Lock picking

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Female patient suffering from erotomania, 1843 Wellcome L0022720

Lock picking is the practice of unlocking a lock by manipulating the components of the lock device without the original key. Although lock picking can be associated with criminal activity, it is also an essential skill for locksmiths and is a popular hobby and sport among enthusiasts.

History

Lock picking has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The earliest known locks were made by the Egyptians around 4000 years ago. These locks were simple wooden devices with a bolt and pins. The Romans later improved upon these designs, creating more complex locks with metal components.

During the Middle Ages, locksmiths in Europe developed more sophisticated locks to protect valuable items. The art of lock picking was also practiced by thieves and burglars, leading to a continuous battle between lock makers and lock pickers.

Techniques

Lock picking involves several techniques, each suited to different types of locks. The most common techniques include:

• Single Pin Picking (SPP): This method involves manipulating each pin individually until the lock opens.
• Raking: This technique uses a rake tool to quickly move the pins into the correct position.
• Bumping: A bump key is used to force the pins into alignment by striking the key with a hammer or other tool.
• Impressioning: This method involves creating a key by making an impression of the lock's keyway.

Tools

Lock picking requires specialized tools, which can vary depending on the type of lock being picked. Common tools include:

• Tension Wrench: Used to apply torque to the lock's cylinder.
• Pick: A tool used to manipulate the pins within the lock.
• Rake: A tool with multiple ridges used for raking.
• Bump Key: A specially cut key used for bumping.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality of lock picking varies by jurisdiction. In many places, possessing lock picking tools is legal, but using them to gain unauthorized access is a crime. Ethical lock pickers, often referred to as "white-hat" pickers, use their skills for legitimate purposes, such as locksmithing or participating in lock picking competitions.

Lock Picking as a Sport

Lock picking has evolved into a competitive sport known as locksport. Enthusiasts participate in events and competitions to test their skills against various locks. These events promote the ethical use of lock picking skills and encourage the development of new techniques and tools.

See Also

• Lock (security device)
• Key (lock)
• Locksmithing
• Security engineering
• Physical security