MIT Guide to Lock Picking - Table Of Contents
Distribution
Copyright 1987, 1991 Theodore T. Tool. All rights reserved.
Permission to reproduce this document on a non-profit basis is granted provided that this copyright and distribution notice is included in full. The information in this booklet is provided for educational purposes only.
August 1991 revision.
The MIT Hackning community’s opinion.
Contents
- 1 It’s Easy
- 2 How a Key Opens a Lock
- 3 The Flatland Model
- 4 Basic Picking & The Binding Defect
- 5 The Pin Column Model
- 6 Basic Scrubbing
- 7 Advanced Lock Picking
- 8 Exercises
- 8.1 Exercise 1: Bouncing the pick
- 8.2 Exercise 2: Picking pressure
- 8.3 Exercise 3: Picking Torque
- 8.4 Exercise 4: Identifying Set Pins
- 8.5 Exercise 5: Projection
- 9 Recognizing and Exploiting Personality
Traits- 9.1 Which Way To Turn
- 9.2 How Far to Turn
- 9.3 Gravity
- 9.4 Pins Not Setting
- 9.5 Elastic Deformation
- 9.6 Loose Plug
- 9.7 Pin Diameter
- 9.8 Beveled Holes and Rounded pins
- 9.9 Mushroom Driver Pins
- 9.10 Master Keys
- 9.11 Driver or Spacer Enters Keyway
- 9.12 Vibration Picking
- 9.13 Disk Tumblers
- 10 Final Remarks
- A Tools
- B Legal Issues
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[...] Chapter 1 > Back to Index > [...]
[...] Knowing how a lock works when it is opened by a key is only part of what you need to know. You also need to know how a lock responds to picking. Chapters 3 and 5 present models which will help you understand a lock’s response to picking. [...]
[...] Back to Index > Chapter 2 > [...]
[...] In order to become good at picking locks, you will need a detailed understanding of how locks works and what happens as it is picked. This document uses two models to help you understand the behavior of locks. This chapter presents a model that highlights interactions between pin positions. Chapter 4 uses this model to explain how picking works. Chapter 9 will use this model to explain complicated mechanical defects. [...]
[...] The flatland model highlights the basic defect that enables lock picking to work. This defect makes it possible to open a lock by lifting the pins one at a time, and thus you don’t need a key to lift all the pins at the same time. Figure 4.1-4.3 shows how the pins of a lock can be set one at a time. The first step of the procedure is to apply a sheer force to the lock by pushing on the bottom plate. This force causes one or more of the pins to be scissored between the top and bottom plate. The most common defect a inck lo is that only one pin will bind. Figure 4.1 shows the left pin binding. Even though a pin is binding, it can be pushed up with a picking tool, see Figure 4.2. When the top of the key pin reaches the sheer line, the bottom plate will slide slightly. If the pick is removed, the driver pin will be held up by the overlapping bottom plate, and the key pin will drop down to its initial position, see Figure 4.3. The slight movement of the bottom plate causes a new pin to bind. The same procedure can be used to set the new pin. [...]
[...] The flatland model of locks can explain effects that involvs more than one pin, but a different model is needed to explain the detailed behavior of a single pin. See Figure 5.1. The pin-column model highlights the relationship between the torque applied and the amount of force needed to lift each pin. It is essential that you understand this relationship. [...]
[...] At home you can take your time picking a lock, but in the field, speed is always essential. This chapter presents a lock picking technique called scrubbing that can quickly open most locks. [...]
[...] Simple lock picking is a trade that anyone can learn. However, advanced lock picking is a craft that requires mechanical sensitivity, physical dexterity, visual concentration and analytic thinking. If you strive to excel at lock picking, you will grow in many ways. [...]
[...] This chapter presents a series of exercises that will help you learn the basic skill of lock picking. Some exercises teach a single skill, while others stress the coordination of skills. [...]
[...] Real locks have a wide range of mechanical features and defects that help and hinder lock picking. If a lock doesn’t respond to scrubbing, then it probably has one of the traits discussed in this chapter. To open the lock, you must diagnose the trait and apply the recommended technique. The exercises will help you develop the mechanical sensitivity and dexterity necessary to recognize and exploit the different traits. [...]
[...] Lock picking is a craft, not a science. This document presents the knowledge and skills that are essential to lock picking, but more importantly it provides you with models and exercises that will help you study locks on your own. To excel at lock picking, You must practice and develop a style which fits you personally. Remember that the best technique is the one that works best for you. [...]
[...] This appendix describes the design and construction of lock picking tools. [...]
[...] Contrary to widespread myth, it is not a felony to possess lockpicks. Each state has its own laws with respect to such burglarious instruments. Here is the Massacusetts version quoted in entirety from the massachusetts general code: Chapter 266 (crimes against property) Section 49. Burglarious instruments; making; possession; use. [...]
[...] type lock that can be easily picked in under 5 seconds. Don’t know how to pick locks? No problem. Just unscrew the bottom and you have [...]
[...] spiralbound.net ยป MIT Guide to Lock Picking - Table Of Contents (tags: locks mechanical hacking diy guide) [...]
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