Q&A for How to Pick a Lock Using a Paperclip

You need to apply pressure to the lock so the pins don't fall back into place, and so you can turn the lock completely to finish the job.

Yes, the lock still should be usable. The lock pick acts the same way that a key does.

Straighten the paperclip, slide one end into the hole, and feel for a button on the inside of the lock of the door knob. When you find it, push.

Yes, you need at least two; one to act as your tension wrench and one to act as your pick. They should be large and durable, around 2 inches (5cm) long would do.

I've always used the flat side of a bobby pin as the tension wrench because it doesn't just spin around like a paperclip, but still use paper clip as the pick, because a bobby pin is usually too thick and will get jammed in the tumblers. When that happens, you're done.

It will work on most pin-tumbler locks. The more expensive locks are more finely machined to resist this sort of attack, but are still vulnerable to a skilled picker.

Yes, they are the most common type to do this on, but because they are cheaply made, the hole may not be directly in line with the inside pin, so you sometimes have to move the paperclip around in the knob a little bit until you find the pin, then just push.

No, just make sure there is continuous pressure, not a lot, on the wrench. It will not turn until you have all pins in place, and then it will open because you have pressure on it. When that happens, gently turn the wrench until the lock drops open.

That depends on the condition of the internal lock mechanism. If it's rusted inside, most likely not.

If it is a pin-tumbler lock, then yes, probably. Whether or not you're successful depends on the quality of the lock.

If it feels like you are applying pressure to all of the pins, you're probably doing it right.

Use a Bobby pin as a backup, or something like that. My friend recommended that to me, and it worked just fine.

When picking more secure locks, dummy pins tend to be more loose. Instead of pushing on it, try using mild pressure to test if it is part of the lock or a dummy pin.

Yes, it should work on nearly any doorknob.

Pins are literally pins in the lock. They are set if they are depressed and don't just pop up again.

Try and try again. Keep at it and eventually you will pick it. The easiest way, however, is purchasing a "bump key."

All pin locks are the same size, so it will almost always work; if not, use a bobby pin.

If the paper clips are bent, then use new ones or try to bend the other ones back into the proper shape.

No, but it's much harder and not guaranteed to work without them.

Yes this method will still work, just make sure you keep pressure on the wrench.

It will only work with pin locks.

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

It depends on the type of lock.

Yes, it works with most pin and tumbler locks (the conventional way). The more expensive ones will resist it, but if you have a normal lock, it should work.

It's difficult, but you can use the same method with very good tools.

No, but you can change the password if you forget it. There should be instructions on the packaging.

It will work on any pin-tumbler lock, with the exception of some that might have strange keyways.

Have a look on sites like amazon for a simple set, different companies sell their sets for different prices as it all comes down to how much stuff is in it.

You can use another paperclip or a pair of tweezers to get the broken part out of the lock.

It might take a while before you are able to get it consistently. After some practice you should be successful.