Visual Guide to Lock Picking Book Review
Jerry writes, “I’ve read your lock picking tutorial but wanted more information. Do you know a good resource that describes lock picking in more detail? Can you point me toward an easy guide with good illustrations?
Jerry, great question and you’ve come to the right place.
Visual Guide to Lock Picking 3rd Edition
If you’re looking for a great guide to lock picking, the Visual Guide to Lock Picking 3rd Edition is an excellent choice. It’s an inexpensive purchase, and you can find it on many sites online. I keep this guide with my lock picking set for easy reference.
Warded Locks
The first chapter focuses on warded locks and warded padlocks. Warded locks are some of the oldest locks around. They are easy to pick and a good place to begin practicing your lock picking skills. This chapter begins with identifying warded locks and how they function. It goes on to describe how to overcome these locks and best tools for the job.
Pin Tumblers
Most locks you find in the United States are pin tumbler locks. Knowing how pin tumblers work is crucial to understanding how to pick these types of locks. Chapter two describes in detail all the different parts of tumbler locks and how they operate. Learn about raking the pins, shimming a padlock and more. This chapter also reviews the different tools available ranging from picks to an electric pick gun.
Advanced Pin Tumblers
Locks are constantly updating. Advanced pin tumblers feature modified pins or beveled plug holes making them even more difficult to bypass. Chapter three focuses on some of the advanced locks and the sort of obstacles your up against – mushroom pins, modified holes, false sets, etc. It also reviews the necessary tools like spring-loaded tensioners, and plug spinners. I haven’t attempted any of these locks yet, but I’d review this chapter before I started.
Wafer Locks
Wafer locks are common on desks, filing cabinets and car doors. They are not difficult to pick but require some specific torque wrenches. Chapter four explains how wafer locks work and some cool tools like double-sided jigglers. It’s surprising how often people misplace file cabinet keys. This chapter is very handy.
Tubular Locks
Tubular locks are very difficult to pick. They are more advanced than traditional pin tumblers but have some of the same principles, and fortunately, have some similar weaknesses. Chapter five puts quite a few pages into picking tubular locks with several different methods. I especially enjoyed the part about improvised tools. It describes how to fashion picking tools from pens or even cardboard.
Lever Locks
Lever locks also go way back and can be found all around the world, especially in the UK. Modern lever locks have slits cut at different heights. The key lifts the lever to the correct height, letting the bolt side in and out. Chapter six shows you exactly how to pick this style of lock.
Impressioning Tumblers
Impressioning is the art of crafting an actual key. It’s an extremely difficult skill, but if you can master it, results in a working key. Make sure you stock up on blank keys before you begin practicing impressioning. You should also purchase a few different files (for shaping the key). Although this is a very difficult technique, pages 145 – 149 has a great step-by-step guide.
Combination Locks
The last chapter focuses on combination locks. Combination locks are everywhere because they are so convenient. This chapter covers one, two and three wheel combination locks. It describes different notch wheels and how to detect a false notch.
Overall Review
The Visual Guide to Lock Picking describes lots of different lock types and everything you need to know about how they work and the tools to exploit weaknesses. It’s a great book for someone learning about locks and lock picking- including lots of pictures. This guide is also good to keep on hand as a reference before attempting a lock. I highly recommend it.
What do you think? Do you have a lock picking guide?
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