This document provides an introduction to lock picking, including the anatomy of a pin tumbler lock, how locks work, and the basic steps for picking a lock. It explains that lock picking involves analyzing and manipulating the lock's components without a key to unlock it. The key components of a pin tumbler lock are identified as the shell, plug, keyway, key, pins (tumblers), and springs. The document also notes that the goal of lock picking is to push up the pins with a tool until each pair is pressed past the shear line, causing a "click" and allowing the plug to rotate and unlock the lock.

1. Introduction to the Art of Picking
Locks
Vilnius - 17/05/2013

2. Introduction
“Lock picking is the art of unlocking a lock by
analyzing and manipulating the components
of the lock device, without the original key.”
Wikipedia
2

3. Pin Tumbler Lock’s Anatomy
3
Shell: contains all of the internal
components.
Plug: is the active and rotating component
of the pin tumbler lock.
Keyway: limits the number of keys that can
enter the lock.
Key: is the device used to unlock the lock.
Pins: also called tumblers. Provides the
security locking mechanism.
Springs: force each tumbler-set into the
plug and maintain the integrity of the pin-
stack while the key is inserted and
removed.
Shear line: is the level to which all pins
must be raised in order for the plug to
rotate.

4. How a Lock works
4
Shear line

5. Lockpicking Tools
5

6. How to Pick a Lock
6
4 1 5 3 2
Plug
1) Apply torque in the same direction that you would
turn the key
2) Use the pick to push up the pins
3) Since most locks are not built absolutely perfect…
4) The goal here is to press each pair of pins until you
hear a “click”.

7. Security Pins
7
Spool Mushroom
Serrated

8. Bibliography
8
http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/mitguide/
http://www.lockwiki.com/
http://www.ssdev.org/SSDeV/start.php