Useful Locksmith Techniques
March 16th, 2011
An experienced Miami locksmith clearly know that it takes more than jamming a pick to open a lock without using a key. It takes patience and lots of practice to pick a lock. To successfully pick a lock, he also needs the right tools and the correct methods and knowing which tool to use for which purpose is the key.
- Assess the lock before you work on it. For a locksmith to start working on a lock he must know the condition of the lock first. A dirty lock can also affect its performance and tumblers are weakened by constant and excessive use. This will affect its ability to be picked. Weather can also play an important role; lock springs react differently during spring time than in winter. Cleaning the tumbler can save you a lot of work, because one dirty component on a lock can mean a failure to your job. If a lock is already old and has not been used for a long time, chances are, it will be very difficult to pick.
- Use WD40 lubricant or other spray to lubricate the plug but do not use granite to clean or lubricate it. To distribute, use a pick with key-like ridges to evenly spread the lubricant through the tumble. Every locksmith should have a lubricant handy in his tool box. Then use a tension tool that snugly fits the keyway. Start with light tension at first then slowly increase to stronger methods later. But do this slowly because too much tension weakens the drive spring, which keeps the pins in place. This is called the raking.
- Some locksmiths use the impression methods to open the locks so as not to damage the locks or to take it apart. Locksmiths make an impression on a blank key; they insert this blank key inside the lock and turn it to bind the pins in the lock. This process will leave marks on the blank key, once the key is removed, the locksmith can now proceed to create a duplicate based on the impressions that was left on the blank key. Then use the duplicate key to open the lock.
- Another trick is to use a Pick Gun or an Automatic Picker. These tools come in both manual and automatic design and use a vibrating pin to create a gap between the shear line and the base of the key sits. When done correctly this movement allows the key to rotate and open the lock.
As a locksmith you can create your own techniques as you go along in the locksmith industry. These are only a few examples of the techniques from seasoned locksmiths. If you need a locksmith Miami has many to choose from. Choose Locksmith in Miami for fast, friendly and courteous Security service.