Have you ever seen a movie where the protagonist picks a lock with a card by simply jiggling it? The door opens so quickly that it has left some people wondering how realistic it is. It is not the most practical method for picking the lock and isn’t that easy either. Many other methods have a better probability of being successful than this. Most importantly, this method will only work with a spring or slanted/diagonal latch.This article will guide you on how to pick a lock with a card. However, the Lockout service in Chicago does not recommend this method as you can easily break your card.
Selecting the Card to Use
You can’t just use any card to perform this task. The card will go through a lot of wiggling and will face pressure. You should use a card that is flexible and will not break easily. Credit cards are not very flexible as they are very thick and rigid. Rigid cards will not be able to handle the jiggling and will easily break. In addition, credit cards are also valuable, so consider getting a less valuable card.
How can I tell which lock to pick with a card?
A card can not open every lock. It must be a lock with a spring or a slanted latch. Do not try this method on any other locks. Also, keep the following things in mind before you start.
- If the lock is slanted-latch, make sure the slant is facing you. Otherwise, you will not be able to unlock the door.
- Do not attempt this with a deadbolt lock, as it uses a rod that goes deep in the door frame and will break the card if force is applied.
- Make sure there is nothing in between the latch. Some locks have extra security, which includes covering the latch with a metal plate or excessive molding.
If any of these requirements are not fulfilled, it is better to contact Key Duplication in Chicago instead of performing it yourself.
Steps to pick a lock with a card
- Slide the corner of your card in the space between the lock and the door frame. It should be on top of where the lock is. Then slowly move it down near the lock.
- You will be able to feel the latch once the card comes in contact with it.
- Push the card as much as you can easily at a ninety-degree angle along with the door.
- Now tilt the card in the opposite direction. The card will slide under the bent end of the diagonal latch.
- Apply some force with your body against the door and wiggle the card under the slanted latch.
- Now wiggle the card while applying force, and when the card connects with the latch, it will open the door after wiggling.
- The above step might take some time, but jiggle the card a few times.
- Open the door by using the card and push the door with little force using your body.
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Some Other Ways to Open the Door
Hire a Locksmith
The best way is to call a locksmith. It will take 5 minutes for a professional locksmith to open the door. You won’t have to do anything except pay him his standard fee.
Check for windows
If you have windows, check if they are unlocked and can be opened from outside. If yes, this is also an easy way and will not cost you any money.
Using screwdriver for lock picking
Using a screwdriver is much more practical than using a card and has more chances of success. However, you should follow a proper guide before attempting to pick a lock using a screwdriver.
Using Bobby Pin or Paper clip for lock picking
If you have a bobby pin or a paper clip, you can pick almost any kind of lock. Most people use bobby pins due to their high rate of success. Again, you should follow a helpful guide to pick a lock using a bobby pin or paper clip.
Steps to prevent opening the door with a card
The following steps will protect your lock from being opened by a card.
Install a Deadbolt Lock
It is impossible to open a deadbolt lock with a card. The latch of the deadbolt lock goes deep in the doorframe. It will break the card if anyone attempts to unlock it.
Install a Smart Lock
A smart lock only opens when you enter the correct code. It also works like a deadbolt lock. It is made of high-grade metal and can not be opened using a card.
Install a Latch Guard
A latch guard hides the latch going into the door frame. Hence, a card can not be entered in the gap between the latch and the door frame.
Install a Sliding Latch
A sliding latch has a long metal rod that enters the door frame. It can not be moved or opened by a card.
Do not use spring or slanted-latch
A spring or slanted-latch are the only types of locks that can be opened using a card. Avoid these latches and go for the latches that offer more security, like a flip door latch.