How to Pick Locks With Hairpins

1. Assess the type of lock you are trying to pick. Most door knob locks are either simple, push-button locks or turn-style locks.

2. Push the hairpin into the center of the lock, if the lock is a push-button type. Continue pushing until you feel the lock unlock. Some knobs with push-button locks feature a hole to the left or right of the knob, rather than a standard hole in the center of the keyhole. Simply insert the hairpin into the hole on either side of the knob and press until it unlocks.

3. Insert the hairpin into the lock's center and turn it as you would a key. This method will unlock turn-style locks.

4. Adjust the hairpin's position if you have difficulty picking the lock. Some locks are very sensitive and require pressure at a very specific point. Continue adjusting the position very slightly until you find success.

5. Use two hairpins to manipulate the lock. For some locks, one hairpin might be too weak to support needed pressure to unlock the lock. If the lock does not give with one, try a second hairpin, keeping the second pin adjacent to the first. Use the same methods described, simply using two hairpins.