Locks are essential components of home and business security. They are designed to keep unauthorized people out, prevent theft, and protect personal belongings. However, sometimes, you may find yourself locked out of your own property or unable to open a locked door for some reason. Knowing how to open different types of door locks can be helpful in such situations. In this guide, we will discuss the how to open a door lock.
- Pin and Tumbler Locks
Pin and tumbler locks are the most common types of door locks. They are found in almost every home and business. The lock consists of a series of pins of different lengths that prevent the lock from turning until the correct key is inserted.
To open a pin and tumbler lock, you need a key that matches the keyway of the lock. The keyway is the unique shape of the lock that matches the key. Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right. The pins inside the lock will align with the shear line, and the lock will turn. If you don’t have the key, you can use a lock pick set to open the lock. A lock pick set contains different picks and tension wrenches that you can use to manipulate the pins and turn the lock.
- Wafer Tumbler Locks
Wafer tumbler locks are similar to pin and tumbler locks, but they use wafers instead of pins. Wafers are flat pieces of metal that prevent the lock from turning until the correct key is inserted. To open a wafer tumbler lock, you need a key that matches the shape of the wafers. Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right. The wafers will align with the shear line, and the lock will turn.
If you don’t have the key, you can use a wafer pick set to open the lock. A wafer pick set contains different picks that you can use to manipulate the wafers and turn the lock.
- Disc Tumbler Locks
Disc tumbler locks use a series of discs to prevent the lock from turning until the correct key is inserted. The key has notches on its edges that align with the discs inside the lock. To open a disc tumbler lock, you need a key that matches the notches on the discs. Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right. The discs will align with the shear line, and the lock will turn.
If you don’t have the key, you can use a disc pick set to open the lock. A disc pick set contains different picks that you can use to manipulate the discs and turn the lock.
- Tubular Locks
Tubular locks are similar to disc tumbler locks, but they use a circular keyway instead of a key with notches. The key has a series of pins that align with the pins inside the lock. To open a tubular lock, you need a key that matches the pins inside the lock. Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right. The pins will align with the shear line, and the lock will turn.
If you don’t have the key, you can use a tubular lock pick to open the lock. A tubular lock pick is a specialized tool that you can use to manipulate the pins and turn the lock.
- Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are commonly found in older homes and commercial buildings. They are more complex than other types of locks and require a key with multiple pins and levers to open.