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How to Open a Padlock without a Key in Just Three Steps?

Fact checked by Teddy B.Miller

how to open a padlock without a key

Trying to figure out how to open a padlock without a key? Insert the tip of the screwdriver inside the keyhole until it reaches the barrel of the lock. Thrust the screwdriver in and out of the lock while jiggling it. Continue to shake the lock until you hit the tumblers and you open the lock.

By simply following these steps, you can open a master lock without a key. You don’t have to call a locksmith to help you out since you can unlock a padlock without a key by yourself. It will save you a lot of time and money.

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What You Need

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To remove padlock without key, there are specific items that you must prepare before doing the tutorial. The items are easy to find and they are also affordable. You can also borrow from your neighbors if you don’t have some of the items required to follow the tutorial and open the lock if you lost key to padlock.

1. Screwdriver

You need a screwdriver that has a tip that is small enough to fit into the keyhole of the padlock. If your padlock is small or medium, it is recommended to use a slender screwdriver such as the jeweler screwdriver that is used in fixing jewelry and eyeglasses.

This type of screwdriver is mechanical and its blade has a flat-cabinet style. The handle also has a rotating disk that allows the tool to rest in the palm of the user. Aside from that, the screwdriver is available in different sizes. It is recommended that you purchase a set so that you can choose the screwdriver that will match the keyhole.

If you don’t have a jeweler screwdriver, you can also use a metal paperclip. Straighten it first using a pair of pliers and unravel it if it has a plastic cover. Make sure that it is sturdy enough so that it won’t break as you thrust it inside the lock.

You can also use a bobby pin as an alternative. However, it must be thin enough to fit the keyhole. Also, it must be durable so that you will prevent it from breaking while you are doing the procedures.

2. A pair of gloves (optional)

If you have wet or slippery hands, it is recommended that you wear a pair of anti-slip gloves since you will be picking a lock for a long duration of time. This kind of gloves is designed to make handling easier, especially if your hands are wet or you are working with slippery objects. It will also prevent acquiring any blisters.

You can choose gloves that have anti-slip pads incorporated with them or separate from the gloves. If you want to add warmth to your hands, it is advisable to purchase gloves that have extra layers inside. These kinds of gloves are usually made of synthetic leather, vinyl, cotton, and mixed fabrics.

If you don’t have anti-slip gloves, you can also use a pair of latex gloves. These gloves offer flexibility and dexterity. However, you need to make sure first that you don’t have any allergy to latex proteins since they may cause allergic reactions. Choose gloves that are not too tight or too loose so you won’t be distracted as you pick the lock.

3. Pliers (optional)

A pair of pliers is only needed if you don’t have a screwdriver and you will need to use a paperclip or a bobby pin. The purpose of this tool is to straighten and make a pick using the said materials. If you have a screwdriver, you don’t have to use any pliers.

For straightening a paperclip, you may use nylon jaw pliers. It is used for straightening wires, especially for jewelry. You just need to grip the pliers to the curved part of the paperclip to straighten it. The difference between these pliers and other types is that they don’t produce any scratches.

You can also use a pair of flat-nose pliers as an alternative. It is designed for straightening wires. Those who make jewelry and crafts usually own these pliers since they are also useful in assembling the piece and forming some shapes. You just need to squeeze the part of the paperclip you need to straighten in the pliers.

How to Open a Padlock without a Key

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Step 1: Insert the tip of the screwdriver inside the keyhole until it reaches the barrel of the lock

First, you need to insert the tip of the screwdriver inside the keyhole until it reaches the barrel of the lock. If the screwdriver cannot reach the barrel of the lock, it means that the screwdriver you are using is too big for the keyhole. Use a screwdriver with a smaller tip if this happens.

It is recommended that you prepare a set of screwdrivers so that you can choose the one that will fit inside the keyhole and reach the barrel of the lock. If your screwdriver is too thick, you cannot proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Thrust the screwdriver in and out of the lock while jiggling it

You need to align the locking pins that are freely moving up and down to successfully open the lock. To do this, thrust the screwdriver in and out of the lock slowly while turning around the handle at different angles to move more pins. Some of the locks are designed to open automatically if several pins are turned correctly.

As much as possible, don’t let the tip of the screwdriver slip too far outside the lock since it may undo all the progress that you have made — it may lead to missing pins inside the lock.

Step 3: Continue to shake the lock until you hit the tumblers and you open the lock

Continue to shake the lock and thrust the screwdriver inside until you hit all the tumblers needed to open the lock. Once you have hit the required tumblers, the lock will automatically open. If not, it will not budge and remain shut. This process may take you some time. However, don’t stop until you open the lock.

If you fail to open the lock, you can also use a hammer or a wrench in opening a padlock without a key. As a reminder, don’t do this trick in a public place since people may think that you are a burglar.

Conclusion

Are you satisfied with our tutorial on how to open a padlock without a key? There is a way to open padlock without key. The steps are easy to follow, and you can do each step successfully without asking for any help. It will save you from paying a locksmith to unlock your padlock.

If you have felt really annoyed because you forgot your keys. I recommend considering keyless locks. These include electronic safe locks, combination locks or biometric door locks.

If you find this article useful, you can share this post with your friends so they can also open their padlocks in case they are locked out of their houses. We also love to know your experiences while doing the tutorial. Just leave a comment below.

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