Gallery: 8 Tools to Help You Unleash Your Lock-Picking Potential

  • Image may contain Dryer Appliance Hair Drier and Blow Dryer
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    01

    LPgun-gal

    __Snap gun__ Also called [a pick gun](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap_gun#mediaviewer/File:Snap_gun.jpg), this tool hits all the tumblers in a lock simultaneously with a sharp rap. It’s billed as a quick-entry device, but actually takes considerable practice to master, and is largely supplanted today by bump keys.
  • HPC Superior Pick Set NDPK32 The 32tool Superior set has everything you need in a lock pick set and a bunch of things...
    Courtesy HPC
    02

    LPhpc-gal

    __HPC Superior Pick Set NDPK-32__ The [32-tool Superior set](http://www.hpcworld.com/px/picksets/superior/index.html) has everything you need in a lock pick set, and a bunch of things you don’t. This set is perfect if you live in fear of being caught without the exact gonzo hook or double-pronged tension wrench you need.
  • Image may contain Machine
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    03

    LPpractice-gal

    __Visible Cutaway Practice Lock__ A training lock for newbies. This [transparent practice core](https://www.flickr.com/photos/itstactical/8232409813/) lets you see exactly how the pin tumbler lock works, and get a feel for manipulating the pins.
  • Image may contain Key
    Courtesy lockpicks.com
    04

    LPbump-gal

    __Bump key set__[A bump key](http://www.lockpicks.com/professional-bump-key-set-30-keys-nickel-silver.html) is a specially cut blank that pops open a pin tumbler lock with a gentle whack from a hammer. Sadly, you need a different bump key for every brand of lock—hence this set of 30.
  • Bogota Entry tool kit These nicely designed instruments combine a pick and tension wrench in one compact titanium tool....
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    05

    LPpicks-gal

    __Bogota Entry tool kit__ [These nicely designed instruments](http://blackscoutsurvival.bigcartel.com/product/bogota-entry-tool-kit-6pc-titanium) combine a pick and tension wrench in one compact titanium tool. For extreme stealth operations, you can’t ask for a better toolset to hide on (or in) your person.
  • Kevin Mitnicks business card The next time you run into exhacker Kevin Mitnick hit him up for his business card which is...
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    06

    LPcard-gal

    __Kevin Mitnick’s business card__ The next time you run into ex-hacker Kevin Mitnick, hit him up for [his business card](https://imgur.com/gallery/NxCZ32J), which is made from spring steel and contains four punch-out picks and a tension wrench. Keep this in your wallet for an emergency.
  • Image may contain Machine and Drive Shaft
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    07

    LPcircular-gal

    __Tubular lock pick__ What do Laundromat machines and bike locks have in common? They often use a type of pin tumbler mechanism called [a tubular lock](https://www.flickr.com/photos/itstactical/8705440240/), which sets the pins around a circle like points on a compass. This tool makes them easy to crack.
  • Image may contain Weapon Weaponry Arrow and Symbol
    Liana Bandziulis/WIRED
    08

    LPrytan-gal

    __Rytan plug spinner__ Not sure whether the deadbolt you’re about to crack opens clockwise or counter-clockwise? With a [plug spinner](http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3151), you’re free to guess wrong. The spring-loaded blade fits in the keyway and flicks the lock core 180 degrees without it relocking.
Read More
Scientists’ Side Hustle? Using AI and Quantum Computing to Generate New Peptides
Researchers cobbled together funding and time to show how quantum computing could aid in the development of drugs to help underserved populations and combat rare diseases.
Isabella Ward
The Best External Hard Drives to Back Up Everything You Have
Need an ultrafast drive for video editing or a rugged option to back up your photos in the field? We’ve got a solution for every situation.
Scott Gilbertson
The 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet Cameras
Whether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.
Molly Higgins
What’s Worse Than Romance Scams? Adoption Scams
This week in WIRED Book Club, we recap the final chapters of The Yahoo Boys.
Kate Knibbs
Beatbot’s New Pool Robot Cleans Itself (Mostly)
The AquaSense X brings self-cleaning technology to pool robots for the first time, but is it worth nearly twice the price of Beatbot’s flagship cleaner?
Christopher Null
Skylight’s Touchscreen Calendar Got my Whole Family on the Same Page
The Skylight has become the informational and organizational hub of my household. My touchscreen-native kids have also gained more agency over our family activities.
Jaclyn Greenberg
The Samsung Micro RGB R95H Is a Good, Not Great TV
There’s a new fleet of TVs using new mini and micro RBG display tech, and Samsung’s R95H model isn’t as impressive as it should be.
John Brandon
AI Found a Root Bug in Linux That Everyone Missed for 15 Years
Plus: The Pentagon is training amateurs to become part of its hacker army, a Flock license plate reader error led to cops surrounding a car reviewer, and more.
Dell Cameron
We Make Lovely Home-Cooked Meals for Ourselves. Why Not Do the Same for Our Dogs?
More dog owners have begun cooking for their canine companions in recent years. When my own dog fell ill, I became part of this growing group.
Alicia Kennedy
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Chris Haslam
China’s Tianwen-2 Space Probe Has Rendezvoused With Earth’s Quasi-Moon
The probe sent back the first pictures of the asteroid Kamo’oalewa. Next step: landing on the surface and collecting samples to send back to Earth.
Ritsuko Kawai
El Niño Is Already Wreaking Havoc on Pacific Fisheries
As the climate phenomenon sends warm water surging across the eastern Pacific, some parts of the fishing industry are suffering—but other regions are seeing a windfall.
Joseph Winters