How To Pick A Skeleton Key Lock [3 Super Easy Ways!]

It is all too easy to misplace an old skeleton key. Even if you have your skeleton key on hand, it may not be able to unlock a vintage lock. Because of that, many homeowners are left with their hands in the air wondering how they can pick a skeleton key lock.

The easiest way that you can pick a skeleton key lock is by using a coat hanger or paper clip. It sounds so simple, and it is, but you must be careful as to not damage the lock. All that you need to do is manipulate a coat hanger or paper clip by bending it so that you can turn it once inserted into the lock.

Once your paper clip or coat hanger is in the lock, carefully turn it by taking advantage of the bend and using it as a handle. It can take several tries, but eventually, you may hear and feel the lock disengage. Now, you can open up whatever lies beyond the skeleton key lock.

Let’s get into the specifics on how to pick a skeleton key lock.

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Put simply, a skeleton key is a type of key that can open a number of different types of locks. With their hollow insides, skeleton keys work to unlock every door in the house. The only time that your skeleton key won’t work on a lock is if it was not built with the house or a part of that lock set.

Interestingly, skeleton keys are cut in specifically to work with several different types of locks, effectively making them universal keys within your home.

Where the word “skeleton” comes into play is the unique shape of skeleton keys. Generally, skeleton keys have large open circles at the top, similar to a head, with the rest of its length being quite thin, like the body of a skeleton. So long as you have all lever locks in your home, a skeleton key can unlock them all.

Skeleton keys also work with some types of warded locks. However, for the last few decades, manufacturers have changed the design of many warded locks to prevent skeleton keys from working.

It is quite common for homeowners that have been using their skeleton key with no problem to suddenly find it not working one day. Even more common, however, is coming into a new house, having built or bought it, and finding that the skeleton key simply does not work at all.

For homeowners that purchased their home as opposed to built it, they may come across some antique locks. Often times, antique locks are not compatible with newer skeleton keys. Either that, or the previous homeowner never provided as skeleton key.

No matter what the reason is that you can’t unlock your skeleton key, picking it is your best bet of getting it open.

If you have determined that the skeleton key lock simply will not budge, it is time to pick it. Sometimes, the safest bet is to call your local locksmith, especially if the lock is an antique, or if it is on a china cabinet. Locksmiths have the skill required to pick a lock effortlessly without damaging it.

Otherwise, you can assess the lock for yourself and decide how you want to pick it. There are several every day items found around the house that you can use to pick a skeleton key lock with, such as:

Most commonly, homeowners use bobby pins, coat hangers, and paper clips. That is because those lockpicking tools are so readily available and easy to use. No two locks are alike, however, and sometimes a bobby pin or paper clip won’t cut it.

In that case, carefully inserting a thin flat head screwdriver or tiny pocketknife into the lock and twisting can open it. When all else fails, coat hangers work similarly to bobby pins or paper clips, but they do require you to bend them.

The more malleable the paper clip, the better. Examine the paper clip in your hand. Begin bending the paper clip until ¾ of it is straight. The remaining piece of the clip that is not straight should appear like a handle

Grab the clip by the “handle” and bend the straight part to form a 90 degree angle. That way, you can more easily maneuver the paper clip.

Quick Tip: For smaller locks, like jewelry boxes or armoires, you may find that a full straightened sturdy paper clip may work best. Since these pieces have smaller locks with smaller inner components, a straightened paper clip will most likely fit better.

Once you’ve bent the paper clip into your makeshift picking device, grip the “handle” and insert the other end into the lock. When you insert the paper clip, be sure to go in with it straight. You may need to fumble around in the lock for a while before you hit a spot within the mechanism that pushes back. This is the lever. Skeleton key locks consists of two main components: the lever and the deadbolt. To unlock it, you need to engage both the lever and the deadbolt.

For best results, insert the paper clip and press it as close as possible to side of the lock that faces you. From this position, you should be able to push up on the paper clip and feel the lever moving.

If you’ve misplaced your skeleton key or simply cannot gain access to your skeleton key lock, you can try picking the lock with a bobby pin, paper clip, coat hanger, or other lock picking device. Sometimes, skeleton keys do not work or they get misplaced. In most cases, you can use common items found around the home to pick a skeleton key lock. However, if you are dealing with a precious antique, it’s best to enlist the help of a locksmith to prevent any possible damage.

Don’t fret if you lose your skeleton key or it stops working like it used to. Just reach for the nearest bobby pin or paper clip, and it may save you a trip from the locksmith.