What locksmiths do can often be complicated. It requires a lot of equipment and a lot of know-how to be ready to tackle any problem a customer may come to you with. But if you’re hoping for a temporary fix to being locked out or losing your key, there are a few simple tools you can have on hand to get by. Here’s a list of just three of those tools, and what you can use them for.
Before We Get Started…
Before picking up a lockpick, it’s essential that you have a tension wrench. This tool will need to be used in conjunction with whatever pick you choose. The tension wrench will be used to hold the pins in place as you make your way through them.
1. The Triangle Pick
The triangle pick is the most versatile kind of pick and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s also one of the best choices if you’re only going to pick one kind of lockpick.
2. Rake Pick
The other essential lockpick that can be used to tackle a variety of jobs is the rake pick. This pick works by “raking” all the pins at once to push them above the the sheer line. At the same time, the tension rod turns the plug, and some or all of the pins fall into the correct position after removing the pick.
3. Hook Pick
The hook pick is what people usually think of when they think of a lockpick. It’s the most basic kind of pick, and works by lifting individual pins into the correct position one at a time.
4. Wafer Pick
A wafer pick, as the name suggests, is designed to open wafer locks. Although you don’t necessarily need a pick specifically designed for this type of a lock, it will make your life a little easier.
5. Round Pick
This pick looks how you would expect it to look- round at the end, in either the shape of a full or half circle. It is another pick that can be used to open wafer locks, and is handy to have in your arsenal.
6. The Skeleton Key
The skeleton key is also known as the warded picks, as these picks are designed to tackle warded locks. Warded locks have simpler design than pin locks, and employ wards to allow or deny access based on the shape of the key. The skeleton key is stripped down to the essential part of a warded key, the very end, allowing for easier manipulation and less chance of the key being denied.
Hopefully this short list will help you out of a tight spot sometime in the future. If you do end up needing to call in a professional, make sure you hire someone who is trustworthy and reliable, and who has all the necessary tools to tackle any job. Knowell’s Lock and Safe 24 hour locksmiths are on call and ready to come to your aid night or day. Save our number to your phone so that you’ll have it close at hand when you need it: 904-387-0042.