How To Pick An Antique Door Lock

Not to be used illegally.

How to pick an antique door lock.

In addition ideal lock picking should not damage the lock itself allowing it to be re keyed for later use which is especially important with antique locks that would be impossible to replace if destructive. This is the hole where you would insert a key if you had one. You may have to try a couple of different tools until you find the right one that works in your lock. Keep this pressure on the barrel while you begin picking the lock.

In order to pick the lock insert a straight tool from a lock picking kit apply pressure and attempt to turn the lock. For a detailed text article on lock picking check out. In order to pick the lock insert a straight tool from a lock picking kit apply pressure and attempt to turn the lock. Once you feel a little resistance indicating the wire has been inserted fully carefully twist the wire.

It is the strongest of residential locksets and an expensive piece of precision hardware that takes a pro to install correctly. Most antique locks tend to be far simpler mechanisms than the locks designed today. You may have to try a couple of different tools until you find the right one that works in your lock. If you don t have an allen wrench you could use a sturdy piece of wire bent into a 90 degree angle at one end.

Learn how to pick a lock and become a super spy. The lock will catch on the pins and you ll feel some resistance. If it s too small for the 3 32 inch 0 24 cm wrench go down to the next size 5 64 inch 0 20 cm. Turn the lever slightly.

Door hardware for mortise locks comes in just about any style. Picking the lock try inserting the wire or paper clip carefully into your lock s keyhole. Turn the lever softly but firmly in the same direction you would turn your key to unlock the door. Antique styled skeleton key workarounds and replacements the antique styled ones require a bit of patience and effort but between safety pins paperclips or heaven forbid an actual lock pick set it will eventually pop loose which is a good temporary solution to the immediate problem.

Insert a 3 32 inch 0 24 cm allen wrench into the lock hole. Expect to pay from 350 to 700 or more per lock before installation. The lock gets recessed or mortised into the edge of the door. Most antique locks tend to be far simpler mechanisms than the locks designed today.

Both kinds of locks are surprisingly easy to pick which is why they re not used more extensively for security purposes.