How to Pick a Metal Cabinet Lock

Having a locked metal cabinet that you can’t get into can be very frustrating. Whether it’s an old filing cabinet you inherited or a locker at your gym, not having the key can make the contents inside feel off limits. Fortunately, with some clever MacGyver-ing and patience, you can learn how to pick a metal cabinet lock and access what’s inside without causing any permanent damage.

Gather the Proper Tools

First things first, you’ll need to assemble the proper tools to pick the lock. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tension wrench – This flat metal tool applies torque to the lock plug and keeps it from spinning while you manipulate the pins inside. You can purchase one online or make your own by bending the end of a paperclip.
• Pick – The pick slides into the keyway and pushes up on the pin stacks to align them at the shear line so the lock can turn. An old dentist’s pick or the end of a windshield wiper blade works well.
• Lubricant – A dry lock is much harder to pick than a lubricated one. A few sprays of WD-40 or another light oil will make things glide smoothly.
• Flashlight – Being able to peer into the keyway helps see what you’re doing. The brighter the better.
• Vise – Holding the lock stationary makes picking easier. A vise or clamp provides a stable base.
• Key blank – Inserting a key blank that matches the lock can help identify the lock type.
• Magnifying glass – Helpful for inspecting the tiny mechanisms inside the keyway.

Understand Lock Mechanics

To successfully pick a lock, you need to understand how pin tumbler locks work. Inside the cylinder is a cylindrical plug that rotates when you turn the key. The plug is divided into chambers filled with pin stacks – a pair of driver and key pins.

Springs at the bottom of each chamber push the pins upward so the gap between the driver and key pins lines up with the shear line – the division between the plug and cylinder. When the proper key lifts the pin stacks to the shear line, the plug can rotate and open the lock.

Picking mimics what the key does by using tools to push the pins to the shear line so the plug turns without the actual key present.

Examine the Lock

Before you insert anything into the keyway, take a few minutes to visually inspect the lock. Note these details:

• Keyway shape – Is it a basic rectangular opening or more decorative and ornate? The shape indicates the lock’s security level.
• Warding – These are protrusions inside the keyway that limit the insertion angle of the key. Take note of their location.
• Number of pins – Peer inside with your flashlight. How many pin chambers appear to be present? More pins means a tougher lock to pick.
• Lock brand – Maker markings are sometimes stamped on the metal body. Researching the brand can provide insights into the lock’s inner workings.
• Model number – This info is often printed in small digits somewhere on the lock body. Use it to look up technical specifications online.

Spend time understanding the exact lock you want to pick before trying anything. Rushing in blindly can lead to broken tools and a still-locked cabinet.

Try a Non-Invasive Bypass First

Before attempting to pick the lock, try some less invasive bypass techniques first. You may get lucky and avoid picking altogether:

• Wiggle a stiff plastic card or thin metal ruler into the crack between the door and frame and slide it around to try and disengage the latch from the strike plate.
• Spray compressed air upside down into the keyway. The quick burst of freezing cold may cause the pins to misalign and the lock to turn.
• Tap the bottom or sides of the lock firmly with a hammer. The kinetic shock can bounce the pin stacks out of position.
• Try shimming the lock by cutting thin slivers of metal from a soda can and slipping them between the lock face and cylinder one at a time, using them as levers to apply rotational force.
• Squirt super glue, epoxy or melted hot glue into the keyway. After it hardens, insert the end of an Allen wrench and twist. The friction fit may turn the plug enough to unlock it.

Prep the Lock

If those bypass methods don’t work, it’s time to pick the lock the proper way. First, prep the lock:

• Add lubricant – Give the keyway a couple sprays of WD-40 or insert a dry graphite powder. Smooth, slick pins will make picking easier.
• Fix in a vise – Clamp the lock in a vise or other workholding device sideways with the keyway facing up and parallel to the fixed jaws. Having it locked in place helps.
• Insert a key blank – If you have a matching key blank, insert it to determine which direction the lock turns and to learn the positioning.
• Peer inside – Use your flashlight and magnifying glass to inspect the chambers and note details that will help with the picking process.

Step 1 – Apply Tension

Insert the tension wrench at the top of the keyway and turn it in the direction you determined the lock normally turns.

Apply firm rotational pressure – not enough to force it, but adequate to hold the plug slightly rotated. You want all the pin chambers bound up under tension.

Proper torque from the tension wrench is critical during picking. It provides the counter-rotation force needed to keep the plug from just spinning freely in the cylinder while you work.

Step 2 – Insert the Pick

With tension on the wrench, insert your pick all the way into the keyway and locate the back pin stack. Gently lift it until you feel resistance. That’s the binding pin.

Slowly lift on that pin just enough to feel it set. You’ll sense a subtle click or shift of the pin reaching the shear line.

The pick simulates the peaks and valleys of the key by lifting and setting each pin to the shear position until all are aligned and the plug is freed to rotate.

Step 3 – Repeat for Each Pin

Lift on each pin one-by-one, always applying rotational force on the tension wrench. Slowly draw the pick out, feeling for the next binding pin that needs lifting.

You should feel a subtle click as each one sets. Be methodical and pay attention to the sensations transmitted through the tools.

Sometimes easing off the tension wrench slightly will help a stuck pin set. Just remember to re-apply it before moving to the next one.

Step 4 – Turn the Plug

When the pick slides all the way into the keyway without binding, all the driver and key pins should be at the shear line, allowing the plug to turn.

Keep tension on the wrench as you slowly turn it more, operating the lock. If it doesn’t rotate, some pins may have dropped – common for beginners.

Carefully return counter-clockwise and release tension to reset the pins. Then patiently repeat the process until you feel the satisfying clunk of the lock opening.

Troubleshooting Tricky Locks

Some locks can prove tricky and resist easy picking:

• If you can’t get a pin to set, try more/less tension or pick starting from the front. Varying technique can help.
• Counter-rotating the tension wrench slightly often helps a stuck driver pin settle at the shear line.
• Bouncing the pin rapidly with the pick agitates it and encourages setting.
• For sticky pins, apply graphite or another dry lubricant into the keyway and work them repeatedly.
• Overset pins will feel springy when probed – ease off tension to allow them to drop and reset.
• If multiple pins appear set but the lock won’t open, look for spool or serrated driver pins which need special handling.

Stay patient! It takes practice to become adept at feeling the nuances of the pins through the tools. Don’t get discouraged – keep trying combinations of tension and pick manipulation until the lock opens.

Legality Concerns

While you can purchase lock picking tools and learn how to defeat locks as an educational exercise, it’s important to understand the legal implications:

• Only pick locks you personally own or have permission from the owner to manipulate.
• Possessing lock picks in certain jurisdictions may be illegal or require licensing. Know your local laws.
• Lock picking should never be done with criminal intent. Forced unauthorized entry will result in arrest.
• Avoid picking locks in public which could cause concern. Only pick in controlled conditions.
• Responsible picking looks like hobby education, not trying doors at random. Never create probable cause.
• Claiming “I forgot my keys” won’t hold up in court if you get caught picking a lock without permission.
• Be wise and keep activities above board. The hobby can be enjoyed safely with common sense.

In short, always get consent, stay ethical in your pursuits, and pick locks in a legal manner.

Helpful Lock Picking Tips

Here are some additional pointers to make the process smoother:

• Go slow. Precision wins over speed. Each pin must be delicately manipulated.
• Use light tension to start. You can increase torque once pins start setting. Too much tension binds the lock.
• Lift pins only high enough to set. Overlifting can lead to other pins dropping.
• Apply picking pressure toward the front of the lock where the pins are springiest.
• If the pick catches, rotate it as you withdraw to avoid hooking any pins.
• Choose picks with varying thickness and curvature to maneuver around warding and reach all pins.
• Practice on easier locks first to train muscle memory and dexterity before tackling high-security ones.
• Improvise tools from bobby pins, hinges, dental picks, etc. if lacking picks.
• Join locksport clubs to learn techniques from experienced pickers and get access to practice locks.

Make Your Own Lock Picks

Purchased picks work fine, but where’s the fun in that? Making your own tools is very satisfying and great practice. You can craft functional picks from these common items:

• Hacksaw blades – The thin, rigid steel makes a perfect pick. Just cut or grind it into shape.
• Street sweeper bristles – These polypropylene fibers have enough flex and strength to manipulate pins.
• Binder clips – Disassemble one and use the steel levers. File hooks into the ends.
• Windshield wipers – Old wiper inserts have the right thickness. Cut and sand flat slices into pick tips.
• Bobby pins -Use a vise to bend the tip into varying angles for easy improvised picks.
• Hose clamps – Remove the band and cut the metal tail into a tension wrench. File smooth.
• Paperclips – Unbend larger ones into elongated S shapes. The curves work nicely for raking picks.
• Dull saw blade – If a saw is past its prime for cutting, grind the teeth off and shape into picks.
• Hacksaw frames – The C-shaped holders have the right width for tension wrenches. Just cut and file to fit your needs.
• Allen wrenches – Grind down unwanted short ends into tension wrench tips.

Get creative with materials and make picks uniquely your own. It’s handy to have a variety on hand.

Locks to Practice On

Getting a variety of practice locks is vital for honing your skills. Look for these easily-obtainable options:

• Old padlocks – Thrift stores and garage sales often have barrels of cast-off locks perfect for picking practice. Look for different shapes and pin counts.
• Discarded file cabinets – The classic rectangular cam or tubular locks on these are ideal training for beginners. Ask around for an old unused one people are tossing.
• Locksmith sample boards – Companies often sell clear practice boards with pins you can reconfigure as you improve. A great training visual.
• Clear practice locks – Transparent acrylic locks let you literally see the pins setting. Available online for under $20.
• Door locks – Install a fresh door lock in a workshop or shed for easy access. Immediately pin it to use for drills.
• Gym lockers – Ask management if they have any scrapped lockers from renovations. The simple key locks are great to learn on.
• Zippered bags – Use rolls of clear vinyl zip bags with plastic locking mechanisms for ultra-easy picking.

Having a wide range of progressively harder locks to practice on will hone skills quickly.

How to Prevent Lock Picking

Now that you know how to pick locks, it’s smart to learn prevention techniques too:

• Use higher quality locks – Those with tight clearances, more pins, security pins, and anti-bump features impede manipulation.
• Upgrade to keyless – Coded electronic locks typically offer far better protection than keyed locks which can get picked.
• Restrict key copies – Ensure keys are stamped “Do Not Duplicate” and only made by locksmiths with ID verification.
• Alter your technique – Install locks upside down so the pins bind in the opposite direction.
• Refine the lock – Modify chambers with threadlocking adhesive so pins can’t be lifted as high.
• Check for tampering – Look for pick scratches around the keyway and add hard plates or guards to block access.
• Use redundancy – Install multiple locks of different types. More hurdles to clear means more security.

A determined picker with enough time can beat any single lock. But every deterrent helps harden security.

In Summary

That covers the complete process of how to pick a metal cabinet lock from gathering tools to understanding mechanics, prep, technique, and defeat prevention.

With practice and patience, the satisfying clunk of the locked cabinet opening becomes a welcome sound. But always pick responsibly – safety and ethics come first.

You can now put this knowledge to constructive use for education, hobby, or career. Just stay on the right side of the law and pick with a white hat mentality to benevolently pop locks and gain access when needed in a legitimate manner.

Happy non-destructive cabinet opening!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to pick locks?

Simply owning lock picks is not illegal in most regions, but possessing them with the intent to commit break-ins or trespass often is. Always pick locks legally and ethically. Know your local laws.

How long does it take to learn lock picking?

With diligent practice, most beginners can successfully pick basic locks within 1-2 months. More complex high-security locks require significantly more time and experience to defeat.

What locks are easiest for beginners?

Standard pin tumbler locks with few pins, like padlocks, desk drawers, file cabinets, lockers, etc. are a good starting point before moving up to higher-security locks.

Can lock picking damage a lock?

Done properly, lock picking does not harm the lock. But excessive force can bend pins, break springs, and seize the cylinder. Take care not to over-torque tension wrenches.

What tools do I need to pick a lock?

A basic set includes a tension wrench, standard pick, and rake pick. Optionally add specialty picks and files for better manipulation. Quality tools vastly improve ease and success rate.

How do I make homemade picks and tension wrenches?

Hacksaw blades, bobby pins, binder clips, wiper inserts, paper clips and hacksaw frames make for easily-improvised picks. Files, allen keys, and hose clamps can substitute for tension wrenches.

What locks offer the best pick resistance?

Higher security locks with features like tight tolerances, security pins, sidebars, and mushroom pins require advanced skills and specialized tools to pick and offer enhanced protection.

Why won’t some pins set properly?

Could be poor tension control, slipped pins, overset pins, or the need for better pick angling. Varying tension and technique is key to getting a stubborn lock to open.

How can I practice lock picking safely and legally?

Only manipulate locks you own or have permission to pick. Joining a locksport club provides access to practice locks. Use clear practice locks to visualize the components interacting as you pick.

Does lock picking require any special skills?

Manual dexterity is helpful, but it mainly comes down to patience and determination. With training and practice, developing the tactile feel for pin states just takes time and perseverance. Anyone can learn with dedication.

Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive guide gives you a complete overview on how to pick a metal cabinet lock. The key is having proper tools, understanding lock mechanics, prepping it correctly, methodically lifting each pin, applying the right tension, and practicing on a variety of locks. With diligence and care, you can master the satisfying skill of non-destructively bypassing locked cabinets. Just be sure to keep activities legal and pick locks in an ethical manner. Happy opening!