Open a Padlock with One Paperclip, Nothing Else

Make a wrench and pick with one paper clip, with no tools, for opening cheap padlocks.

Materials:

1 paper clip

Step 1 One paperclip is actually two tools

Break your paper clip in the middle, and bend those two pieces open. You should have two similar looking "L"s.

Comments

[coolo52]

i can now pick a padlock i have using raking and a poor excuse for a w rake made of a paperclip

[coolo52]

i cant do this :(, anyone got any tips on learning how to pick a lock

[escher7]

Guys - This is not how to learn. Google lockpicking, make or buy some real picks and tension tools and practice. This is OK for those of us that know how, but for newbies it is way too hard.

[solomonhorses]

Good work, man! Excellent instructable! Nice little trick to know, dirty and simple. Keep up the good work!

[GfxJG]

Would this also work on a regular lock, on a door?

[evindrews]

Is it easy to do it in the night? Do i need a flash light? lolz..

[mendoncajoao]

it depends... Are you going to use this at night? Maybe you will need it...

[Antonio.SKUXX]

BIGGEST GHOST.... got caught trying to brake into school..... NOWW I'AM SUSPENDED!!!!! Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!

[daredevil499]

Why would you try to break into school in the first place?

[mendoncajoao]

I was wondering the same thing... maybe he meant to say break OUT of school?

[reddevved]

"just make it work, if you don't, you may have to saw your leg off."
Or you could saw the lock off.

[ladieslilman98]

it was humorous...i dont actually think he seriously suggested that

[reesarcher]

SSSSSSSSSSWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEAAAAAAATTTTTTT

[combatcarl]

FFFFAAAALLLLLEEEEE

[average joe 1999]

FFFFFAAAAAIIIIILLLLL

[Edwin_T]

I think you mean 'Sweet" because "sweat" is the salty water that your body emits in aid to cool you down when you are starting to dehydrate.

[hatchetsarefun]

Last I checked, sweating is like the act dehydrating, it doesn't prevent dehydration. It does, however, help keep you cool, as you said.

[brittain123]

nerds

[Meuryn]

Hahahaha

[Antonio.SKUXX]

...Gonna TRY IT TONIGHT!!!!! Wish me LUCK!....

[gu21n]

Bee Gees =P

[escher7]

This might open some pin tumblers, but unskilled folks won't be too successful. You could also use the system to pick filing cabinet locks which are wafer tumblers and being sloppier mechanisms are much easier. Finally, if the padlock is a simple warded lock, you could bend the tip into a T shape and open them as well. Good luck! (If you really want to pick locks go online, Google lockpicking, order a beginners set of picks and a beginners' book and go crazy.)

[tyui5678]

i made a perfect lock pick, i even opened, the school doors:P

[heavyfire88]

A big, nice, juicy(?) 5 STAR.

[dungeon runner]

That's pretty slick. And yes, you could just clip the bolt, but picking locks the hard way kind of makes you feel like a badass (and doesn't permanently damage the lock).

[dungeon runner]

Alright, first report. It's been an hour and a half, and I've given it over a dozen tries. Lock still remains locked. Admittedly this is my first time picking a lock and the tools aren't the greatest, but it's still disheartening. Any advice?

[xinistrom]

i find a pen tip and a paperclip works better

[zack247]

www.howstuffworks.com is where i learned.

[bbond2]

Some one had to learn this from Macgyver !!!

[seanyong97]

I love you man. My first time picking a lock sucessfully. I have a problem, I used the same paperclip 3 times and when I was jiggling the clip snapped and a piece of it is jammed inside so how do I get it out??????

[jakebaldwin]

Lockpicking always has the potential to damage locks. You should only pick locks that you don't rely on. For example, don't try to pick your front door for kicks. It could damage the lock, and you would find yourself locked outside.

[zack247]

ive picked a lock on a filing cabinet before by raking it, i used a bobby pin and a screwdriver but there was nothing but manuals to tvs we dont own anymore inside :(

my preferred method is raking, but thats probably since ive only picked one lock and havent learned anything else yet.

[mgauvin8810]

I just opened my file cabinet in my office in about 20 seconds. (I must admit I've used the real tools before)

[puzka]

Ha ha. Found one of those small padlocks like #3 in my desk drawer. Had it open in about 30 seconds.

[bhunter736]

Wow. I am impressed. I am a professional locksmith and know that there is a little bit of luck involved with picking. You opened all three of the padlocks with a beginners technique in an extremely short time. This also shows that it is worth the extra money for a real padlock when it comes to valuables, not a hardware store variety or gimmick like the club lock. A Schlage padlock with Primus cylinder would be a lot better and to really be pick resistant, a MEDECO. Heck, even an Altmont would be a little better than these hardware store varieties. I am going to try your paperclip tools on Tuesday when I go back to work. PS - for everyone reading this, keep in mind that a lock is a legal barrier and you are supposed to have permission to open it. Permission usually comes in the form of a key. In this case, make sure you practice on your own locks. Also note that in some places, California for one, you have to be licensed to carry a tool like this and can get into a lot of trouble for having these outside of your own property.

[iamjelo]

i didn't know it was illegal to own paperclips in california? LOL just kidding! i know what you mean bhunter736. you're taking about lock picking tools. i am learning how to pick locks for certain situations. like those "OH-OH SECONDS" when you have already locked and micro-inches closing in the door then you realized that you left your key inside OR you are wind blew the door shut and have those locks that needs a key -dunno what you call them-. i'm learning for those kinds of situations. so that i won't bother anybody -like my mom- to open the door for me. thanks for the instructables theRIAA!

[sacco95]

in California you have to be licensed to carry a paperclip???...What has this world come to?

[The Dalai Farmer]

Stopped reading after that, did we? He does say he's joking about that. Gee, americans just don't get sarcasm!

[smelly210]

that is sad

[quickster228]

lol wow a license? oh geez next thing u know there will be a law against (sorry about language) whack off? (not sure if whack off is a bad word)=)