Robert Vallelunga
Locksmith
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Co-authored Articles (33)
How to
Pick a Lock
Lock picking is an incredibly useful skill and it can be a lifesaver if you lose or forget your keys. With some simple tools and a little patience, you can crack just about any tumbler lock, giving you access to everythi...
How to
Reset a Luggage Lock
If you've never set a combination on a luggage lock, it can be a bit confusing. Your best bet is to read the instruction manual that came with it or look up your specific lock on the internet, as each lock can be slightl...
How to
Open a Locked Suitcase Without the Combination
Luggage locks provide a sense of security in the knowledge that no one can get into your suitcase except for you. Forgetting the combination to your lock can cause a lot of anxiety, especially if you can’t remember eve...
An Intro to Lock Picking Using Everyday Objects
Use this step-by-step tutorial to make a lock pick set out of paper clips, hair pins, credit cards, and other common toolsWhether your 5-year-old locks themselves in the bathroom or you walk out of the locked garage only...
How to
Open a Door with a Credit Card
If you forgot your key again and wish you could get into your home without it, you may be able to use your credit card to do so. Just keep in mind that this technique only works on doors that have a simple knob lock with...
How to
Pick a Lock Using a Paperclip
Have you ever lost a key and been in a desperate need to get in? As long as you can find yourself a couple of paperclips, you can MacGyver your way in. It may not be pretty, but it usually gets the job done. See step 1 t...
How to Reprogram a Sentry Safe with or without the Factory Code
Reset the combination on fire safes, security safes, & more Sentry Safes are great for storing all your valuable personal items and protecting them against water and fire. But if you’ve forgotten your combination or ac...
How to Unlock a Safe: Combination Locks, Digital Locks & More
Your guide to safe-cracking so you can access your important documents, heirlooms, and surprise giftsSafes are great at protecting your important documents and valuable items from theft and disasters. But when you want t...
How to Factory Reset a Schlage Lock & Restore the Default Programming Code
A step-by-step guide to resetting Schlage BE365, FE575, FE595, FE695, BE375, DE265, Connect (BE468/469) & Encode (BE489) locks It’s time to add a new User Code to your Schlage lock for an out-of-town visitor when—uh ...
How to
Break a Lock
If you've misplaced the keys to a lock and can’t get to whatever it’s protecting, you may have no choice but to break it. Fortunately, it’s possible to bypass almost any basic commercial-grade lock with ease, provi...
How to Open a Master Lock Combination Lock without the Code
Your guide to unlocking a Master Lock with or without the serial numberJust stumbled across an old lock you haven’t used in years and don’t know the code to? While Master Locks are strong, cracking the code isn’t i...
How to
Open a Digital Safe Without a Key
Most digital safes have a key you can use to unlock and open them instead of using the passcode. But what do you do if you lose your digital safe key and there's no power to the keypad? This wikiHow article will walk you...
How to Unlock a Door Without a Key
Use tools or household items to get a locked door open without a keyDoor locks provide security and peace of mind, but they can also become quite irritating when they aren't working right, or if you accidentally leave yo...
How to
Open a Locked Door with a Bobby Pin
Getting locked out of your room or home can be stressful if you don’t have a spare key on hand. Luckily, you can avoid high fees from a locksmith by learning how to pick a lock yourself. To pick a lock on a door, you�...
How to Pick Locks On Doorknobs: Knob Types & Lockpicking Tutorials
A guide to opening doorknob locks with bobby pins, credit cards, paper clips, and screwdrivers Nobody likes getting locked out of the house, especially on a busy day. Luckily, there are many ways to work around the inco...
How to
Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock
If you’ve lost the key to your filing cabinet at work, don’t worry! You can use a nail file or a paperclip to get inside. With a little creativity and patience, you can easily pick the lock on your filing cabinet.
How to
Use a Coat Hanger to Break Into a Car
Locking your keys in your car is a frustrating experience. Fortunately, you may be able to use a coat hanger to unlock the vehicle. If your car has a manual lock, try threading the hanger into the door-frame to disengage...
How to Drill Out a Lock
Open your door quickly and easily with a few simple tools Lock drilling is the last resort if you’re locked out of a door and you need to get in fast. While drilling the lock will destroy it, you won’t have to pay (o...
How to
Pick a Mailbox Lock
Losing the key to your mailbox can be frustrating, especially when you have important mail inside you need to get to. Fortunately, you may be able to pick the lock on your mailbox using a couple of simple tools. Using to...
How to Use a Slim Jim to Unlock Your Car Door
Plus, how to tell if a slim jim will work with your make and modelYou don’t know how it happened, but you’re stuck staring at your locked car door, keys nowhere to be found. This can be a costly mistake, especially i...
