Essential Tools Every Locksmith Needs
As a locksmith, having the right tools is just as important as the skill and expertise behind the craft. Whether it’s unlocking a simple residential door or a more complex lock, the tools determine how efficiently and effectively a locksmith can do their job. For anyone considering becoming a locksmith or simply curious about the profession, understanding the essential tools locksmiths use is key to appreciating the work.
In this article, we’ll explore the most important tools in a locksmith’s bag, explaining their purposes and how they make the job easier.
1. Key Extractor
A key extractor is one of the most commonly used tools by locksmiths. As the name suggests, it’s designed to remove broken keys that have become stuck inside locks. When a key snaps off, the remaining piece can make a lock stuck. A key extractor has a thin, hooked end that latches onto the broken piece, allowing the locksmith to pull it out carefully without damaging the lock.
2. Tension Wrench
The tension wrench is the backbone of any lock-picking set. It’s a small, L-shaped tool used to apply tension to the lock’s plug while the locksmith moves the pins inside the lock cylinder. The tension wrench provides just enough torque to allow the pins to move into place, eventually opening the lock. There are different types of tension wrenches, including light, medium, and heavy tension options, depending on the lock type.
3. Lock Pick Set
A lock pick set is also a tool that defines a locksmith’s trade. Each pick is designed for different types of locks and mechanisms. Some common types of lock picks include:
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Hook Picks: These are single pin picks used for precision picking, manipulating one pin at a time.
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Rake Picks: Rakes work by scrubbing all the pins at once, aiming to set them into the open position quickly.
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Snake Picks: A variation of the rake, designed for locks with more complicated configurations.
Lock picking requires both skill and the right set of picks, which can come in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of locks.
4. Plug Spinner
A plug spinner is an advanced tool used when a lock has been picked in the wrong direction. Some locks require a specific turning direction to open, and if turned the wrong way, the locksmith would need to re-pick the lock. A plug spinner allows the locksmith to quickly rotate the plug back to its original position without relocking the pins. This tool saves time and effort during lock manipulation.
5. Electric Pick Gun
Electric pick guns (also known as snap guns) provide a modern alternative to traditional manual picking. These battery-powered tools use a rapid up-and-down motion to quickly manipulate the pins inside the lock. The pins bounce into place, simulating the action of a traditional pick but with greater speed. While an electric pick gun can make unlocking faster, it requires being careful to avoid damaging the lock.
6. Bump Key
A bump key is another fast and effective method of opening a lock, though it’s a technique that locksmiths use cautiously. A bump key is a specially cut key designed to fit into a lock. By using a light tapping or “bumping” motion, the pins inside the lock are temporarily jolted into the correct position, allowing the locksmith to turn the lock. While this method is effective, it should only be used in legal and emergency situations, as it can compromise the integrity of the lock.
7. Handheld Drills
Though drilling is typically a last resort, a locksmith may need to use a drill to access a lock that is either too damaged or complex to pick. Handheld drills with specialized bits are used to carefully drill out the lock cylinder, allowing for easier replacement of the lock. Drills must be used with extreme caution to avoid damaging the door or surrounding components.
8. Key Cutting Machine
Key duplication is one of the most common services locksmiths provide. For this, a key-cutting machine is essential. These machines use a blade and guide system to copy the unique cuts of a key onto a blank. Modern key-cutting machines can range from simple manual models to advanced digital versions that can cut keys with incredible precision. Locksmiths rely on key-cutting machines for creating new keys, duplicating existing ones, and making keys from codes.
9. Slim Jim
A Slim Jim is a flat, narrow strip of metal used by locksmiths to open car doors without the use of a key. It slides between the window and weather stripping to manipulate the internal mechanisms that control the lock. While effective, Slim Jims require skill and practice to avoid damaging the car’s electronic systems or door mechanics.
10. Tubular Lock Pick
Tubular locks, commonly found in vending machines and bike locks, require a different approach than standard pin-tumbler locks. Tubular lock picks are cylindrical tools designed to manipulate the pins inside tubular locks. They are available in various sizes to accommodate the different sizes of tubular locks and can make unlocking these systems much faster.
11. Rekeying Kit
Rekeying involves changing the internal configuration of a lock so that it can be operated by a different key, often a necessary step after a security breach. Locksmiths use a rekeying kit to replace the lock’s pins or tumblers with new ones, making the old key useless. These kits typically include various pin sizes and special tools for adjusting the lock.
12. Lock Scope
A lock scope is a small, specialized device that allows locksmiths to inspect the interior of a lock without dismantling it. This tool is valuable for diagnosing problems or identifying the type of pins and tumblers in the lock. It provides a view of the lock’s internal mechanism, ensuring that the locksmith can select the best method for unlocking or repairing it.
Final Thoughts
Being a locksmith is not just about having the right tools but knowing how and when to use them. Each job presents a challenge, and having a toolkit is essential for obstacles locksmiths face daily. From basic picks to advanced electric tools, locksmiths must stay updated on the latest technology and techniques in the industry.
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