Open a Padlock with One Paperclip, Nothing Else

Step 7: Comment!

picking locks is not easy to do, and using just a paper clip to open a padlock can be extremely frustrating. but DON'T GIVE UP, it took me almost 20 paper clips to make this instructable, and Iv'e been doing this for a long time! post and questions, comments, suggestions, or tips.


~thanks

Comments

[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.

[SABAKA47]

I don't get it bhunter736 can you help me