The Hacker's Encyclopedia 1998

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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = P/HUN Issue #3, Volume 2: Phile 11 of 11 = =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ----------------------------- -LOCKPICKING:AN INDEPT GUIDE- ----------------------------- By: The LockSmith -------------------- PART 1-GENERAL INFO: -------------------- There are many circumstances in which entry is required when the key(s)are unavalable. While forms of force can often be used, many times the use of force is undesirable.The answer in many cases, is a procedure/art/skill called Lockpicking. ------------- PART 2-TOOLS: ------------- There are a number of types of lock picking tools. Some of the more common types are: ----------- HAND PICKS: ----------- Tools used to directly manipulate the pins(tumblers) of a lock cylinder. ---------- PICK GUNS: ---------- A semi-automatic tool used to manipulate the pins(tumblers) of a lock cylinder. NOTE:The theory of pick guns, while fairly simple appears to be beyond the scope of this file. However:if I get enough requests for the theory, an addendum will be written. ------------------- TUBULAR LOCK PICKS: ------------------- A manual tool used to manipulate the pins(tumblers)of a tubular lock cylinder ("skate key" appearance), an example of this type of lock is the Kriptonite(Tm) bike locks. ------------------ PASS KEYS(WARDED): ------------------ These are pre-cut pieces of flat metal used to open warded locks(usually these are padlocks, and usually are poor quality). These locks can generally be identified by a key that has toy-like square cuts on *BOTH* sides of the key, and the lock has a VERY large keyway(keyhole) As these are just inserted like a key and rotated to open the lock, no further instructions are required. NOTE:these locks can often be open in a pinch using a piece of wire with a 90 dregree bend(a "L" shape). ---------------------- PART 3-TYPES OF LOCKS: ---------------------- Some of the more common types: ------------------------------ PIN TUMBLER:The most common type for both padlocks and residental lock cylinders.A variation on this is a pin tumbler cylinder that uses a side bar design(E.G. An example is Medeco) No matter who makes it, a true high security cylinder will generally prove to be virtually unpickable. WAFER TUMBLER:Used on some padlocks, but mostly used on specialty locks, EG..desk drawers, showcase locks(the locks used on glass sliding doors in a cabinet, usually used to deter theft), telephone locks, liquor cabinet, etc. Also, a variation is used on most auto locks, but most are not redily pickable, as they have a sidebar design. NOTE:you can tell a wafer lock from a pin tumbler lock by looking into the keyway. If you see round pins, then it is a pin tumbler, but if you see flat strips, then it is a wafer tumbler lock. LEVER:These locks are likely to be seen in only 3 applications 1.The old mail box locks(the ones that use a flat key), bank safe deposit box locks, and coin telephone locks.A variant were the locks used on old doors(these are properly called warded bit locks, but most people seem to call them "skeleton key" locks)..these are the kind that you could look through the keyhole and see what was happening on the other side.This type was also used for some old furniture locks(cabinets and drawers mostly). WARDED:These locks, generally poor quality ones are generally used for padlocks , they are also used outdoors if extreme conditions prevail(EG:sand and salt water)this is because these locks have few moving parts, and have large spaces in their design.A variation on this is often used for luggage locks. NOTE:the key may LOOK like either a Pin tumbler or a lever lock key, but in most cases these locks are warded and can be open in a simular fashion. A hint:this is one of the rare situations where a bobby pin may actually be usefull. TUBULAR LOCKS: These are used in several applications: 1.car alarm locks 2.home alarm locks 3.kriptionite(Tm) bike locks 4.older CHAPMAN(Tm) car locks 5.Vending machines These are used elsewhere as well. PART 4 MAKING TOOLS: -------------------- EXAMPLES:A easy place to get pictures of handpicks is the HPC catalog.. (HPC, Inc/Schiller Park,IL/60176(Phone #(312)671-6280). This is one of the largest locksmithing supply manufacturers You can call, or write, or if you can find a local locksmith supply house, they may have copies available. Note that the drawings, allthough detailed, are smaller than the actual tools, but the size tends to be obvious. NOTE:The correct size of a HPC pick handle is about 3 and 1/8 inches long. If you have the the HPC drawings enlarged at a copy shop to just under 3x then they will be of a useable size(If they can't do odd size enlargements, 3x should be close enough. B:MATERAL:Many materials are suitable for making picking tools/tension tools 1.Gutter broom bristles(those *BIG* trucks with the rotary brushes that wash and sweep the street at the same time). Look for the bristles after the truck leaves...generally at least a few break off...it is preferable to look near a irregular spot of the road, as this tends to induce bristle breakage. Also, depending on your area, you may find that smaller trucks are used along with the larger ones...these generally use thinner bristles, which make better picks, but many times, the thicker type makes better tension wrenches NOTE:A Package of strips/round strips of spring steel can be obtained from a locksmith supply house, but you will pay at least $18.00 for this! NOTE:If you *really* to buy the tools..there 3 ways to go... 1.Try to order them through the mail..allthough the feds have been trying to pass a bill prohibiting mailing picks, and door opening tools, unless you can prove you are a bona-fide locksmith(not as hard as you might think)..THIS BILL HAS NOT PASSED AS OF YET. Also..the last time I checked am issue of HIGH TIMES , there was a small advertisment in the back, and they had a pick set(for about twice the price as the item's standard retail price. 2.Try to work for a store/shop that has a locksmiths license(*NOT* a keymakers license). Sooner or later they will ask you to pick up supplies..if the supplier has what you need, then you can add the items to the order. 3.try and make friends with a locksmith..he can get you tools. --------------- TOOLS REQUIRED: --------------- If you are trying to make your own picks these tools are a good start... 1.A set of warding files(these are often available in the tool department of large discount stores...For example, for people in NYC, a chain of stores called Webers tends to have these at a good price. While you can buy a set from a locksmith supply house, you will pay at least $20.00-$30.00 for a small set. The discount store ones are generally $3.00-$5.00 a set. While the quality is a bit lower, at least from my experience they do the job ok. 2.A small propane or butane torch(if butane, one that can be refilled with a can of cigarette lighter butane will be a lot cheaper to operate. Note:a gas(but NOT a electric)kitchen stove burner will often do in a pinch. ------------------ HOW TO MAKE TOOLS: ------------------ First, let's assume that you are starting with gutter broom bristles, as they are generally easy to get, and cost nothing.. First, let's start with a tension wrench... Take a piece about 4-5 inches long, and make a sharp bend 1/4-1/2 inch from the end(but DON'T make the bend so sharp that the strip cracks(if you want to make a sharp bend, heat the strip at the point that you want to bend to red heat and let it AIR COOL do not cool in fluid, as this will make the metal harder! After, if you want to reharden it, reheat, and plunge it into either oil or water(oil is better). If this results in the metal getting too hard, then try cooling it a little slower. A book on metal working may be useful. Also, if you want to make a complicated bend(a half twist, for example)then heating the strip at the bend point will allow easy bending(this is one of those times where a kitchen gas stove probably will not quite make it. PICKS...You need pictures or drawings (preferably full size). Once you have these, select a piece of metal, soften about 2-3 inches using a torch or gas burner, then get out your warding files and get to it! NOTE:While in theory, you probably could file the strips without softening them first, the metal is hardened, and resists being filed(this is also rough on the files). What may help, whether you soften or not, is that a metal nibbling tool can used for the rough shaping, and in some cases, can be used to do most of the work. However you do it, it may be advisable to file the 2 flat sides of the tool(just a bit). PART 5 USE OF TOOLS: -------------------- The use of lockpicking tools is as much an art as it is a skill, but most persons with enough practice can learn to do a decient job. A good book on the subject comes from HPC(again)(Basic Picking and Raking. This runs around $15.00), this is a bit overpriced, but a good guide. But, let's go on...... Hand picks: ----------- There are 4 different types of picks The rake The hook(this has other names as well) The diamond The ball/double ball(2 balls stacked) The rake: --------- The rake is prehaps the easiest tool to use, but it does not teach you much about the lock you are working on;if this does not matter to you, then don't worry about it. Hold the cylinder or padlock in a upright position(the way it normally be mounted). The pins should be on the top. Hold the pick with the more prominent wiggly side up(the hollow side down). Tilt the back of the handle downward a bit;the wiggly part should be horizontal. Now put it down for a minute, and pick up a tension wrench(L shaped piece), and insert the shorter bent end into the bottom of the keyway. Now.. Rotate the wrench in the direction that the lock normally rotates to open-if not sure-pick a direction. Then..hold the pick so that the handle is angled towards you slightly;at this angle the curved part should be horizontal. Insert the pick into the lock all of the way into the keyway, and making sure that contact is attained with the pins. Draw it out..repeat until lock is open. But..don't push the pins up by forcing the pick upward with great force...not only will this not open the lock, but you will bend the pick as well. If it does not open: First, release the tension(you should hear the pins drop). 1.Try less(or more)tension on the tension wrench(NOTE:most problems are caused by too much tension). 2.Try holding the pick at a slightly different angle and/or height. 3.Try picking the lock in the other direction. The hook: --------- The hook is used to lift individual pins in a cylinder. The tension wrench is inserted and rotated the same way as above. After putting tension on the wrench, insert the hook into the keyway with the hook upward. Then, starting from the rearmost pins, lift each pin. To do this:Lift the pin until you feel a bump, or a "click", or a change in the spring action of the pin then STOP and go to the next pin. Continue this until the lock opens. If it does not open release the tension then: 1.Try with more or less tension(NOTE:usually the problem is too much tension, so try lowering it first). 2.Try starting from the front pins, instead of the back ones. 3.Try picking the lock in the other direction. The diamond: ------------ This tool is used the same way as the rake, as it is a modified rake design, although it does not look the same. The ball/double ball: --------------------- These tools are mainly used for picking wafer tumbler locks. They are used the same way as the rake, except these locks open *so* easily, that you probably won't have to worry about the lock not opening. NOTE:these locks can often be open in a pinch by using a bent paper clip(rake the wafers and rotate the clip at the same time) PICK GUNS: ---------- The most difficult part about using a pick gun is not using it, but getting the damm thing in the first place. They are available from most of the same places that hand picks are sold, but unlike hand picks, are not readily made at home. If you manage to get one(the best one, at least in my opinion, is the LOCKAID. This pick is made by a company called majestic. It is made very well, has an ajustable strike force dial, and has a LIFETIME warranty! Well, let's assume you have one of these tools... Well the first thing is to get a lock(a small padlock is a good practice item) then... 1.insert the tension wrench at the bottom of the keyway, and rotate it in the direction that the lock opens. 2.starting with the pick gun's tension dial set either to 0 or 1(0=the point that the dial will go no lower)(1=1 full turn in the opposite direction), take the pick gun and insert it's needle into the keyway, but try not to insert it beyond the pins, as the needle may bind. Holding the tool horizontal, squeeze the trigger. Do this 6-8 times, if no results then release the tension(on the cylinder), raise the pick gun's tension dial 1 full turn, and try to open the lock again. Keep trying until you get it open. TUBULAR LOCK PICKS: ------------------- The best guide to using a tubular lock pick, is the instructions that come with it. However, as these may not be available, these general notes will get you started. Also HPC has a tutorial on using tubular lock picks(Basic Picking and Servicing Tubular Locks) (a bit costly, but if it is as good as other HPC tutorials I've seen, it may be worth it). GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: --------------------- 1. Take the pick and slide the feelers(the moveable tines) back and forth a few times. Slide all of them (usually 7) out past the end of the tool a bit(maybe 1/8th of a inch or so). Then press the tool aginst a hard surface until all of the feelers are flush with the end of the tool. 2.Insert the tool into the front of the lock and gently push it all of the way into the lock. Then rotate the tool in the direction required for opening, but use a minimum of force, as excessive force will cause 2 difficulties: 1.The front of the pick may be damaged. 2.The lock may not be able to be open at all, or if it can it may be damaged. After rotating the pick, slowly pump it in and out of the lock but note that the pick should only be backed out about 1/8 inch or so. is;eventually the lock should open. If not...start again from the start. =-=-=-[ End of P/HUN Issue #3 :: Hacker's Den BBS (718)358/9209 ]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=