How to Pick a Cam or Disc Lock

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 will be demonstrating some basic lock picking techniques. For this demonstration, I will be using a tension wrench and a basic lock pick. The tension wrench is to apply clockwise or counterclockwise pressure on the cylinder. The pick is to manipulate the pins into their natural resting position, if a key were to be inserted into the cylinder.

For this demonstration I will be showing how to pick a cam lock also known as a disc lock. Cam or disc lock is commonly found on mailboxes or small types of containers. They are sometimes harder to pick because the pins inside are flimsy and small and hard to manipulate, yet easy to bend or destroy. When picking this lock, it's important that you do not apply too much pressure with the tension wrench and not too aggressive with pick. I will show you how to do this.

Insert the tension wrench into the cylinder and apply clockwise or counterclockwise pressure. Then insert your pick to begin to manipulate the pins. You ought to be gentle because the pins are thin and you can bend them. Sometimes the cylinder will move on a cam lock, but that's not meaning that the cylinder is picked. It means that you are bending the cylinder or the pins inside. It's important that you are careful to notice what you are doing. When you believe that the cylinder is picked, insert your flathead screwdriver and turn the cylinder. Most cam locks, lock when they are in the lock to unlock position, making it impossible for you to turn the keyway back to it's resting position. The only way to do this is with the key itself. Next we will be showing you how to pick a tubular cylinder.