Pin Cam Lock Opening Method

To unlock a pin cam lock, first use a torque wrench to apply rotational torque to the lock cylinder. Then, use a needle-shaped lock pick to push the lock spring or pins upward one by one until they are all aligned with the cutoff point. Typically, the pins in the lock cylinder are not perfectly aligned. Under the torque, only one pin bears the greatest force against the lock cylinder. When this pin is pushed to the correct height, the lock cylinder rotates slightly further until it is locked by another pin. Once all the pins are aligned, the torque wrench can be used to open the lock. Sometimes, locksmiths will first use the lock pick to quickly and forcefully pull the pins upward; this may occasionally cause some of the pins to automatically reach the correct height, thus reducing the time required to open the lock.

 

Some simple padlocks have only two or three pins, and only require a 1/8 turn of the lock cylinder to open. An experienced locksmith can open a pin without a torque wrench or a lock pick; they can simply use a safety pin. However, some well-constructed pin tumbler locks contain various special features that make it difficult for the lock pick to push the pins to the correct height.

 

Another very fast way to open a pin tumbler lock is to use a vibrating lock pick, or "bump keys," to dislodge the pins. Both tools work in the same way: a tool is inserted under the lower pin and quickly and simultaneously thrust upward. The lower pin impacts the pin, causing the upper pin to be thrown high in a fraction of a second. By mastering the momentary separation of the upper and lower pins, the pin tumbler lock can be opened. This method allows users to open a large number of pin tumbler locks without any prior training and has attracted attention in Europe, the United States, and Hong Kong. To prevent this method, some locks have a second lock in the cylinder that requires a key with a suitable notch to be pushed open before it can be rotated.