The Art of Legal Lock Picking

The Art of Legal Lock Picking
Firstly, there are many connotations that go with the expression lockpicking or lock picks. Whether the implication is one of criminal intent, or James Bond bravado there is one overriding thought, how ?
How can you pick a lock, how do you make lock picks from hairpins and how can you insert, jolt, twist and click open a lock in 4-5 seconds?

This article aims to take the myths out of the legend, and offer some insight on what it means to pick a lock without giving away any of the real tricks of the trade.

The ancient Egyptians were the first to come up with a complicated security device. This was the pin tumbler lock. We use the same security principle today on millions of applications.
Lock picking means to open a lock by use of a flat piece of steel called a pick. Actually, the process requires two pieces of flat steel to open cylinder locks. It amuses me to watch spies and thieves on TV picking locks using only one tool. But it is for the better in a sense. If everyone could learn how to pick locks by watching TV, we would all be at the mercy of anyone who wanted to steal from us, and the cylinder lock for the most part would be outdated.
The actual definition of lock picking should be: "The manipulation and opening of any restrictive mechanical or electronic device by usage of tools other than the implied instrument (key or code) used solely for that device." A little lengthy, but more accurate description. With cylinder locks, it requires a pick and a tension wrench.

By picking the lock, you simply replace the function of a key with a pick that raises the pins to their "breaking point," and using a tension wrench one rotates the cylinder to operate the cam at the rear of the lock's cylinder to unlock the mechanism.
The tension wrench is used to apply tension to the cylinder of the lock to cause a slight binding action on the pins as well as to turn the cylinder after the pins have been aligned by the pick; this opens the lock. The slight binding action on the pins caused by the tension wrench allows one to hear and feel each pin as it "breaks" or reaches alignment with the separation of cylinder and shell. The vibration is felt in the knuckles and joints of the fingers, and the sound is similar to that of a cricket in an arm wrestling match - a subtle yet distinct click.

Usually you need very little tension with the wrench while picking the lock. In fact, it takes somewhat of a delicate, yet firm touch. This is the secret to picking locks successfully - a firm and yet gentle touch on the tension wrench. You should be able to feel the pins click into place with the right amount of tension; experience will be your true guide and before you know it you'll learn how to be a locksmith.
Half of your success will be based on your ability to use or improvise various objects to use as tools for your purpose. The other half will depend on practice. I once picked a pin tumbler lock using a borrowed roach clip and a hairpin.