One of the most frustrating things that can happen to anyone (and likely has happened to everyone) is securing a lock on a locker or drawer or something like that, putting your key in a “safe” place, and then when the time comes, you cannot find the key to open it. While this can be annoying, there is a way of going around this, and that is by picking the lock with a hairpin.

The technique is something that most people are familiar with, as the act has been shown in the movies and on TV many times. But how does it work exactly, and can anyone do it? Yes, everyone can.

To learn how to use the hairpin though, you must first know exactly how a key works. What all keys have in common are the ridges, and they are there not for decoration, but for opening a lock. What the ridges actually do is to find the corresponding match in the lock (when you turn it in the lock). When they match, the lock will open.

Instead of using a hammer, the hairpin is a better option. Any kind will do, but the thinner and more flexible, the better. It should have ridges too, as that will play the part that is usually performed by the key.

The first thing you should do is flatten the hairpin. You can do this with fingers, but you should make sure that it doesn't snap in two. Once you have straightened it out, insert the hairpin into the lock, with the ridge side applied in the same manner as the key ridge.

To pick the lock with the hairpin, start turning the hairpin the same direction as you would the key. Because every key and lock works differently, you should move the pin in the same way as you would the particular key for that lock. As you turn it, apply some pressure on the pin, careful not to break it.

The correct way to pick the lock is by holding and rotating the hairpin in a firm but gentle manner. After a short while, provided you have followed the direction correctly, the lock will open.

One of the problems of picking a lock with a hairpin is that a rapid application will result in another lockup. If instead of opening it gets locked again, remove the hairpin, reinsert and repeat the process. Again, it should be emphasized that hurrying up the process will not open the lock faster, but might damage both lock and hairpin.

Once you have opened the lock, do not forget to remove the pin as it might get stuck in the lock. When you find your key, try it again, just to make sure the lock was not damaged in any way. In many cases, the lock won't be damaged at all, but those that are picking a lock for the first time might be too aggressive in their approach.

Opening a lock with a hairpin may sound more complicated than it is; it will only take a few practice attempts and you will have the hang of it in no time. It won't take long to learn, and it is a valuable skill to have.