Can You Damage A Lock By Picking It? (Find Out Now!)

Dakotah Forbes
by Dakotah Forbes

Getting locked out of your home is a major inconvenience, especially when you’re in a hurry. However, replacing a lock be a costly repair, especially if you have a more advanced lock on your home. So, is it possible to damage a lock by picking it?

Yes, you can damage a lock when picking it if you’re not careful. You could scratch the exterior of the lock, cheap tools could break inside of the lock, and more. However, there are ways to successfully pick a lock without any damage if you’re careful.

Keep reading to learn about how you might damage a lock by picking it. You’ll also find tips to avoid damaging a lock when picking it, and signs that someone tampered with your lock.

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How Can You Damage a Lock by Picking It?

If you’re locked out, it can be tempting to hurriedly work at unlocking your door with any nearby tool. However, lack of patience and care could cost you more in damage than the cost of a locksmith.

Damaging Springs Inside the Lock

A primary way that picking a lock could damage the lock is by damaging the springs. Springs can become deformed or broken inside the lock as a result of rough lock picking. This can cause the pins inside of the lock to get stuck more easily, limiting the function of the lock. Even in a stressful situation, be sure to take extra care to avoid damaging components inside the lock.

Breaking the Tool Inside the Lock

Another common way to damage a lock is by breaking your picking tool inside the lock. If you’re in a hurry, your only tool options could be a hairpin, paper clip, or other flimsy items. However, these tools could break, leaving a piece stuck inside the lock. If you can’t get the broken piece out of the lock, you’ll need to dismantle it, or replace it altogether.

How To Safely Pick a Lock To Avoid Damage

Even in a hurry, it is possible to safely pick certain locks with common household items. Follow the instructions below to avoid damage when picking a lock.

With A Credit Card

In a pinch, you may be able to safely use a credit card to pick a lock. This works on spring latch doors, a common interior or household door lock. This will not work on a door with a deadbolt. Also, you must be on the side of the door where you cannot see its hinges.

Follow these simple steps to unlock a door with a credit card:

  • Slide the credit card between the door and the metal plate. Some doorframes may contain molding that hinders your access to the latch. In that case, this lock picking method will be ineffective. 
  • Once it is wedged between the latch and the metal plate, bend the card away from the doorknob. This will slide the latch back and force the door open. 

Note: If a lock on your home can easily be picked with a household item, consider making your home more secure. Install a more secure lock, or add a deadbolt lock that can be easily picked.

Bobby Pin or Screwdriver

Many interior locks, which are not designed for maximum security, can safely be picked with a thin metal pin. Bobby pins and screwdrivers are often sturdier options. Flimsy tools like paperclips are more likely to break inside the lock.

Here’s how to unlock a simple interior door lock with a bobby pin or screwdriver:

  • Insert the tool into the hole at the center of the doorknob. 
  • If the lock is a pressure switch, applying pressure with the tool will simply pop the lock open. 
  • If the lock contains a slot, it must be twisted to unlock. This will be easier to complete with a flathead screwdriver rather than a hairpin. 

Signs a Lock Has Been Picked (or a Lock Pick Has Been Attempted)

Maybe you haven’t attempted to pick your own lock, but you’ve noticed something isn’t quite right with it. Here are some signs that someone else might have tampered with your lock in an attempt to pick it.

Scratches and External Damage

A hurried lock picker could accidentally leave scuffs and scratches around your lock. If you notice new damage, determine whether other family members or roommates could have created these scratches.

Difficulty Turning Your Key in the Lock

If your lock has been tampered with, you might notice that your lock became more difficult to turn and unlock. If it wasn’t previously difficult to use, it might have been tampered with while you were away.

The lock picking tools used by burglars can damage or modify the pins inside the lock. This could make it more difficult to turn the lock with its original key. If you notice that your lock is not functioning normally, consider replacing your locks to keep your home secure.


Related Questions

Are Lock Pick Sets Legal?

Lock picking sets are legal in most states, with the exception of Virginia, Mississippi, Ohio, and Nevada. The safest way to pick a sturdy lock without damaging it in these states is to consult a professional locksmith. 


Can You Prevent Lock Picking?

The most effective way to prevent lock picking on your home is to install a more advanced lock. Some locks contain guards or technology that make them virtually impossible to pick. You can also deter lock pickers with home security systems and automatic lighting around your home at night. 

Do You Need to Hire a Locksmith?

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Conclusion

While you can damage a lock when picking it, it is possible to take extra care to avoid damage. Certain locks can even be picked with common items like bobby pins and credit cards without damage.

If you notice damage to a lock on your home that wasn’t caused by you, there may have been an intruder attempting to enter your home. You should consider changing your locks to protect your home.

Dakotah Forbes
Dakotah Forbes

Dakotah Forbes is a copywriter and content writer specializing in home decor and design. She is dedicated to helping readers find answers to all their home design questions by creating helpful guides and articles. In her spare time, she loves to use her creative spirit to complete her own home decor and DIY projects. Dakotah graduated from James Madison University with a BA in Media Arts and Design and currently resides in Virginia with her husband.

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