There’s a lot of misinformation and bias surrounding the art of art of lockpicking. Many believe that it’s impossible to learn, requires some sort of Zen-like focus, or that you have to sit in a candlelit room for hours on end in order to master the craft. In reality, learning to pick locks isn’t that hard and can be surprisingly exhilarating. It does require patience, a sensitive touch, and the ability to apply just the right amount of pressure. But it’s also a skill that can be useful in everyday life—whether you’re a locksmith or simply curious about what goes on inside your locks.

Lock Picking Tools for Sale: Your Guide to Finding the Right Set for Beginners

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a practice lock. These transparent devices allow you to see the pins as you manipulate them with your pick and help you develop a feel for the movement of each pin. Practice picking with bobby pins or paperclips (just be careful not to accidentally break the lock!) and then progress to more advanced tools such as tension wrenches and rake picks.

Many of us have seen lockpicking in action on TV shows like “Supernatural” and “The X-Files.” However, these depictions tend to be overly dramatic, with characters cracking locks effortlessly using improvised items such as hairpins. In fact, real-world lockpicking requires a level of expertise and adherence to legal boundaries that’s often overlooked in entertainment. That being said, there are still plenty of reasons why you might want to master the skill—including an emergency situation where you might need to get into a locked door quickly without disturbing occupants or damaging the property.