Single Pin Picking (SPP) is the art of manipulating each pin in a lock individually to simulate the action of a key. Each key has peaks and valleys in its profile, and when inserted into a lock, it raises the pins to the correct height. Once all the pins align at the shear line, the plug rotates, and the lock opens.
With a tension wrench and a hook pick, almost any pin tumbler lock can be opened through SPP without a key.
The Best Lockpicking Technique
When it comes to non-destructive lockpicking, the technique that stands out is Single Pin Picking (SPP). Lock picking includes various methods, but SPP is considered the gold standard by the community.
With enough practice, using SPP can allow you to pick any standard pin tumbler mechanism.
Tools for Single Pin Picking
There are many lockpicks designed specifically for SPP. Two of the most commonly used types are hook picks and half-diamond picks. Hooks are ideal for precise vertical movement, allowing you to isolate and lift individual pins. Half-diamond picks, on the other hand, are versatile and can be used for both single pin picking and raking techniques, offering control over both vertical and horizontal movements.
The short hook is one of the most reliable picks for SPP. Its slim design allows it to fit into most keyways and manipulate individual pins with precision. This hook is often included in any lockpick set due to its versatility.
In addition to picks, the other crucial tool in the SPP process is the tension wrench. This tool is inserted into the bottom of the keyway to apply rotational pressure to the plug. Without proper tension, it is impossible to pick the lock, as the pins won’t bind properly. The tension wrench controls the amount of force applied to the plug, which is critical for identifying which pins are binding.
Lockpickers typically use a set of tension wrenches, as keyways come in various sizes. A wide keyway may require a thicker wrench, while a narrower keyway might need a thinner one. Finding the right tension wrench for the job is crucial for a successful picking session.
Tension Wrenches and Their Role
The tension wrench is not just a passive tool in lockpicking. It actively influences how a lock responds during the picking process. Without proper tension applied to the plug, the pins won’t bind properly. In SPP, the lockpicker applies slight rotational force using the tension wrench while working on the pins one at a time with the pick.
Too much tension will cause the pins to seize up, making it nearly impossible to manipulate them. Too little tension will result in the pins not binding at all, which is just as ineffective.
To pick a lock successfully, the lockpicker must develop an intuitive feel for the amount of tension applied. One of the biggest challenges in learning to pick a lock is mastering tension. Light, continuous pressure is generally the best approach, but some locks, particularly those with security pins, may require variations in tension to prevent pins from oversetting or dropping back down once lifted.
How Pin Tumbler Locks Work
Before diving deeper into the SPP technique, it is essential to understand how pin tumbler locks work. In a typical pin tumbler lock, there are multiple pin chambers, each housing a pair of pins: the driver pin and the key pin. The key pin sits in the plug, and the driver pin sits above it inside the housing of the lock. When the proper key is inserted, the different cuts on the key lift each pin stack to the perfect height so that the gap between the driver and key pins aligns with the shear line. This allows the plug to rotate freely, opening the lock.
When picking a lock, the goal is to simulate the action of the correct key. The pick is used to lift the pins, while the tension wrench applies rotational pressure to the plug. As each pin stack is set (when the key pin and driver pin reach the shear line), the plug turns slightly. The lockpicker continues to push each pin to the correct height until all the pins are set, and the lock opens.
Identifying the Binding Pin
A key part of picking locks using SPP is understanding the concept of the binding pin. The binding pin is the pin that resists movement due to the rotational force applied by the tension wrench.
When you apply tension, the plug will rotate slightly, and one pin stack will bind against the edge of the plug, preventing further rotation. This pin must be lifted to the shear line first.
By gently lifting the binding pin with your pick, you will feel the driver pin clear the shear line, allowing the plug to rotate slightly. At this point, the binding pin is set, and you can move on to the next one.
The process continues, lifting and setting each pin until all the pins align with the shear line and the plug rotates freely, allowing the lock to open.
Dealing with Security Pins
Many modern locks include security pins designed to frustrate lock pickers. These pins include spool pins, serrated pins, and mushroom pins, which give false feedback to the lockpicker. For instance, a spool pin may cause the tension wrench to counter-rotate, giving the illusion that the pin is set when it’s not.
Mastering SPP involves learning to recognize when you’re dealing with security pins. A common tactic for dealing with them is to apply very light tension and carefully manipulate the pin until it clicks into place. According to Ollam, security pins often require precise handling and finesse to set properly. When encountering a spool pin, for example, you may feel a significant amount of counter-rotation in the tension wrench, signaling that you need to ease off tension slightly to avoid oversetting the pin.
Mastering the Shear Line
When picking a lock, your goal is always to manipulate each pin until the gap between the key pin and the driver pin aligns with the shear line. Once all the pins are set to this position, the plug rotates, and the lock opens. It’s critical to approach each pin with care, lifting it until you feel it click into place at the shear line.
In some cases, a pin may become overset, meaning it is pushed too high above the shear line. When this happens, the plug will stop rotating, and the overset pin will need to be reset. By easing off the tension slightly, the pin will drop back down into the plug, allowing you to retry setting it at the correct height.
Picking the First Pin
As mentioned earlier, the first step in picking a lock is to find the binding pin. After applying tension with the tension wrench, insert the hook pick and feel for resistance.
The pin that feels stuck is your binding pin. Use the pick to carefully lift this pin until you feel a slight rotation of the plug — this is your cue that the pin has been set at the shear line.
From here, move on to the next pin that resists, repeating the process. Each time a pin is set, the plug rotates slightly, bringing you closer to unlocking the mechanism.
Be patient, as rushing can lead to oversetting pins or applying too much tension, causing the pins to seize up and prevent further progress.
Common Mistakes in SPP
SPP requires a delicate touch, and beginners often encounter common mistakes. One of the most frequent issues is applying too much tension to the wrench, which causes the pins to bind too tightly. This can make it impossible to lift the pins to the shear line, stalling your progress.
Another mistake is oversetting pins. Oversetting occurs when a pin is pushed too high, past the shear line, which blocks the plug from turning. When this happens, you’ll need to release tension slightly and let the pin drop back down before trying again. Being able to identify and correct overset pins is critical for advancing in SPP.
Techniques for Improving Your Skill
One of the best ways to improve your SPP skills is to use practice locks with progressively increasing difficulty. These locks start with only two or three pins, allowing you to focus on individual pin manipulation. As you master these, you can work your way up to locks with more pins and more complex keyways.
Another useful tool for learning is a cutaway lock, which allows you to see the pins and springs inside the lock as you pick it. Visual feedback is invaluable for understanding how the pins interact with the plug and how tension affects the binding order.
Building Precision with Light Tension
Developing a feel for light tension is one of the most important skills in SPP. Many beginners apply too much pressure on the tension wrench, which prevents the pins from binding properly. Light tension allows you to feel the binding pin more clearly and gives you more control when lifting each pin to the shear line.
Ollam emphasizes that “slow and steady” is the best approach. Start by using very light pressure on the tension wrench and only increase it slightly as needed. A common technique is to “pulse” the tension, gently increasing and decreasing pressure as you pick each pin. This method allows you to feel how each pin reacts and makes it easier to set them accurately.
Practice Exercises for SPP
To truly master SPP, you need to practice regularly. One effective exercise is to pick the same lock multiple times, focusing on refining your technique with each attempt. As you become more familiar with how the lock reacts to different levels of tension and pin manipulation, you’ll start to develop muscle memory, allowing you to pick the lock faster and more efficiently.
In addition, try to challenge yourself by experimenting with different locks. Each lock has unique characteristics, such as the number of pins, keyway shape, and the presence of security pins, all of which affect how the lock responds to picking. The more diverse your practice sessions, the better equipped you’ll be to handle real-world locks.
Open all locks
Mastering Single Pin Picking takes time, patience, and consistent practice. Understanding how pin tumbler locks work and learning to feel for the binding pins are critical skills for any aspiring lock picker.
With the right tools, including a tension wrench and a reliable hook pick, you can gradually develop the precision needed to pick the lock of even the most challenging pin tumbler mechanisms.
Remember that every lock is different. Each one presents a new puzzle to solve, whether it has five pins, spool pins, or an unusual keyway. The more locks you practice on, the better your feel for tension and pin manipulation will become. Eventually, even locks with advanced security features will seem like solvable puzzles.
If you’re a visual learner, don’t forget to check out tutorials and lockpicking demonstrations online. Many experts, like Deviant Ollam, offer video content that can help you refine your technique.
Whether you’re picking locks as a hobby or learning for professional reasons, SPP is a skill that offers endless satisfaction. As you unlock more complex mechanisms, your understanding of security will deepen, giving you greater insight into the art of lockpicking.
Video Tutorial for Visual Learners
For more visual learners, this video provides a step-by-step guide on how to pick a lock using Single Pin Picking:
If you have any questions or need help with your lockpicking journey, feel free to reach out. Happy picking!
