DIY Locksmith Techniques You Can Use at Home

Home locksmithing can often be a quicker, more affordable alternative to calling a professional locksmith. You may even be able to use many of the same tools and techniques you’d find at a professional’s shop.

When it comes to locksmithing, there are a few at-home projects you can take on yourself. In this blog post, I’ll go over some easy-to-learn locksmithing techniques that don’t require any special tools. So, if you’re facing a lockout and don’t want to pay to have it fixed, read on to learn about DIY locksmithing techniques you can use at home.

1. Bump Key Technique

Bump keys, or “raking” as it’s sometimes called, is one of the most commonly used DIY locksmithing techniques. A bump key is a specially-crafted key that can be used to open a wide range of locks. You can even use the same key for multiple locks, depending on their make and model.

The bump key works by manipulating the pins inside the lock. You start by inserting the key and then repeatedly tap or “bump” the key outward with a hammer or other tool. This should cause the pins inside the lock to pop up, thereby allowing the key to turn and the lock to open.

The bump key is fairly simple to use and doesn’t require any special tools. However, there’s always the chance of damaging the lock if you don’t do it correctly. So, if you don’t feel comfortable using the bump key method or don’t think you’ll be able to do it correctly, then you may want to consider calling a professional locksmith instead.

2. Pick Gun Technique

The pick gun technique is another popular DIY locksmithing technique. To use this method, you need to purchase a specialized “pick gun,” which is essentially a tool used to look at locks. The pick gun works by rapidly tapping at the pins inside of the lock. This causes the pins to pop and the lock to open.

To use the pick gun technique, you first need to insert the pick gun into the lock, then turn it to the right. You then pull the trigger of the pick gun and it should start to rapidly tap the pins in the lock. Keep holding the trigger until the lock opens or until you feel a “slack” in the lock. This means the pins have been moved and the lock can be opened.

Again, this technique is fairly simple to use and doesn’t require any special tools, but there’s always the chance of damaging the lock if you don’t do it properly. So if you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, you may want to consider calling a professional locksmith instead.

3. Tension Wrench Technique

The tension wrench technique is another method that you can use to pick a lock. To use this method, you’ll need a tension wrench, which is a small, specialized tool that can be inserted into a lock. The tension wrench is then used to apply pressure to the pins inside the lock in order to open the lock.

To use the tension wrench technique, you first need to insert the tension wrench into the lock. Then, apply steady pressure and slowly turn the wrench clockwise. Keep turning the wrench until the pins inside the lock move and you feel a “slack” in the lock. At this point, you can turn the lock and open it.

As you can see, the tension wrench technique is simple to use and doesn’t require any special tools. However, like the other techniques, there’s always the chance of damaging the lock if you don’t do it properly. So if you’re feeling unsure about using this technique, you may want to consider calling a professional locksmith instead.

Ah, locksmiths, a profession that goes back centuries in human history. After all, rudimentary locks and other fastening methods have been around since at least the beginning of civilization! Here at Locksmith Columbus, we understand the importance of home security and the need for locksmith professionals to provide for it.

Today, DIY techniques to bypass locks or open them without a key can be beneficial in some cases, such as if you get locked out of your home. DIY locksmith techniques are also a great way to save money. As a locksmith provider in Central Ohio, we hear some common questions about DIY locksmith techniques. In this article, we will answer those questions and provide some helpful tips on how to identify and perform individual locksmith techniques.

First, it’s important to identify which type of lock you are dealing with. There are three common types of locks: pin tumbler, tubular and warded. Pin tumbler locks are the most commonly found type of lock and can be found on most doors and deadbolts. They are relatively easy to open with DIY techniques.

Tubular locks are a type of lock shaped like a cylinder that is commonly found on vending machines and other similar machines. DIY techniques usually involve using large wrenches or other tools to access the locking mechanism.

Ward locks are characterized by internal and external shapes that do not match, making them extremely difficult to bypass. Because of this, ward locks are some of the most secure locks available and DIY techniques to bypass these locks require a great deal of skill.

Now that you know what kind of lock you have, let’s take a look at some of the DIY techniques that can be used to bypass it. The most basic DIY technique is the “bump key” method. With this technique, the locksmith makes a duplicate key that fits the lock but has no special edges or patterns. By bumping the key in the lock, it can be picked through sheer force.

If you need to pick a tubular lock, a tension wrench and pick can be used to manipulate the locking mechanism. It requires a high degree of skill to use these tools correctly, so if you’re not comfortable with this process, it’s best to leave it to a professional locksmith.

Finally, if you’re trying to access a warded lock, the best option is to call a trained locksmith. Attempting to bypass a warded lock with DIY methods can cause a lot of damage and can even render the lock useless.

We hope this article has been helpful in providing tips and tricks for DIY locksmith techniques. Of course, many of these techniques are best left to a professional and if you ever find yourself locked out of your home, the best solution is still to call a locksmith, even if you think you can DIY your way out of the situation. When it comes to safety and security, it’s best to leave important matters to the experts.

If you have any questions or are in need of locksmith services specific to Central Ohio, please feel free to contact Locksmith Columbus. We offer a wide range of home and commercial lockout services, lock replacement and repairs, and security system installation. Our team of experienced locksmiths can assist you with any of your locksmith needs so don’t hesitate to give us a call.