How to Pick a Trunk Lock

Introduction

Locks are usually used on doors to keep people out, but they can also be found on trunks. Trunk locks are often made of metal and come with keys that attach the trunk lid to the car’s frame. While these locks may not be as standard as door locks, they still play a vital role in keeping your belongings safe from thieves. The following article will teach you how to pick a trunk lock to understand this security measure better and learn how it works.

How to Pick a Trunk Lock

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Trunk Lock

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a trunk lock:

1. The type of lock: There are several types of trunk locks available, including keyed padlocks, combination locks, and keyless entry systems. Choose the style that best suits your needs.

2. The security level: Some locks are more secure than others. Choose a wave that will offer adequate protection for your belongings.

3. Ease of use: Make sure the lock is easy to use, especially if you’ll be using it regularly.

4. Durability: Choose a durable lock that will last for years.

When choosing a trunk lock, it is essential to consider the type of lock, the security level, and the ease of use. Also, make sure to select a durable lock and will last for years.

A Detailed Guide on How to Pick a Trunk Lock

There are a few different ways that you can go about picking a trunk lock. The first is to use a lock pick set. This is the most common method and is relatively easy to do. The second way is to use a coat hanger. This method is a little more complicated, but it can be done if you are patient and have some experience with locks. The third way is to use a paper clip. This method is the easiest, but it may not work on all trunk locks.

Picking a Trunk Lock

If you are using a lock pick set, the first thing you need to do is insert the pick into the keyhole and try to find the pins. Once you have found the pins, you need to lift them one by one and see the shear line. When you have found the shear line, your lock should open. If it does not open, try turning the lock to another position and then back again to see if it will unlock.

If you are using a paper clip, you need to bend two legs of the hook into an “L” shape. After this, you need to straighten out each leg so that they form a sort of “V.” Once you have done this, insert each leg in between each pin in the keyhole and push down on them until they go over the shear line and snap off in the keyhole. This method is tricky because pushing down on them too much force might cause them to bend and not go over the shear line.

If you are using a coat hanger, this method is more time-consuming and complicated than all of the above techniques because you will need to make your lock pick set out of a coat hanger. For this method, you will need:

One coat hanger Wire cutters Scissors Pliers

Once you have obtained these items, take the wire cutters and clip off both ends of the coat hanger to form a straight piece. Make sure that one end of the wire is round while the other end has been clipped at an angle with sharp points on each side. You also want to straighten out any curve in the wire to lay flat along with the hanger. Now, use the pliers to bend the straight wire into a “U” shape. Finally, use the scissors to cut off one leg of the “U” to form a “V.”

Take the Wire Cutters

Now that you have made your own lock pick set, you can start using it. First, insert it into the keyhole and try to find the pins. Once you have seen them, push down on each leg of the “V” until they go over the shear line and snap off in the keyhole. This method is more complex than using a paper clip because pushing down on them, too much force might cause them to bend and not go over the shear line.

Once you have picked the lock, you will need to replace the trunk lock with your own. If your car is older, it may be easier to switch with an older model. This can be done by removing the screws that hold the old trunk lock and inserting them into the new one. Then, make sure that all wires are connected correctly before closing them back up. Finally, test your trunk using your hands first, and then use a coat hanger or paper clip inside it to ensure that it opens correctly.

Precautions While Performing How to Pick a Trunk Lock

Be sure the trunk is in an open area & well lit. You don’t want to give anyone or anything a chance to come up behind you. Better safe than sorry! Be aware of your surroundings; someone may be watching. This could cause them to call security, which in turn would get you kicked out of everywhere, so be cautious. The best way to do this trick is at night when hardly any people are around.

Discussion on Types of Trunk Locks

Three types of trunk locks are most commonly used in automobiles: key-in-knob, keyless, and remote. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks.

The key-in-knob type is the simplest and most common. It is a traditional lock that requires a key inserted into the knob to open the trunk. This type of lock is relatively secure and is usually found on older vehicles.

The Key-in-knob

The keyless type uses a numeric keypad to unlock the trunk. This type of lock is more convenient than the key-in-knob type since you don’t have to fumble around for your keys to open the trunk. However, it can be less secure since it’s possible to guess the code.

The remote type uses a key fob to unlock the trunk. This type of lock is the most convenient since you can open the trunk without being near the vehicle. However, it can also be the least secure since someone can steal the key fob.

How to Install a Trunk Lock?

Step 1: Obtain a Trunk Lock

How do you obtain said lock? Well, if you have an old trunk lying around with one already, go ahead and use it! However, most new trunks come with one already installed. So an easy way to get one is to buy an older used car, open up its trunk & steal the lock! Alternatively, if there is an old rusty-looking lock in your neighborhood junkyard, take it!

Step 2: Mark the Location of Your Lock 

It would help if you marked where your lock goes before you drill into upholstery/the frame of the trunk/seatbelt buckle etc.

Take tracing paper and place it over the trunk lid to overlap by about 3cm at its longest side. Next, trace around your lock onto the paper, making sure to mark exactly where each bolt or screw hole is. You can use this piece as a template on the wood by putting some double-sided tape on its back and sticking it to your wood.

Step 3: Find a Location for Your Trunk Lock

There is no rule on where to place your lock, so I suggest that you find a good spot yourself! In my case, I put mine between the front & back seats. Not exactly in line with the middle, but let’s say at an angle from side to side. My trunk is right above the rear axle of my car, so I placed my lock there because the ring did not interfere with anything. Of course, if you have a different type of sports car or a hatchback, then this might not apply to you.

As long as there are no obstructions in your way, go ahead and drill into upholstery/the frame of the trunk/seatbelt buckle, etc.

Step 4: Drilling

Use a drill bit that’s slightly thinner than your screws. Drill about 1cm or so into your upholstery. You will need to screw in your screws- I suggest you purchase some self-tapping screws because regular ones tend to break and snap off! Then place your lock on top, and you’re all done!!! It is not necessary to glue it down unless desired since tampering with it would be difficult, if not impossible.

Use a Drill to Set Lock

If you decide to use glue, however, follow the instructions on the packaging & let it dry for about 30 minutes before testing!!! In any case, make sure that there are no gaps around where it lies, as this can allow dirt and moisture to get in.

In case you didn’t know, these are locks that can be installed without drilling into the frame of your trunk! They clamp on from the backside & sit nice and flat! The installation takes a little longer, but it’s worth not having permanent holes in your trunk!!!

Conclusion

I hope this article has offered all the necessary instructions on how to pick a trunk lock. Ensure all the precautions while performing the process. Thank you and have a nice day!

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