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How to Pick a Doorknob

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Michael Peterson: Hello! My name is Michael Peterson. I have been an independent locksmith in Oak Park Illinois for the last 10 years. Today I am demonstrating basic lock picking techniques. Now I am going to show you how to pick a doorknob.

First demonstration, I will be using a tension wrench and a basic pick. What you are trying to do is line up the pins, inside of the cylinder to where the key raises them up to normally. To do this you have to manipulate the pins with the pick. To keep the pins at this position where they normally rest with the key, there has to be tension on the cylinder. To create this tension, we use a tension wrench. You insert the tension wrench and put clockwise or counter clockwise turning pressure on the cylinder. When you pick the pins this will keep them in their position. Let's try it. Insert the tension range and put clockwise pressure on the cylinder.

Insert your pick and gently try to manipulate the pins. I am trying to manipulate them so that they line up where they normally would, if there were a key inserted into it. It's important that you be patient and gentle and take your time. You don't want to force the lock and you don't want to break your pick. Once the cylinder turns, use the flathead screwdriver to turn the cylinder. The lock should now be unlocked. Before inserting a key use the same flathead screwdriver to return the key right to the resting position. This will allow your key to working again. In our next demonstration, I would be showing you how you pick a single sided Deadbolt.