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How to Pick a Lock With a Pencil (No Complex Tools Involved)

Fact checked by Teddy B.Miller

how to pick a lock with a pencil

There is a wide range of methods available for you to pick locks, which often involve things you can find around the house like a knife, paper clips, a power drill, etc. But have you ever thought of how to pick a lock with a pencil and a little effort?

Opening a lock with a pencil is actually far easier than you imagine. In this article, we’ll tell you why you should learn lock picking and what a pencil can do to help you with stubborn locks.

What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial

Prepare the following items:

  • Your door key
  • A pencil

Although it is hard to believe, this procedure is going to be much easier than you expected. Two items are literally all you need to prepare to follow this tutorial the correct way.

Check out this video for more information on how to pick a door lock with a pencil:

Step by Step Instructions

Take a look at the extremely simple steps below to complete the task. We bet that you can finish the entire process in a few minutes.

  • Take a sharp pencil. Use its head to rub on the teeth of your key until graphite covers the entire surface. Make sure you distribute the powder evenly.
  • It is advisable that you apply a thick coat. Then, insert your key into the door lock and turn it to deposit graphite into the lock.
  • If you feel like it’s necessary, you can repeat the rubbing a couple times more to help your key slides in smoothly.

Why Learn Lock Picking?

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Learning how to pick locks is entertaining and challenging at the same time (sometimes it brings satisfaction as well). One day, this life skill might become handy if you are accidentally locked out of the house without the key to your front door.

Many people are interested in this craft and working on it as a hobby. Given there are lock picking tutorials online, you can learn ways to pick a lock without paying any money. If you’re skilled enough, you might not need a locksmith to work on your doors.

Is It Legal to Pick Locks?

It is a popular question: whether picking a lock is legal for anyone to perform. As far as we are concerned, you can own a lock pick set legally in most US states. However, you should only pick your own locks. Don’t tamper with other people’s properties.

What Can a Pencil Do for Locks?

When a lock needs some sort of lubrication to work smoothly, professional locksmiths tend to choose powdered graphite. However, you may use a pencil as a cheaper substitute for graphite. Note that it is best used on clean locks without dust and moisture.

Summary

That was how to pick a lock with a pencil in a short but effective guide with clear instructions and tips. Take advantage of your stationery to smoothen your key if the door lock feels sticky, so you can get inside the house as soon as possible.

What is your opinion on our article about lock picking using a pencil? Let us know what you think in the comment section below. And share your tips on how to pick a lock without tools as well!

Thank you for reading.

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