How to Open a Lock Using a Paperclip

Have you ever lost your keys and found yourself in a hurry to get inside your house? Actually, all you need are a few paperclips, and you can unlock the door. While this method may not look great, it definitely solves the problem. Follow step 1 to get started.

Gather the necessary materials. Most of the items you'll need to unlock the door are easy to find. You only need three things. Two paperclips: one for the probe and the other for the turning tool, and a pair of pliers to shape the paperclips.

• Two large paperclips, one for turning and one for probing. There is no size restriction, but the thickness of the paperclips must be thin enough to fit into the keyhole, and the length should be long enough to reach the lock's notches while leaving space to grip and turn.
• Find a pair of pliers to shape the paperclips. It's easier to shape them with pliers than by hand.

Straighten the first clip to make a pick tool. Bend the larger end of the paperclip straight twice to form a straight segment. Insert this straight segment into the lock's keyway and use it as a pick tool.

• Some locksmiths also slightly bend the tip of the pick. This helps apply pressure to the pins in the lock more easily, though it’s not necessary.

Create a turning tool. Straighten the two bends of the paperclip to form a straight segment with a hook at one end. Use pliers to flatten the hook. Bend a 90° angle at the hooked end, about 1 cm long.

• Alternatively, you can straighten one side of the paperclip to form a straight segment that opens into a 90° angle. This is a basic turning tool—functional but not ideal.

Insert the turning tool into the bottom of the keyway. After inserting the turning tool, you need to apply pressure in the direction that will rotate the lock and open it.

• You may need to practice to understand how much force is enough. If you apply too much force, you could deform the paperclip. If you apply too little force, you won’t generate enough pressure to turn the lock.

Turn the tool in the correct direction to open the lock. You might not be sure which direction to turn the tool to open the lock, but it’s crucial to turn it the right way. There are a few ways to test which direction the lock turns.

• If the lock opens in one direction, turn the tool in that direction. If you’re unsure, just guess and turn it one way; on your first try, you have a 50% chance of success.
• If your hands are sensitive, you might feel the lock open in a specific direction when turning the tool. Start by turning clockwise, then counterclockwise. You’ll feel less resistance when the tool is turning in the correct direction.

Insert the pick into the upper part of the keyway and “scrape”. This means you’ll insert the pick into the end of the keyway and quickly pull it out while gently pushing the pick upwards. Do this several times to push the pins into place.

• Maintain pressure on the turning tool while performing this action. Without maintaining pressure, you won’t be able to push the pins up.
• Quickly doesn’t mean jerking the pick out, but you need to move swiftly and smoothly. This is something that requires practice, which is why few people manage to pick a lock on their first attempt.

Locate the pins inside the lock. While maintaining pressure on the turning tool, try to use the pick to feel the positions of the pins inside the keyway. Most American locks have at least five pins that need to be set to open the lock.

• You’ll feel the pin when the pick touches it. That’s where you need to apply pressure with the pick.

Apply pressure to the pin. Remember to maintain pressure on the turning tool while you press down on the pin. You’ll feel a slight movement when the pin is pushed into the correct position, or hear a small clicking sound.

• Experienced lock pickers can do this very skillfully, but those without experience need to be meticulous in setting each pin.

Gently wiggle the pick until each pin is set. Gradually increase the pressure on the turning tool while gently wiggling the pick to set each pin. When you hear the click, make sure to turn the tool to set that pin.

• Using a hair clip is more effective than a paperclip because its flat shape provides stronger pressure.
• Typically, you can only unlock the door lock inside the house, and it depends on the age of the lock.

• Picking a lock for illegal activities could lead to criminal charges.