How Do Locksmiths Actually Pick Locks?

Most residential locks in Matthews, NC are pin tumbler cylinders. A locksmith inserts a tension wrench to apply slight rotation, then uses a pick to lift each pin to the shear line — the same alignment your key creates.

Single-pin picking is precise and slow; raking is faster and works on basic locks. High-security locks in Matthews, NC use security pins that defeat most picking, which is why they sometimes have to be drilled.

Lock picking is a learned skill that takes our Matthews, NC locksmith team years to master — and it's exactly why you want a licensed pro, not a YouTube DIYer.