# How do you pick a lock? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 17, 2002, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478 "2002-06-17T06:10:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/1 "2002-06-17T06:10:50Z")
I hope this isn’t considered a bad thread because of the potential for illegal use of the information. I have always been fascinated by lock picking. I really want to learn how to do it, just because I think it would be a cool skill to have. I’m not the sort of person who would break into anyone’s stuff, I just think it would be neat to, say, be able to open some of those ancient padlocks I have sitting around, or be able to get into my house without a key… …aside from going to locksmithing school, how does one learn how to do this? ---
**Author:** ![Qwisp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qwisp/32/397_2.png) [@Qwisp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwisp)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/2 "2002-06-17T06:17:18Z")
Here you go _Link removed - Coldfire_ ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/3 "2002-06-17T06:43:18Z")
LOL I just came from there actually. I know the mechanics in theory, but I don’t know how to learn. Anyone out there know how to do it and have any tips? ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/4 "2002-06-17T06:51:06Z")
The old standard for lock-picking was the MIT Guide. You can access it and lots of other stuff from here. You can buy your picks at Lockpickers Mall. Good Lock. _Links removed - Coldfire_ ---
**Author:** ![4thMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/ac8455/32.png) [@4thMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/4thMonkey)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/5 "2002-06-17T07:09:59Z")
I can see how thins information could be useful other than for illegal purposes. I actually took a quick look around for this information when I arrived at work this morning and found the cleaners had locked a door that is never usually locked. I had a quick attempt with a pocket knofe but I think the correct tools are required (despite what movies tell you, a credit card will not work 🙂 ) I would also suggest you attempt this with a padlock first before moving onto real locks, there is always the chance you lock yourself in/out and break the lock :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Aro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b3f665/32.png) [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/6 "2002-06-17T08:06:13Z")
Taking locks apart is a real help in undestanding how they work. Then practice, practice, practice the moves. I used to do this when I was a kid (I was fascinated with taking things apart), and can still open almost any padlock around my house with a tapered bit of hacksaw blade, if I can’t find the key. Its like riding a bike…you never forget. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2002, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pick-a-lock/114478/7 "2002-06-17T09:31:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by OpalCat \* > **I hope this isn’t considered a bad thread because of the potential for illegal use of the information.** Common sense is a beautiful thing. Upcoming threads by OpalCat: **How can I steal someone’s credit card number? Don’t worry, I’ll only use it for Greenpeace donations.** **How does one hotwire a car? Oh, I know what you’re thinking, but my goldfish is ill and needs to be taken to the vet immediately.** **Where does one aquire crack? Just so you know, it’s for medical purposes only.** Official warning, **OpalCat**. You’ve been around here long enough to know that soliciting (potentially) illegal information is a no-no. The same goes for _responding_ to such requests, **Qwisp** et al. Don’t do this again. This thread is closed.