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

[botstarter]

I picked the all the doors and windows in the classrooms starting third grade

[BlackMaple]

Guess what, I broke into the Teacher's personal cabinet under her desk in about 17 seconds using only a paperclip....Im a naural lock-picker :)

So evil. -_-

[nkonidare]

bros and bras i found out how on my own and not by an instructable and i found out when i was 3 yrs. old

[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!

[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]

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?

[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.

[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..

[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)=)

[bhunter736]

Only if it is bent to a shape that is clearly for the intention of getting in to a lock. Think about it like your in a movie, on trial, the lawyer says - "is there any other reason to carry an item configured this way other than to......" If the answer is no or not really, play it safe and don't bend it till you need it. Plus, there has to already be cause for the search and discovery that you are carrying it. So stay out of trouble and it wont matter. But yah, what is the world coming to?

[quickster228]

by the way bhunter736 omg! you defiently know ur stuff on pick locking laws and crap by the way are г u a cop or somethin lol

[bhunter736]

Hi : ) - not a cop, a full time Locksmith in CA. Thats what pays my mortgage. I have to know some of this stuff because I carry the tools and need my locksmith license available any time I have them with me. Also, I have to report their loss directly to the authorities.

[xinistrom]

what if you said you wanted to pick your tooth with it or something? :D

[theRIAA]

I've always considered master locks the "mag-light" of locks, everyone has them but they're still crap.

[bhunter736]

So true. I like SureFire flashlights. Much brighter and so incredibly small by comparison per lumen.

[Truegod]

You need a license to carry a paper clip? :P

[bhunter736]

Not the paper clip. Just after it is clearly modified. So remember how to do it and bend it all up when you are done. Carry a fresh paper clip. : ) I know it is crazy. It is like carrying a baseball bat in your car. This is also illegal in California if you do not also carry a ball or glove. It is all about intent and making sure the authorities have evidence that your intentions are good and not evil. Goofy, I know. The thing about picks, they are really only used to go through a lock without a key. A key is prove of permission, a pick is not. If it is your own lock, then your ID will have matching address information if you are opening a door. So the picks are not something to carry around here. Keep the original shape until you need it.

[knight2067]

What if you just bought a bat?

[bhunter736]

I guess you would have a receipt. You have to consider too that you need to be stopped for some other reason before this becomes an issue.

[theRIAA]

you will always need a fresh paper clip, the tension wrench wire will be bent differently for different locks.

[rdxcvbgr]

Well I made for thw first time. I have to jiggle the lockpick in a cheap chinese padlock that's mentiones as low style. But hey no newbie have style XD. Thaks a lot man.

[warmacheen]

friggin cool

[JRodgers96]

Great lockpicks, simple to make and a good quality. Better than buying exspensive lockpicks. And near where I live you can buy 1000 paperclips for 3 Australian Dollars. GREAT!!!!

[L.L]

thxs,this works :D

[bobbubbles]

kool thanx
i found a lock that i wanted to open
(its a bit scary though now theres people who walk around knowing how to pick locks)

[chamster]

It's my first time picking a lock, I only get 3/4 of what ur saying : (

[platinum15]

i really wish i could watch the video (youtube is blocked, if its on that). this is really cool though!!

[endeavour130]

wow, awesome

[spazmanx11]

Thank you! i really needed this. and i like your music in the third video.

[abczz16]

WOW thanx dude, i was thinkin i would neva get it cos this is the first lock ive eva picked, it took like 2 mins and it opened, THANX!!!!

[pennachi1]

I am in high school and in the summer  work in the school as a janitor. We found that the best way to open locks that we don't have the key for is bolt cutters. Nice video.

[Colonel88]

So basically you just ram the paperclip and hope for the best.

[marselsipod]

thats what she said

[mizzoufan96]

lmfao
not... -_-

[yankeee7]

sweat?

[heat700]

dude i have that exact lock(#3) omg i tried to pick it with a safty pin

[thing 2]

KEWL! my dad has a lot of locks that there are no keys to...;-) `-)

[pyrorower]

My paperclip picks have opened all the locks I have tried so far except for one. It is a luggage lock the has 3 dials on it but also has a keyhole so that TSA personnel can open it. I am not sure if these locks have a built-in security feature or what but despite my best efforts that lock has yet to have been picked by me :s

[conn067]

I have a really small padlock which I finally opened with this method after trying to open it all day, now I can do it in around 30 seconds :)

[Hanakom]

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[lazyassdude]

how do you make it "fairly tight"

[theRIAA]

put it in the lower part of the keyway. you should have to force it in.

[hailtothkngbby]

I have been picking locks now for years as a hobby, but I have to say, the speed at which you do it in your videos is amazing. I will say that cheap master locks are some of the easiest locks to pick, especially using a straight pick and jiggling. I have had cheap brass dollar store locks that resist picking better than master locks. Still, after a little bit of practice, you'll giggle every time you walk past a master lock. It's an immense sense of power to know that every door that is sealed with a cheap lock is just a paper clip away from open. Excellent job.

[theRIAA]

thanks

[tymax1234]

see, I knew there was a free, easy way to pick locks. that's just as fast as the bumpkey! they try to rip me off! well I bookmarked this page! lol, but good job, never thought of that, god, it's so fast...

[halfroboy]

Im really bad at picking locks. I know how to do it and why it works but I just cant seem to get it to work. All my tools are homemade though, so I hope that is the problem... btw I couldnt do this...

[salisagirl]

I DID IT!!! OMG i was so proud of myself. i have never picked a lock before and i was bored but the instructions were really clear and it freaking works!!!! i know it took me 15 minutes but its a pretty big moment for me

[deadpaper cut]

how you do tha

[kraig]

cool man thanks

[z0mbi3 man]

"just make it work, if you don't, you may have to saw your leg off."get its like from saw.

[Janjakko]

It isn't that hard, if you can't get the paper clip to stay or if it bends, take it and heat it up with a lighter, once it gets kinda hot, plunge it into cold water. repeat about 3 times or so and it makes a wonderfully hard pick (not that hard but good enough for disposable)

[totos]

its really cool... It took me 1 minute to pick a lock... 45 seconds out of this minute were spent on finding a paperclip and a padlock to try this technique on. Thanks!

[0.9.390]

The instructable didn't work for me.

[BlessedWrath]

Nothing but fail on my end. I was able to get the lock on my filing cabinet with an actual pick-shape paperclip, but not with this technique. Please elaborate on the "jiggling" motion. When I try what you show I can literally hear the lock laughing at me.

[theRIAA]

try and approach the pins with a wave motion, so that the paper clip will push the back pins up, then all the pins (the middle pins), then the front pins. or really just random combinations of these (giggedy, uneven wave) but file cabinet lock pins are probably too sticky, or the cylinder too loose. filing cabinet locks always have those crappy sharp-edged keys, and sharp edged keyways.... i haven't got this to work on anything but padlocks

[Shadowfuryix]

i just picked a schlage with this... amazing 'ible.

[Starshock01]

the little padlock can be opened really easily with a little swiss pocket knife

[theRIAA]

it's not a TSA lock or whatever... so.. how?

[stud7]

wow this is great it is my first time and I just picked to types of master lacks and a gun lock each under 20 seconds u rock man

[SABAKA47]

I don't get it bhunter736 can you help me

[Pharoah6905]

I gave you a plus because this is one of the most well documented instructables I've seen, and because your user name is amazing.

[theRIAA]

I think you're the first one to get it

[T3hpw9ag3]

whats there to get? anyway nice instructable, if i can find a paperclip and a lock i will try it.

[baconfish]

You have to consider the avatar as well. I just got it, and it was the greatest epiphany I've experienced in my entire... well, for the past little while at least. :)

[Teh_Fluff]

lol in the third video, stayin alive by the beegees is playing

[alchemy420]

thanks for posting this, it was my second attempt at picking locks and your method worked!

[dontwealllovebuda92]

great instructable

[eviltechie]

I tried with two sized of paper clip, a screwdriver, and part of a binder clip with no luck. I'm might try to make some lock picks tomorrow.

[theRIAA]

screwdriver and binder clip is too big. if you want to make real lock picks, dremel up some hacksaw blades. i just bought some. you should get a small diamond, a snake, a short hook, and a hybrid diamond if possible. and some wrenches

i got from: http://www.lockpicktools.com/lockpicks.htm

[eviltechie]

I was using the mini screwdriver on my knife as a tensioner b/c the paper clip wasn't working. I am planning on buying some hacksaw blades at biglots tomorrow.

[xtacticalmonkeyx]

hey i have those color coated paper clips, so will those work?

[theRIAA]

no

[steed1172]

oh yeah oh yeah i did it i did it......funny it feels better when you open it with paper clip(s) then with the key...

[steed1172]

you make it look so easy in your vidoes =/........

[ledzep567]

whenever i apply tension to the torsion wrench it just turns within the lock...

[theRIAA]

make sure you have a big round hook on it before you stick it in the keyway

[ledzep567]

i gotchya. i abandoned the paperclip idea and grinded down some leaf rake blades. they are perfect!.

[twenglish1]

i got it on my first try and i never picked locks before oh by the way great instuctable

[teapotking]

cool! for a while now i've just been able to open small padlocks by fully bending out a paperclip, bending it in half but not all the way so that it springs back (like a tall U shape). then you just hold the curvy end, but both pointy bits in the lock (one opposite the pins, and one pushing all the pins down/up). then just turn it, and the lock should open. if not take out the paperclip, and vary the angle you bend it at. by the way this doesn't allways work, and is only suitable for little padlocks.

[1up]

The videos make it look fairly simple. But as we all know, looks can be deceiving. ;)

[theRIAA]

my older sister got it on her first try, and shes never done any picking...

[zeero360]

lol i do this with my sisters hair bobby pins, get it every time

[moomoocows]

Nice. I've done a little picking on cheep locks and basically just use the raking technique. Nice to see a new style thanks.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Awesome! I still can't do it.

[icedog515]

coolness

[Sergeant Crayon]

My God, I've been using paperclips for longer than I can remember and never thought once about using half as a torsion wrench... (D'oh!) You're damn good at this, those little gold ones (last video) are hard to get with a paper clip, congrats! A friend of mine taught me this technique when I was in middle school, he could those school "Masterlocks" in about 5 seconds, I still can't do it.

[theRIAA]

thanks, that lower one took me a couple shoots because i kept messing up the torsion wrench, if you put it in too far, the cylinder won't turn, and i didn't check it for turning, rookie mistake. normally i get those small ones (i have 4 of those, all with different keys) just as fast as the big ones, just one or two giggles. I can pick all my cheap padlocks faster with just a straight paperclip, than with any of my actual picks.

[Wasagi]

Awesome, i need to try this out!

[GorillazMiko]

Awesome! I like the way you took your pictures. And for the first one, it should say, "Too bendy." :P Nice job!