a trap. Learn to feel and defeat counter rotation. There are great videos online explaining this in detail.

 

Raking:

1. Insert the rake.

2. Apply light tension.

3. Scrub the rake back and forth.

4. The lock may pop open after a few seconds.

5. ADVANCED TIPS: Rakes can also move up and down and be rocked. Combining all of these movements and the scrubbing technique will open more locks. The trick (as usual) is not to apply too much tension since this causes the pins to bind and can not only stop your rake from moving but can even break your rake. While raking, I like to 'pulse' the tension tool, which gives me a variation in tension which helps to accommodate the changing situation in the lock as different pins are set. 

Disc Detainer Locks

Rotating Discs That Demand Precision (more or less)

How They Work

Discs inside the lock rotate. When every disc is aligned to the correct angle, a sidebar falls into grooves on the discs, allowing the core to rotate.

Tools You Need

• Disc detainer pick with rotating tip and tensioning arm

How to Pick It

1. Insert the tool and turn the first few discs fully clockwise for tension.

2. Slide the tool deeper and feel each disc.

3. Skip loose discs and rotate binding ones slowly until they set.

4. Continue until the sidebar drops and the lock opens.

Warded Locks

The Easiest Locks to Open

A warded lock from the Master brand. A very low security lock that can be picked by ignoring the wards and pushing the actuator directly. Really? Yes, they're that easy.

 

How They Work

The wards are fixed obstacles that the key must bypass to reach the locking mechanism.

Tools You Need

• Skeleton key or Warded Pick Set (essentially a set of Skeleton Keys for warded locks)

• Hook pick (optional)

How to Pick It

1. Insert the skeleton key and twist or pull until the latch disengages.

2. If using a hook, guide it past the wards and manipulate the latch directly.

A set of Warded Lock Picks. That's pretty much all you need!

There’s not a great deal more to say about warded locks—they’re about as simple as locks get. Not only are they easy to open, but a Warded Pick Set will work on the vast majority of warded locks you’re likely to come across. The principle is straightforward: if you can reach the back of the lock and directly engage the actuator, you can open it. That’s exactly what warded picks are designed to do—bypass the internal obstructions and trip the mechanism cleanly.

Tubular Locks

Round Keys, Circular Pins

A tubular lock and two keys. Note the lock has a cut-away in both the inner and outer parts of the core. Dedicated picks have a post that fits the inner core, allowing you to apply tension easily. You can see the notch on the key, which does much the same thing. Imagine trying to turn the core without the notch in the key.

 

How They Work

Pins are arranged in a circle around a central post. The correct key pushes them all to the right depth. A pin-cylinder lock, but turned in a circle.

Tools You Need

• Tubular tension tool

• A Probe (a hook pick will work. Broken picks make great 'probes')

• Self-impressioning pick (optional)

You can make your own tubular tension tool, or if you’re patient, you can tension these with a standard tension wrench—but it’s fiddly. Especially when the dedicated tubular tension tools are available.

How to Pick It

Manual Picking:

1. Apply tension using the center post.

2. Probe each pin to find which ones are binding.

3. Push each binding pin until it clicks.

With Self-Impressioning Pick:

1. Reset the fingers to be flush.

2. Insert and apply tension.

3. Twist gently while rocking.

4. The lock will turn once the fingers match the pin depths.

One of the weaknesses of tubular locks is that you have a direct line of sight to all the pins. This makes them significantly easier to pick than standard pin cylinder locks. In essence, a tubular lock is just a pin cylinder that's been wrapped into a circle rather than arranged in a straight line. The underlying principles of picking remain much the same.

If you're planning to buy a tubular lock pick, make sure you get one that matches the number of pins in your lock. Most tubular locks are seven-pin, but eight- and ten-pin versions are becoming more common, so always check before purchasing.

Also, take note of whether the tubular core has a cut-away notch. Newer SouthOrd tubular picks feature a removable post, which is essential for locks without a cut-away. Locks without the notch are trickier to tension, since the tool has nothing to grip. However, you can still pick them by slightly tilting the tool to gain some purchase—just be patient and keep steady pressure.

Cross Locks

A Four-Way Challenge

The keyway of a Cross or Cruciform lock. The red dot assists with correct orientation. 

How They Work

Cross locks feature four sets of pins arranged on different axes, all of which need to be picked for the lock to open. The keyway forms a cross shape—hence the name—and they’re also known as cruciform locks.

Because cross locks typically don’t use security pins, they can often be raked open with relative ease. As you’ve probably already figured out, raking tends to hit a wall when you’re dealing with security pins. That said, when I come across a pin cylinder that does have security pins, I’ll usually rake it for about 10 seconds anyway—just to set any standard pins I can. That way, I might only need to single pin pick a few pins rather than all five or six.

But back to cross locks...

Tools You Need

• Tension tool (best: Specialist Tubular Tension Tool)

• Hook or snake rake

• Cross pick (specialty rake for these locks)

A set of three Cross Picks for cross and crucifrom locks.

How to Pick It

1. Insert tension tool and apply light torque.

2. Rake each axis one at a time.

3. Or use a cross pick to rake all axes simultaneously.

4. Alternatively, SPP each pin—more reliable but slower.

Smiley Dimple Locks

China’s Rising Lock Export

How They Work

These locks resemble pin cylinders but without driver pins. A sidebar drops into grooves on the key pins.

Mostly manufactured in China, they are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the US.

Tools You Need

• Dimple flag picks

• Two-prong or pry-bar style tension tool

How to Pick It

1. Insert tension tool and apply torque.

2. Use the flag pick to lift each key pin until the sidebar drops.

3. You can also rake with a dimple rake or automotive wafer rake.

Dial Wheel Combination Locks

Playful Decoding Challenges

Master 'Pro Series' (that makes me laugh, as you get further into lock picking you'll understand why). Note the wheels along the bottom.

 

How They Work

Dials align gaps or gates that allow the locking bar to disengage.

Tools You Need

• Your hands

• Decoding Miniknife tool 

There are many techniques, and the trick is to play with the lock. Depress the shackle, try the wheels, and feel for clicks, resistance, or changes. Spend time exploring “tells.”

Many of these techniques also apply to push-button key safes. Try different methods and learn to detect subtle feedback. YouTube has a ton of decoding tutorials for both dial wheel and push-button locks.

 

Dangerfield 2pc Miniknife set. Many great uses, including decoding wheel combination locks and push button keysafe type locks.

 

Some wheel combination locks allow you to insert the miniknife and feel for 'flats' on the spindle next to the wheels. The correct number is usually one or two numbers after or before the flat. Find the flat for each wheel and experiment.

Additionally, there's a Masterlock ( I think it's the No 175) and O.E.M. copies, where you can insert a mini knife tool or similar through next to the third wheel from the left and engage the actuator directly. Simply applying a bit of leverage opens the lock.

Dimple Locks

Flat Keys, Horizontal Keyways

 

A decent set of dedicated Dimple Lock Picks. They look like little flags and allow you to exploit the large keyway of dimple locks and turn the round handle, causing the flag to turn upwards towards the dimples.

 

How They Work

Dimple locks are essentially pin cylinder locks where the key is rotated 90°. Instead of hitting the top of the blade, the pins hit the flat side.

Tools You Need

• Flag picks (specialty tools that look like tiny flags)

• Z-wrench or dedicated Dimple Lock Tensioner

Flag picks allow you to tilt inside the keyway, which rotates the flag tip and pushes the dimple upward. You can use standard picks, but they’re not ideal. A proper set of flag picks is essential if you want to get good at dimple lock picking.

 

The absolute creme of dimple picks, The Multipick G-Pro Flag Pick Set. Exquisite in every way except price! But they'll last you a lifetime.

 

How to Pick It

1. Insert your Z-wrench and apply torque.

2. Use the appropriate flag to push pins to shear.

3. Watch for security pins like spools—use counter rotation techniques as needed.

 

Mul-T-Lock Integrator Dimple Lock with Key. Note how the cuts, or 'dimples' are on the flat of the key and not on the top of the blade as usual.

Wafer Locks

Wafer Lock outside of the housing. The key (or the picking) causes the wafers to stay INSIDE the lock and therefore it can turn.

 

Simple, But Everywhere

How They Work

Flat spring-loaded wafers block the plug from turning unless aligned.

 

Wafer Rakes - will open LOADS of wafer locks including cabinets, lockers, drawers, and even older vehicles. A must-have set of rakes. These will open single-sided and double-sided wafer locks.

 

Tools You Need

• Tension tool

• Hook or rake

• Jiggler keys (optional, but excellent)

• Wafer Rakes (optional, but also excellent)

 

Medium Jigglers, a deceptively effective set of tools. Also available in Mini and 'Auto' (for vehicles). There's even a set of Pin Cylinder Jigglers.

 

How to Pick It

1. Apply tension.

2. Probe each wafer to find binders and push them down.

3. Rake lightly to get quick opens.

4. Jiggler keys often work immediately.

5. Select a Wafer Rake, rake in and out while applying tension. If the lock doesn't open, try another rake.

A single sided wafer lock with keys.

 

Lever Padlocks

Heavy-Duty, Old-School Locks

An old Chubb Battleship Lever Padlock. You can make a tension tool from the key and it will work on all Chubb Battleships. You can get a Dedicated Chubb Battleship Lock Pick

 

How They Work

Levers inside must be lifted to precise heights for the bolt to move.

Tools You Need

• Tensioner (can be made from an old key)

• Pick wire

• Dedicated Lever Padlock Pick (optional)

You can fashion a tensioner from an old key for the padlock you’re picking. For example, with a Chubb Battleship:

• Remove all of the flag except the last couple mm—that’s your bolt thrower.

• File the stem flat so you can rest your pick wire on it.

• Bend your pick wire at 90° to match the highest part of the original key’s flag.

An RB Locktools Dedicated Chubb Battleship Lock Pick. One wheel applies tension and eventually throws the bolt, the other wheel moves the pick.

 

Be careful when modifying the key—take off too little rather than too much. Plenty of YouTube guides show how to do this properly.

How to Pick It

1. Insert your bolt thrower and apply tension.

2. Insert the wire and probe each lever.

3. Lift each one to the correct height.

4. When all are set, the bolt will move and the lock will open.

Mortice & Curtain Lever Locks

High Skill, High Reward, Can be high price.

 

The actual 'curtain' from inside a curtain mortice lock, designed to prevent access to the levers unless you have the key. Or a Curtain Lock Pick

 

There’s a bit of confusion when it comes to mortice locks—and it proves George Bernard Shaw’s old line: “England and America are two countries separated by the same language.”

In the UK, a mortice lock is a specific type of lock installed inside a pocket—or mortice—cut into the edge of a door. These are typically lever-based and are often seen as a traditional, high-security option. Think 5-lever mortice deadlocks on external doors—solid, no-nonsense, and usually separate from the handle.

In the US, though, the term is spelled mortise (with an “s”) and can refer to something quite different. Over there, a mortise lock usually means a large, rectangular lock case—common in commercial buildings and older homes. These locks are modular, more complex, and often include a handle, latch, and deadbolt in one integrated unit. They're usually cylinder-driven, not lever-based.

So, while both versions involve a lock embedded inside the door, the details differ:

• UK mortice lock = lever-based, usually with a separate handle.

• US mortise lock = cylinder-based, often part of a full lockset in a boxy metal case.

Two names, one general idea, very different guts. If you're picking or replacing one, make sure you know which side of the Atlantic you're on.

---

Things get even murkier once you're deep in UK (and European) territory, because there are two types of mortice locks: curtained and non-curtained. Both are lever locks at heart, but the curtain changes the game. We'll go with the UK definitions since we're talking about lever locks here.

A curtained mortice lock includes a small, rotating metal disc—the curtain—that sits just behind the keyway. Its purpose? To block direct access to the levers, making life harder for anyone trying to manipulate them without the key. But lock pickers are nothing if not inventive. Enter the curtained mortice pick set.

These sets typically include a long tensioner with a groove running down its length. A fine pick needle sits in that groove. First, you insert the tool into the lock, then rotate it 180 degrees—this spins the curtain out of the way. Once that’s done, the tensioner (which usually includes a bolt thrower) and the pick needle have free access to the levers. From there, it’s all about lifting each lever to its correct height so the gate sits on the stump—classic lever lock picking.

Non-curtained mortice locks, on the other hand, are far simpler. There’s no curtain to bypass, so pickers often use a 2-in-1 pick: two tensioning arms on a shaft, with a pick and bolt thrower at the tip. One arm tensions the bolt, the other picks the levers one by one. As with curtained locks, the goal is to lift each lever until the gate (a cut-out in the lever) aligns perfectly on the stump, allowing the bolt to throw.

Picking Tip of a 2 in 1 Pick for Non-Curtained Mortice Locks and some safes. Available in different gauges.

There are over a hundred variations of both curtained and non-curtained lever locks, and manufacturers are constantly upping the ante with added security features like false gates and anti-pick notches. But fundamentally, they work the same way. The difference lies in how you get access to the levers, not what you do once you’re in.

How They Work - Summary

Like lever padlocks, but with a rotating curtain to block access to the levers in Curtained Mortice Locks. 

Picking these locks is a serious step-up. Wait until you know your way around pin-cylinders, then standard lever padlocks before tackling these, and start with non-curtained mortice locks. You can purchase the 2 in 1 Lever Lock Pick to make things easier. But advanced pickers can make such picks using piano wire and a few tools.

Tools You Need

• Curtain mortice lock pick tools, 2 in 1 lever lock picks 

• Homemade tensioners and picking wires (advanced)

Era Fortress Curtained Mortice 5 Lever Lock

How to Pick It

1. Insert your curtain tool, insert your picking needle, rotate pick 180 degrees, apply tension and start manipulating the picking needle looking for binding levers. The 2 in 1 pick doesn't require a 180 degree rotation since after insertion you have direct access to the levers. Apply tension, pick levers.

2. Lift each to the correct height. When all are set, because you're applying tension (much like picking most lock types) the bolt moves, and the lock opens.

Curtain picks are expensive. You may need to adjust or custom-build needles for specific locks. YouTube has many great tutorials—watch a few hours' worth before diving in.

You're not being put off—just managing expectations so you don’t get demoralized.

Pro Tip: You can purchase our 15 Piece 3 Lever Try-Out Keys for 3 Lever non-curtained mortice locks. A must-have in any locksmith's bag. You insert the try-out key UPSIDE-DOWN and manipulate the levers directly, jiggling them to trick the lock into thinking it's the right key while applying turning tension so the lock can open when all the levers are set, Like most of these things, there's loads of high-quality YouTube videos about curtained and non-curtained lever locks.

The tips of the 15 Piece Try-Out Keys for Non-Curtained Mortice Locks. Be careful sourcing these from non-specialist shops since the precision required is usually lacking, and they often guess the patterns to appear to be what they are not. There was a spate of them going around a few years ago, and they gave what is a great tool quite a bad reputation. You can see the effect a quality set has here in a VIDEO.

Final Word

This guide shows you how to pick the main lock types you’ll face. From pin cylinders to curtain lever locks, the core ideas remain the same: apply torque, find the binder, and lift or rotate it into place. Learn the basics, then expand. Build your lock picking set around what you want to conquer next—and don’t forget to enjoy the process.

LEVEL UP: How to Pick Spool Pins (VIDEO)

LEVEL UP: How Safe Is My Home? Interview With a Thief

LEVEL UP: Put Simply: The Binding Pin Principle

And remember, we're always here if you have any lock picking questions. Hello@UKBumpKeys.com

Chris Dangerfield