Unlocking The Secrets: The Art Of Lock Picking With A Coat Hanger

Locking yourself out of your home, car, or another important space can be a nerve-wracking experience. In an emergency, you can use a wire coat hanger to pick a lock and regain access. This method can damage the lock, so it is not ideal, but it may be worth trying if you have no other options.

First, straighten out the coat hanger with a pair of pliers, leaving only the curved end in its original shape. Then, bend the hook of the coat hanger into a V shape or a small hook that can grip the door lock post or fit into the keyhole. If you are trying to unlock a car, you may need to pry the window out slightly to create a gap for the hanger to fit through.

Next, insert the hanger into the keyhole or slide it through the gap between the window and the door frame. For a push-button lock, insert the hanger into the small hole in the centre of the knob and push the button. For a lock with a spring-loaded latch bolt, hook the hanger around the latch bolt. If you are trying to unlock a car, you may need to slide the hanger around until you feel resistance from the lock post, and then pull up and toward the back of the car to unlock the door.

Straighten the hanger

Straightening the hanger is the first step in picking a lock with a coat hanger. The process involves stretching out the wire so that it is long enough to reach the unlock button or the post. This requires untwisting the hooked portion and straightening it completely, leaving only the curved end in its original shape. Using a pair of pliers can make this process easier, especially when unwinding the twisted portion of the hanger. It is important to be careful during this step to avoid poking yourself, and wearing gloves is recommended. The final shape of the hanger should be a relatively straight line with a curved hook at the end.

The straightened hanger provides the necessary length and flexibility to reach and manipulate the lock mechanism. It is important to ensure that the hanger is thin enough to fit into the keyhole or small gaps, such as the gap between the window and the door frame. The straightened hanger also serves as the base for creating the necessary shapes and bends required for different types of locks.

The process of straightening a coat hanger can be time-consuming, especially if the hanger is tightly twisted. It is important to be patient and careful during this step to ensure that the hanger is straight enough and does not break or bend prematurely. The straightened hanger forms the foundation for the subsequent steps in lock picking, so it is crucial to get it right.

In some cases, it might be necessary to cut the hanger to the desired length. This can be done with wire cutters or strong scissors. A longer piece of wire provides more flexibility and reach, but it is important to ensure that it is still manageable and does not become too flimsy.

Once the hanger is straightened and cut to the desired length, it can be shaped and bent to create the necessary tools for lock picking. This may involve creating a small hook or a "V" shape at the end of the hanger, depending on the type of lock being picked. The straightened hanger provides the necessary length and strength to manipulate the lock mechanism effectively.

Bend the hook into a V shape

To pick a lock with a coat hanger, you'll need to bend the hook of the hanger into a "V" shape. This shape will allow you to grip the door lock post effectively. The "V" shape should be small enough to fit through the gap in the door while still being able to do the job. You can use a pair of pliers to bend the end of the straightened coat hanger into the desired shape.

Most door lock posts have a groove or ridge that will make it easier to grip with the coat hanger. You may need to experiment with different sizes and shapes until you find one that grips the post securely. The "V" shape is just one option, and you may find that a check mark shape or another variation works better for your particular lock.

When bending the coat hanger, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands, as the wire can be sharp and may poke you. Additionally, using pliers will make the process of bending the hanger easier and give you more control over the final shape.

By shaping the end of the coat hanger into a "V" or similar shape, you'll be able to create a tool that can effectively grip and manipulate the door lock, bringing you one step closer to successfully picking the lock.

Pry the window out slightly

If the window is already open, you won't need to pry it out. However, if the window is shut, you will need to slide a narrow wedge into the gap between the window and the door frame, and then carefully pry the window out and away from the vehicle. Be extremely careful during this step, as applying too much pressure will break the window.

A wider prying surface, such as a paint scraper, is a better choice than something narrow like a screwdriver. Once you have pried the window open, place something like a folded piece of cloth or rubber into the gap to keep the window open.

Now, slide the hanger into the gap you've created. Hold the end of the hanger opposite the "V" shape you made with pliers. If the lock post is near the back of the door, try approaching it from the front instead. It's important that you reach the lock post in a direction that allows you to apply pressure to it as you pull it up. Be careful not to put extra pressure on the window while it's being pried open, or you might break it.

Slide the hanger into the gap

To pick a lock with a coat hanger, you'll need to slide the hanger into the gap between the window and the door frame. This is a delicate process, so be careful not to put additional pressure on the window as you slide the hanger in, or you may break it.

If you're unable to pry the window away from the door frame, you'll need to slide the hanger through the very narrow gap between the door itself and the frame. The door and door frame are separated by a thin layer of weatherproofing that you may damage in the process. Press the hanger through the weather-proof layer and into the car.

Some vehicles won't allow the hanger to pass through because of the angle. In this case, you'll need to find a way to pry the window away from the door. If you tear the weatherproofing, you'll need to replace it, or the door may leak.

If the lock post is too close to the rear side of the car door, you may need to approach it from the front instead. It's important that you get to the post in a direction that allows you to apply pressure to it as you pull it up.

According to locksmith Robert Vallelunga, "Long reach tools are slid in the crack between where the door and the roof of the car meet."

Press the unlock button

Pressing the unlock button is the final step in picking a car lock with a coat hanger. However, there are several steps to follow before reaching this point.

First, straighten out the coat hanger with a pair of pliers, leaving only the curved end in its original shape. This process will give you a long, thin piece of wire to work with. Next, bend the end of the wire into a “V" shape or a small hook. This shape will allow you to grip the door lock post effectively.

Now, if your car window is already open a crack, you can skip the next step. If the window is closed, carefully pry it open by sliding a narrow, flat tool into the gap between the window and door frame. Be extremely gentle, as applying too much pressure can break the window. Once the window is open a bit, place something to hold it in place, like a folded piece of cloth or rubber.

With the window open, you can now slide the coat hanger into the gap. Grip the end of the hanger opposite the "V" shape and slip it through the window opening. Ensure that you approach the lock post from a direction that allows you to apply pressure as you pull it up. Be careful not to put extra pressure on the window, as it may break.

Finally, you can press the unlock button. Snake the bent coat hanger through the window crack and press the unlock button with the tip of the wire. This step may require patience and several attempts, depending on the size of the window crack and your car's layout. If you're having trouble, try adding a small piece of rubber to the end of the hanger for better friction or grip.

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