How to unlock a door with a bobby pin

Have you ever found yourself locked out of your own room or a friend’s house, with no spare key in sight? It’s a frustrating situation that can evoke panic, especially if you’re in a hurry or have an important meeting to attend. In moments like these, you might recall hearing about creative methods to pick locks or, more specifically, how to unlock a door with a bobby pin. While it might sound like something out of a heist movie, this common household item could be your ticket back inside.

To unlock a door with a bobby pin, first, straighten one of the bobby pins while leaving the other one bent. Insert the bent pin into the lock and wiggle it around to feel the pins inside. With the straightened pin, push up on the pins inside the lock while turning the knob or the keyhole. Keep adjusting the tension and moving until the lock opens.

Unlocking a door with a bobby pin requires some patience and a basic understanding of how pin tumblers work. Start by examining the lock; many standard locks have tumbler pins that need to be set at different heights to unlock. You’ll want to take two bobby pins: one should be partially straightened to act as a tension wrench, while the other can remain bent to manipulate the pins inside the lock.

Begin by inserting the bent bobby pin into the bottom of the keyhole and apply gentle pressure as if you were turning the lock with a key. This pressure creates tension in the lock, which is crucial for picking. With your straightened pin, insert it into the top of the lock to feel for the individual pins. As you wiggle and move this pin, your goal is to lift each pin to the correct height. You’ll know you’ve successfully set a pin once you can feel it drop into place, creating a sort of click.

Continue this process, alternating between applying tension with the bent pin and manipulating the pins with the straight one. It may take a few tries, but with persistence, the lock should eventually turn, allowing you to regain access. Remember that this technique should only be used on locks you have permission to open; using it on someone else’s lock without consent is illegal.