Why You Shouldn’t Try To Pick a Lock Yourself

If you ever find yourself locked out of your home, vehicle, or business, you may be tempted to try to pick the lock yourself as a quick solution. You might think that you can get the lock open quickly and easily by yourself and save the money that you'd need to hire a locksmith, but picking a lock on your own can cause bigger problems that will be tougher to resolve.

Lock Damage

You could end up seriously damaging a lock if you don't have the proper tools and knowledge to pick the lock yourself. Locks are made up of tiny components that could get damaged if foreign objects are forced into the keyhole. If you damage the lock, you might need to pay more money to have the resulting damage fixed or invest in a new one. 

Some lock parts that often get damaged by the wrong tools or lock-picking techniques include the:

• Springs
• Cylinder
• Deadbolt
• Key pin chamfer 

If you have a smart lock that doesn't contain many of the components of a traditional lock, you could still damage the lock's electrical system if you try to force the lock open without the proper tools or training. Applying too much pressure to the lock could also damage its electrical system.

In addition to damaging and possibly breaking your lock, you might leave unattractive scratch marks and other signs of damage if the items that you use to try to pick the lock wear away some of the surface material. To keep your locks damage-free and working properly, you should hire a professional locksmith instead of trying to unlock a lock without a key yourself.

A Weaker Lock

If you damage a lock or loosen some of the lock components when you tried to pick it yourself, you could weaken the lock and leave your home, vehicle, or business more susceptible to break-ins. A knowledgeable criminal might be able to tell that a lock was picked simply by looking at it or jiggling the inside of the lock a bit, and this could make it even easier for the intruder to get inside.

Lock Variations

Not all locks are the same, and you may never get the lock to open if you use lock-picking tools or methods that aren't right for your particular lock. Locks come in different shapes and sizes and often with different configurations. You should also know that smart locks and other modern-day locks are often designed to be tamper-resistant and can't be picked with traditional methods.

Personal Injury

Trying to force a lock open can be a dangerous endeavor that results in an injury. The objects that you use to try to pick the lock may be sharp, and you might cut yourself on an edge or a point. The additional strain that your hands endure as they move in forceful and unnatural ways to try to get the lock open can also injure hand and finger muscles.

Legal Consequences

You might not have the authorization to pick a certain lock, and this could land you in trouble with the law. This may be especially true if you try to pick a lock at a business you work at when you haven't gotten prior permission to pick the lock. You could also face trouble if you are housesitting or driving someone else's vehicle and try to pick a lock if you get locked out and want to regain access.

In most U.S. states, including Texas, lock-picking is legal as long as you do so without criminal intent. However, you may be asked to show proof of ownership or that you have permission to pick the lock if a police officer sees and questions you.

Life is busy enough, and you don't want to waste time trying to pick a lock that you could damage or might not be able to open in the first place. Contact Dixie Safe & Lock if you need a professional locksmith to help you solve your lockout problem.