Gallery: 8 Tools to Help You Unleash Your Lock-Picking Potential

  • Image may contain Dryer Appliance Hair Drier and Blow Dryer
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
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    LPgun-gal

    __Snap gun__ Also called [a pick gun](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap_gun#mediaviewer/File:Snap_gun.jpg), this tool hits all the tumblers in a lock simultaneously with a sharp rap. It’s billed as a quick-entry device, but actually takes considerable practice to master, and is largely supplanted today by bump keys.
  • HPC Superior Pick Set NDPK32 The 32tool Superior set has everything you need in a lock pick set and a bunch of things...
    Courtesy HPC
    02

    LPhpc-gal

    __HPC Superior Pick Set NDPK-32__ The [32-tool Superior set](http://www.hpcworld.com/px/picksets/superior/index.html) has everything you need in a lock pick set, and a bunch of things you don’t. This set is perfect if you live in fear of being caught without the exact gonzo hook or double-pronged tension wrench you need.
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    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
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    __Visible Cutaway Practice Lock__ A training lock for newbies. This [transparent practice core](https://www.flickr.com/photos/itstactical/8232409813/) lets you see exactly how the pin tumbler lock works, and get a feel for manipulating the pins.
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    Courtesy lockpicks.com
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    LPbump-gal

    __Bump key set__[A bump key](http://www.lockpicks.com/professional-bump-key-set-30-keys-nickel-silver.html) is a specially cut blank that pops open a pin tumbler lock with a gentle whack from a hammer. Sadly, you need a different bump key for every brand of lock—hence this set of 30.
  • Bogota Entry tool kit These nicely designed instruments combine a pick and tension wrench in one compact titanium tool....
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    05

    LPpicks-gal

    __Bogota Entry tool kit__ [These nicely designed instruments](http://blackscoutsurvival.bigcartel.com/product/bogota-entry-tool-kit-6pc-titanium) combine a pick and tension wrench in one compact titanium tool. For extreme stealth operations, you can’t ask for a better toolset to hide on (or in) your person.
  • Kevin Mitnicks business card The next time you run into exhacker Kevin Mitnick hit him up for his business card which is...
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    06

    LPcard-gal

    __Kevin Mitnick’s business card__ The next time you run into ex-hacker Kevin Mitnick, hit him up for [his business card](https://imgur.com/gallery/NxCZ32J), which is made from spring steel and contains four punch-out picks and a tension wrench. Keep this in your wallet for an emergency.
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    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    07

    LPcircular-gal

    __Tubular lock pick__ What do Laundromat machines and bike locks have in common? They often use a type of pin tumbler mechanism called [a tubular lock](https://www.flickr.com/photos/itstactical/8705440240/), which sets the pins around a circle like points on a compass. This tool makes them easy to crack.
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    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    08

    LPrytan-gal

    __Rytan plug spinner__ Not sure whether the deadbolt you’re about to crack opens clockwise or counter-clockwise? With a [plug spinner](http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3151), you’re free to guess wrong. The spring-loaded blade fits in the keyway and flicks the lock core 180 degrees without it relocking.
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