1/5

All You Need to Know About Tension Wrench in LockPicking

dvslocksmith.com/2021/07/29/tension-wrench-in-lock-picking

There are several tools out there that most lock master professionals use when it comes to

lock picking. You may have seen pins, also known as ridges, that most lock masters use.

They are usually made of titanium for durability and to get the work done. For the most

part, ridges are commonly used along with a tension wrench in lock picking, which

provides enough force to open locks. The lockout service in Norridge uses three

different kinds of wrenches based on the job they receive.

How does the lock work?

Most locks have a pretty simple mechanism. There is a keyway where you enter the key,

which belongs to that specific lock design. The lock-specific key goes into that cylinder,

and a series of different sized pins move based on the key shape. When a key that matches

the lock enters the keyway, the pins inside the lock will move to a position, allowing the

cylinder to rotate, opening the lock. This is how most locks work unless the lock is

specifically designed to open differently.

However, today some locks use old mechanical methods that take a few minutes to open,

to locks that are reachable using magnets, fingerprint scanners, even card scanners to

open. It’s the requirement of the user which lock he wants to use. Of course, most lock

installation in Norridge services can suggest the best lock based on your needs or

door.

2/5

A practical use for lock picking by professionals

As you might have guessed, lock picking isn’t just used for criminal intent, but most

professionals have experience opening locks with keys lost or damaged. Lock picking

skills are beneficial in emergencies and lock-downs where entry may be more critical in

saving lives. For example, if someone is locked in the bathroom and the lock got stuck or

damaged due to wear and tear (more common than you think), a locksmith or lockmaster

will be the hero you need because you don’t want the emergency services knocking down

your door right?

Tools for lock picking

Unlike movies, there are different kinds of tools used for lock picking. The modern types

are mechanical ones that use micro-motors or air pressure to open locks. Then there are

skeleton keys that open warded locks. Then comes the classic set of ridges that are more

common with most lock professionals. The classic ones, often called pin tumbler lock

picking sets, are as follows:

Tension wrench

Half diamond pick

Hook pick

Ball pick

Rake picks

3/5

Decoder pick

Bump keys

The set mentioned above is readily available, but only a professional can use it fully.

Furthermore, there are pick guns, and tubular lock picks that work well in opening locks

unless a professional can handle them.

Tension wrench lock picking tool

In the set mentioned above, a tension wrench is an essential tool when opening a lock. It

comes as a set with a pin tumbler lock picking set. This wrench is available in three kinds.

These are as follows:

Straight wrench tool: This basic tool often comes with the pin tumbler lock picking set.

This little guy is nothing special, just a flat piece of steel with a 90 degree bent applied

near one end.

Twisty wrench tool: Most lock pick experts hate this tool. It has a twist near the bend

that dampens the vibrations that come from the lock cylinder. When it comes to

practising, this is the useless type of wrench to practice lock picking.

Double-ended wrench tool: This wrench is the best one most lock pick experts like to

use. It has two ends bent to 90 degrees. The only difference is the length of both ends.

Usually, one end is longer, and the other is shorter.

4/5

Benefits and drawbacks of tension wrench

Most services like lockout service Norridge excel in lock picking services. There are

benefits and drawbacks to using a tension wrench. This is the main reason most movies

don’t show wrenches, but it’s mainly because of the movie magic, where everything is

possible.

Benefits of the tension wrench tool

Cheap and affordable

5/5

The primary use of a tension wrench makes this tool extremely cheap. Its price varies

from $1 to 15 bucks, depending on the company that created it. As far as its look is

concerned, the tension wrench is nothing more than a small steel strip with one or two

bends near each end for applying tension to the cylinder while lock picking. Although sold

separately, single bent one and wrench with a twist are two of the most common ones

available with lock picking sets. These sets are available in a 6-piece group that has one

wrench and five pins or ridges.

Comfortable to use

When lock picking, a tension wrench sticks out at the perfect angle, making it comfortable

to apply force when opening the lock. Just remember not to put too much pressure, or the

wrench will bend, affecting its use. The tension wrench lock picking tool is easy to

use and affordable, making it an excellent beginner tool for learning to open locks.

Perfect advantage from any point

Most locks may have leverage points at the top, bottom, or sides. The design of the wrench

tool makes it easier to leverage the lock, making lock picking simple.

Drawbacks of the Tension Wrench

It can get in the way

One of the most significant drawbacks, which most lock installation Norridge services

point out, is that a wrench can get in the way of lock picking. This gives pickers less room

to maneuver and leverage picks that make most locks harder to open.

Binding the core cylinder

Sometimes, while opening a lock by leveraging a wrench and applying some force keeps

the cylinder from rotating. Even though some locks bind if some tension is used, most

locks could break or affect the tension wrench, bending it to a useless state.

False feedback and damages

Since most tension wrenches rub inside the keyway, it can provide false feedback

(vibration feedback and lock picking). Additionally, it affects the locks and damages them

after prolong trying to open locks. Furthermore, left-handed people have trouble using

these wrenches left, then bent and damaged during use.