There are all sorts of locks in the world, and each one has its way of being opened. Though they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, one thing is for sure each lock has a specific way to be opened, or else it will remain locked.
In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to pick an upside down lock, a type of lock that is becoming more and more popular due to its security features. So whether you’re looking to try your hand at picking locks or want to learn more about this specific type, read on!
Step to Follow on How to Pick an Upside Down Lock
Step One: Determine
First, determine if the lock is upside down. Some high-quality locks have a visual indicator, usually a small hole somewhere on the shackle or body of the lock. In addition to finding the hole, look for a small arrow stamped on the lock that points in the direction the shackle must be rotated to open the lock.
If you do not see any of these indicators, you can still determine if the lock is upside down by looking at the keyway. In a regular lock, the upper edge of the keyhole will have a chamfer or beveled edge that runs from top to bottom, with a straight side on either end.
An upside-down lock has this same upper edge, but it curves in an upward arc. This is to help the key protrude up through the lock body when inserted since gravity is pulling it downward instead of upward as it would be in a standard lock.
Step Two: Prepare
Find a flathead screwdriver once you have determined that the lock is upside down. Your key may work in opening the lock, or it might not, but either way, you will need to use the screwdriver to pick the lock. Bend one of the ends at 90 degrees so that when inserted into the keyway, it presses against the locking mechanism.
If your key can open the lock, use it as a reference and insert the screwdriver into the keyway so that it lines up with the cuts on the blade. If your key cannot open the lock, you will have to estimate where the cuts are on the blade.
Keep in mind, there may be multiple sets of cuts, and you will need to know how many. The number of cuts is directly related to the number of wafers inside the lock. Typically there will be two or three, but some locks can have more than a dozen. This will help in how to pick an upside down lock.
Step Three: Pick
Now that the screwdriver is in place, it is time to start picking the lock. Insert your pick into the keyway and apply gentle pressure upward. At the same time, rotate the screwdriver clockwise or counterclockwise. You will need to experiment a bit to find the right combination of movements, but remember to apply slight pressure with the pick and rotate the screwdriver in one direction or the other.
Once you find the correct combination, you should feel a little resistance as if something is binding. Continue to gently increase your pressure as you turn the screwdriver until it suddenly starts moving freely. This means that you have set one of the pins within the lock.
Normally it is recommended that you set all of the pins in the lock before attempting to pick it, but this type of lock does not work like that. Instead, keep applying pressure and turning the screwdriver until something clicks. At this point, continue to apply pressure with your pick while releasing some pressure on your screwdriver, so it doesn’t turn.
Step Four: Maintain
Continue to apply pressure with your pick and keep turning the screwdriver until you feel resistance again. Continue this process until the lock opens. Don’t worry if it takes several minutes; that is perfectly normal for these locks. However, they are not as easy to open as standard pin tumbler locks and can take a little more time and finesse.
Once the lock is open, carefully remove the screwdriver and store it away. Be sure to keep the safety in the open position until you are ready to close it so that it doesn’t accidentally relock. Now that you know how to pick an upside down lock, you can apply these skills to any lock with this configuration type.
Keep in mind that locks with more wafers will be challenging to pick and may take some practice. But with a bit of patience and experimentation, you will be able to open any lock that has this configuration in no time. An upside-down lock is a type of lock that is designed to be more challenging to pick than a standard pin tumbler lock.
Step Five: The Upper Edge
The first thing you will need to determine is if the lock is upside down. This can be done by looking at the upper edge of the lock. If a groove goes all the way around the circumference, then it is not an upside-down lock. However, if there is a small ledge that only goes part of the way around, then it is upside down.
You may also notice that some of these locks have a small amount of space between the actual cylinder and the locking mechanism. It’s best to start working on this type of lock when there is little or no gap between them. Otherwise, you will need to improvise by getting creative with your tools.
If it is an upside-down lock, then the next thing you will need to pick is a screwdriver. If your key can open the lock, you will be able to use that as your tool for this purpose. Otherwise, you may need to use other metal tools like a paperclip or bolt cutters instead.
Step Six: Get Organized
The next thing you will need to do is get organized. This type of lock can be a little more challenging to pick than a standard pin tumbler lock, so you will need to take your time and be precise. It is also helpful to have a few tools on hand to switch out as needed.
The most important thing is to make sure that the screwdriver does not turn while picking the lock. If it does, you will lose your progress and have to start all over again. If you are not careful, you can also damage the lock.
It is helpful to use a vise grip or some other type of clamp to prevent this from happening to secure the screwdriver in place. You can also use tape to hold it in place, but make sure that you do not cover up the grooves used to turn the screwdriver. This information will help you learn how to pick an upside down lock.
You can check it to Pick a Kwikset Lock.
What is an upside-down lock?
An upside-down lock is a standard pin and tumbler lock in which all of the bottom pins are pushed up, and all of the top pins are pushed down. They are typically used in high-security applications, such as on locks for safes, vaults, and other similar high-security items.
They are also often used in safe combination locks, which this article will focus on since the mechanics of picking these are very similar to the secure combination lock with only slight differences between them. There are three different types of single-pin cylinder locks generally used in combination locks the warded lock, the lever lock, and the pin and tumbler lock.
The warded lock is the simplest of the three and uses a series of wards or obstructions to prevent rotation of the plug unless the key has specific cutouts which line up with the wards. The lever lock is more complex than the warded lock and uses a series of levers that must be raised to a certain height for the plug to rotate.
The pin and tumbler lock is the most complex of the three and uses a series of pins that must be raised to a certain height for the plug to rotate. The upside-down lock is a type of pin and tumbler lock in which all of the bottom pins are pushed up, and all of the top pins are pushed down.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve provided a lot of information on how to pick an upside down lock. When you need to get into your own home or office, you can use these techniques if you forget a key and don’t have a spare handy.
If you’re considering picking up one of these locks for yourself, make sure it’s made from quality materials by a reputable manufacturer! Otherwise, you may find that the lock is easy to pick and does not offer the level of security you need.
You may also read this – How to Bypass Lid Lock on Maytag Washer.
