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How to Pick a Schlage Door Lock With 2 Easy Methods

Fact checked by Teddy B.Miller

how to pick a schlage door lock

Are you wondering how to pick a Schlage door lock? With the use of simple household items like screwdrivers and paper clips, you can pick a Schlage deadbolt. Knowing the right steps will help you break into your house in case you lose your keys or you forget your code.

Through this tutorial, you will learn how to pick a Schlage lock. You don’t have to call on professional help and spend some money to solve your problem. As long as you have the right tools, you can execute Schlage lock picking.

Method 1: Pick the Schlage Door Lock With Paperclips

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What you need

Before you proceed on picking a Schlage deadbolt using paper clips, you need to prepare the necessary items.

2 Paper clips

You need two large metal paper clips to create a tension wrench and a pick tool. Make sure that they won’t easily bend despite applying some pressure. If they are covered with plastics, you should remove them first to prevent the paper clips from getting stuck inside the lock.

If you don’t have paper clips, you can also use bobby pins as an alternative. Just remove the rubbery part on their tips. They must also be sturdy enough so they won’t break while you are picking the lock.

Pliers

To easily bend the paper clips, a pair of pliers is needed. A pair of needle-nose pliers is recommended since it is ideal for twisting thin metals. You can use the standard size or smaller ones so that you can have a comfortable grip.

If a pair of pliers is not available, you can use your hands to bend the paper clips, although it can take you more time. Also, be careful as you create the tension wrench and the pick tool with your bare hands so you will prevent any injury.

What to do

Step 1: Create a tension wrench and a pick using paper clips

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Before picking a Schlage door lock, you need to create a tension wrench and a pick. For the tension wrench, take one of the paper clips and straighten one end while leaving the other end bent. After that, bend the one with the bent end to 90 degrees.

For the pick, you need to straighten the larger portion of the paper clip while leaving the other side with a bent end. To easily depress the pins, bend the tip of the lock facing upward.

Step 2: Insert the tension wrench in the bottom part of the keyhole and apply the right pressure

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Once you have your tension wrench and pick, you can now insert the tension wrench in the bottom part of the keyhole. Turn it like you turn a key. Apply the right amount of pressure to the tension wrench. Make sure that you maintain this pressure until you successfully push all pins. Failing to do so will make it difficult for you to open the lock.

Step 3: Place the pick in the upper part of the keyhole and feel the pins

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After you positioned the tension wrench properly, place the pick in the upper part of the keyhole. Feel the pins of the lock by moving the pick in and out of the lock. Search for the seized pins. Unlike others, they are stuck and don’t move despite the pressure you apply.

Step 4: Push the pins until they are in the unlocked position

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You have to move the seized pins first before proceeding with the working pins. Applying lubrication inside the lock will also help you to push the pins easily. After you have detected the seized pins, move them by applying the right amount of force. Proceed with other pins, starting with the ones nearest to you.

Step 5: Turn the tension wrench and open the lock

You will hear a clicking sound once the pins are in the unlocked position. You can now turn the tension wrench clockwise and open the Schlage lock.

If you do not succeed, adjust the pressure you put on the tension wrench, or you can lubricate the lock, especially if it’s old and rusty.

Method 2: Pick the Schlage Door With a Screwdriver

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What you need

  • Flathead screwdriver

A flathead screwdriver is necessary to proceed to the tutorial. It is typically used for slotted screw heads. In terms of size, it must be small enough not to touch the sides of the keyhole.

The thinner the shaft of the flathead screwdriver is, the longer its reach is. The available sizes for a flathead screwdriver are 3/32 by 1 1/2, 3/16 by 1 1/2, 1/8 by 4, 3/16 by 4, and 1/4 by 4. The first number indicates the width, while the second one indicates the length of the shaft.

What to do

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Step 1: Insert the slotted screwdriver inside the keyhole

First, insert the slotted screwdriver inside the keyhole as far as possible. Your screwdriver must be small enough to fit inside the keyhole. A large screwdriver will make it impossible to open the Schlage door lock. Apply the right amount of pressure as you reach the bottom of the keyhole.

Step 2: Jiggle the lock using the screwdriver until it opens

Now, jiggle the lock horizontally using the screwdriver. Don’t forget to apply pressure as you push the lock. Do this procedure until you successfully open the lock. If you are picking a push-button type of Schlage lock, you may hear a clicking that indicates that you have already unlocked it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick on a Schlage door lock?

Picking Schlage locks may be challenging because of their durability and security. However, picking a Schlage door lock is still possible as long as you have the right tools and proper procedures.

Can I break in a Schlage keypad lock?

Yes, you can break in a Schlage keypad lock by using the bypass key of the lock. If you don’t have the bypass key, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for your lock’s code.

Conclusion

Have you successfully entered your house after learning how to pick a Schlage door lock? Knowing how to pick a Schlage lock is handy, especially if you constantly misplace your keys or forget your code. Instead of paying a locksmith to help you, you can break into your house and save your money.

If you have some friends in mind who need to learn this tutorial, you can share this post with them. We would also love to know your suggestions on other household items helpful in picking Schlage locks. Just leave a comment below.

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