How do you pick a lock without a tension wrench?
Sarah Duran
Updated on February 23, 2026
Picking a lock with paper clips works pretty much the same way as picking a lock with a traditional tension wrench and rake. You just need to turn two paper clips into those two very same tools, and then
pick the lock
Lock picking is the practice of unlocking a lock by manipulating the components of the lock device without the original key.
› wiki › Lock_picking
What can I use instead of a tension wrench?
What Can I Use Instead of a Tension Wrench. Any small piece of flat metal can act as a tension wrench. A common substitute for tension wrenches is piece of wire from an underwire bra. Even a windshield wiper insert can be used as a tension wrench.What household items can you use to pick a lock?
Ideal choices include a small screwdriver or hex wrench, a hair pin, or a heavy-duty paperclip. You can even use a bamboo skewer from the kitchen, or a cotton swab with the fluff removed from one end.What is the easiest way to pick a lock?
The easiest way to pick a lock is to use the fast and dirty method: scrubbing.
- Insert Tension Wrench into the Bottom of Key Hole and Apply Slight Pressure. ...
- Insert Pick at Top of Lock. ...
- While Applying Slight Torque to Your Wrench, Scrub Your Pick Back and Forth in the Key Hole. ...
- Repeat Until All the Pins Set.
Can you pick a lock with a pencil?
You might be able to take apart a mechanical pencil and use some of the sturdier metal components to pick a lock, but a wooden pencil probably wouldn't work. However, you can use pencil lead to lubricate a sticky lock if you don't have powdered graphite on hand!Picking a lock without a tension wrench
Can you pick a lock with a paperclip?
Picking a lock with paper clips works pretty much the same way as picking a lock with a traditional tension wrench and rake. You just need to turn two paper clips into those two very same tools, and then pick the lock with them like you'd normally do.How do you pick a lock with a screwdriver?
To unlock a privacy lock you'll need a flathead screwdriver that is small enough to fit into the hole on the doorknob. Insert your screwdriver into the hole and push forward. If your doorknob is using a push-button type privacy lock, then you should hear a loud click and the door will open.How do you lock a door with a penny?
Step 1: Lock Without a KeyStart by pushing in the door near the top. Slide several pennies into the crack between the door and the jamb molding about 18" above the handle. Repeat process below the handle. Keep adding pennies equally to the top and bottom until you can't squeeze another one in.
How do you open a door with a coin?
Insert the coin into the upper hinge.
- Place the coin between the edge of the door and the door frame. About half the coin should be between the door and frame.
- Move the coin upward slightly and push it into the door's hinge. Let the door close.