How to make lockpicks

Step 1

Straighten out the outermost bend of the paperclip. Use your fingers to flatten out the outside curve of
the paperclip. When finished, you should have a straight shaft that’s roughly equal in length to the
remaining curved section of the paperclip.

Use metal paperclips that are at least 4 cm (1.6 in) long (before altering them) to make both the pick and
the tension wrench. Shorter clips won’t be able to access the lock’s inner workings, and plastic
paperclips will simply break.

Step 2

Twist the inner end of the clip around the section next to it, using pliers. In the remaining curved section
of the paperclip, there will be 2 bends that result in 2 sections of the clip (including one end) butting
right up against each other in parallel. Use your fingers and the pliers to wrap the end section around
the straight section that it butts up against.

You can skip this step if you like, but it makes the clip stronger and easier to handle when you’re trying
to pick a lock.

Step 3

Make a 45-degree bend about 2 cm (0.79 in) from the straight end tip. Clamp the jaws of your pliers
tightly over the tip of the straight section of the clip. Pinch your free hand on the clip near the jaws and
use the pliers to bend the tip at a 45-degree angle, either up or down.

This step and the following step combine to make an M shape at the end of the pick. Many pickers
believe this shape works better than a single 45-degree angle bend. However, if you want to go the
simpler route, make a single, 1 cm (0.39 in) long, 45-degree bend at the tip of the straight end and skip
the next step.

Step 4

Create 3 more alternating bends to create an M shape at the straight end. Grip the pliers about 0.5 cm
(0.20 in) back from the 45-degree bend you just made, closer to the straight end tip of the clip. Make
another 45-degree angle bend, but this time in the opposite direction. Repeat this process 2 more times
to create an M shape (or W shape, depending on your perspective) at the end of the clip.

As noted, if you want to make just a single 45-degree bend at the end of the clip, skip this step. In either
case, the pick is now finished and it’s time to move on to making the tension wrench out of a second
paperclip.

Step 5

Unfold the second paperclip into an elongated U shape. Straighten out the outermost bend of the
second clip, just like you did with the first clip. Then, straighten out the innermost bend, so that you end
up with 2 long, parallel shafts connected by a single U-shaped bend.
The 2 straight shafts should be nearly (if not exactly) equal in length.

Step 6

Use pliers to flatten the bend so the long sections of the paperclip are touching. Pinch your pliers over
the U-shaped curve and squash it nearly flat between the jaws. Leave just a small bit of curve—if you
pinch it down too sharply, the metal may snap at the bend.

The 2 straight shafts should now be running side-by-side, if not touching their entire length.

Step 7

Bend the last 2.5 cm (0.98 in) of the base of the old U at a right angle. Re-grip the pliers over the bend
you just flattened out, so that the jaws cover about 2.5 cm (0.98 in) of both straight shafts. Use the pliers
and your free hand to bend this section at a 90-degree angle (right angle), either upward or downward.

The clip should now look like a capital L with an elongated vertical section.

Step 8

Twist the long sections of the paperclip around each other 2-3 times with pliers. Use your fingers and
the pliers to wrap one of the parallel shafts over the other, then repeat the process 1-2 more times. The
more wraps you make, the sturdier (and easier to grip) your tension wrench will be.

However, don’t make more than 3 wraps, or you may weaken the metal and break off the end of the
clip.

You’re all done with your paperclip pick and tension wrench, so try picking a lock with them—just make
sure you have permission to do so!

While it is typically legal to make or possess lockpicks, it is illegal to pick a lock unless you own the lock
or have permission to pick it from the owner. Use this article to help you pick your way into your home if
you forgot your keys, not to break the law!