Opening a Lock with a Paperclip [2025 Update]

For those moments when you’ve lost your key, your survival instinct needs to kick in. Think à la MacGyver and you’ll find that you only need a paperclip. Within 30 minutes, you’ll have a lockpick set and can open a lock with a paperclip.

How to open a lock with a paperclip has been a topic of interest for decades. Whether at the office or during your studies, the challenge of securing and picking locks remains. Now the question is: how can you open a padlock without a key using a paperclip?

Can you open every type of lock with a paperclip?

In principle, you can open both old locks and new locks. However, be aware of the complexity of some locks. Take a look at the ranking system created by Lockpickers United. This system rates locks based on their lockpick level.

Most locks outside the white band will not be openable with paperclips. If you want to break open such a lock, one of our lockpick sets would be the better choice.

Make a lockpick tool from paperclips

Let’s get straight to the point and see how we can open a lock with paperclips. Using paperclips in lockpicking is a testament to ingenuity.

Requirements:

Two sturdy paperclips, the lock (open a lock with not too many SKG stars), and optionally a pair of pliers and a key.

Paperclip Lockpicking: Step by Step Guide to Opening Locks

Step 1: Bend a Paperclip into a Lockpick

Requirements:

You need a sturdy paperclip and a key.

Bend Straight:

Start by straightening the paperclip completely. This forms the basis of your lockpick.

Marking the Bending Point:

Determine where you want to make the hook. This is usually at the end of the paperclip. Use the Key:

Place the paperclip along the edge of the key. Find the point where you want to create the bending point of the hook.

Carefully Bend:

Use pliers to manipulate the paperclip. Gently bend the paperclip to form a small hook that matches the angle of the key point.

Step 2: Make a Tension Wrench from a Paperclip

Unfold the Paperclip:

Find a sturdy paperclip and unfold it completely.

Find the Middle:

Determine the middle of the unfolded paperclip.

Fold in Half:

Fold the paperclip in half at the midpoint. Make sure the bend is as flat as possible.

Flatten the Bend:

Use pliers or a heavy object to press the double bend flat.

Insert into the Keyhole:

Insert the flat end of the paperclip into the keyhole of the lock.

Bend 90 Degrees:

Bend the other end to the left or right (depending on left or right-handedness) at a 90-degree angle.

Adjustments:

Push the tension wrench into the lock. Check if it fits and can apply the right tension on the cylinder.

Step 3: Opening the Lock

1. Preparation: Make sure you have the homemade paperclip lockpick and tension wrench at hand, and that the lock is your property.
2. Insert the Tension Wrench: Place the tension wrench in the lower part of the lock. Apply light torque in the direction the lock turns.
3. Insert the Lockpick: Insert the paperclip lockpick into the upper part of the keyhole.
4. Look for the Binding Pin: Gently move the lockpick back in the lock. Look for a pin that doesn’t want to move or offers more resistance.
5. Set the Binding Pin: Use the lockpick to gently push the binding pin up. You will feel or hear a small click.
6. Repeat for Remaining Pins: Repeat the previous step for each pin in the lock.
7. Open the Lock: Once all the pins are set, the torque from the tension wrench will open the lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bike lock with a paperclip?

Yes, as long as the paperclip fits in the lock. Also, try using a rake shape instead of a hook pick.

What if I can’t open the lock?

Try resetting the tension and applying it again with a different force. A pulsing tension and lockpick speeds can be effective.

Can lockpicking with paperclips damage my lock?

Yes, there is a chance of damage because paperclips are not designed for lockpicking. Avoid using this method on locks that are in use.

Is it legal to open a lock with paperclips?

In the Netherlands, possession of lockpicking tools is legal, but using them on someone else’s property without permission is illegal.