Snap gun
Also called a pick gun, this tool hits all the tumblers in a lock simultaneously with a sharp rap. It’s billed as a quick-entry device, but actually takes considerable practice to master, and is largely supplanted today by bump keys. Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
Also called a pick gun, this tool hits all the tumblers in a lock simultaneously with a sharp rap. It’s billed as a quick-entry device, but actually takes considerable practice to master, and is largely supplanted today by bump keys.
HPC Superior Pick Set NDPK-32
The 32-tool Superior set has everything you need in a lock pick set, and a bunch of things you don’t. This set is perfect if you live in fear of being caught without the exact gonzo hook or double-pronged tension wrench you need. Courtesy HPC
The 32-tool Superior set has everything you need in a lock pick set, and a bunch of things you don’t. This set is perfect if you live in fear of being caught without the exact gonzo hook or double-pronged tension wrench you need.
Visible Cutaway Practice Lock
A training lock for newbies. This transparent practice core lets you see exactly how the pin tumbler lock works, and get a feel for manipulating the pins. Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
A training lock for newbies. This transparent practice core lets you see exactly how the pin tumbler lock works, and get a feel for manipulating the pins.
Bump key set
A bump key is a specially cut blank that pops open a pin tumbler lock with a gentle whack from a hammer. Sadly, you need a different bump key for every brand of lock—hence this set of 30. Courtesy lockpicks.com
A bump key is a specially cut blank that pops open a pin tumbler lock with a gentle whack from a hammer. Sadly, you need a different bump key for every brand of lock—hence this set of 30.
Bogota Entry tool kit
These nicely designed instruments combine a pick and tension wrench in one compact titanium tool. For extreme stealth operations, you can’t ask for a better toolset to hide on (or in) your person. Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
These nicely designed instruments combine a pick and tension wrench in one compact titanium tool. For extreme stealth operations, you can’t ask for a better toolset to hide on (or in) your person.
Kevin Mitnick’s business card
The next time you run into ex-hacker Kevin Mitnick, hit him up for his business card, which is made from spring steel and contains four punch-out picks and a tension wrench. Keep this in your wallet for an emergency. Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
The next time you run into ex-hacker Kevin Mitnick, hit him up for his business card, which is made from spring steel and contains four punch-out picks and a tension wrench. Keep this in your wallet for an emergency.
Tubular lock pick
What do Laundromat machines and bike locks have in common? They often use a type of pin tumbler mechanism called a tubular lock, which sets the pins around a circle like points on a compass. This tool makes them easy to crack. Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
What do Laundromat machines and bike locks have in common? They often use a type of pin tumbler mechanism called a tubular lock, which sets the pins around a circle like points on a compass. This tool makes them easy to crack.
Rytan plug spinner
Not sure whether the deadbolt you’re about to crack opens clockwise or counter-clockwise? With a plug spinner, you’re free to guess wrong. The spring-loaded blade fits in the keyway and flicks the lock core 180 degrees without it relocking. Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
Not sure whether the deadbolt you’re about to crack opens clockwise or counter-clockwise? With a plug spinner, you’re free to guess wrong. The spring-loaded blade fits in the keyway and flicks the lock core 180 degrees without it relocking.
We’ve all been there. You’re locked out of the building, it’s late and starting to rain, your wheel man Boris is getting impatient in the van, and the security guard is due to make rounds in 14 minutes. Fortunately, your next second story job doesn’t have to end this way. The Internet offers an endless array of lock picking tools that can get you through all but the most stubborn of deadbolts faster than you can say “black bag job.”
Even if you’re not a burglar or an industrial spy (a likely story), there’s a Jason Borne-esque satisfaction that comes with the acquiring the skill to manipulate locks. Recreational lock picking dates to the MIT hacker culture of the 1970s, and today a thriving international “locksport” community holds competitions and training sessions year round—you can get an introductory lesson at any Def Con or Maker Faire. And if you never truly master the art of covert entry, there’s still pride of ownership in a good lock pick set.
The majority of lock manipulation tools are aimed at so-called “pin tumbler locks,” by far the most common type of security hardware. But there are special tools for going after rarer prey, like the cylindrical locks that grace some vending machines, or the lever-based locks popular in Europe. Here are some of the gadgets you’ll need to start your own infiltration kit.
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