Must Have Locksmith Tools

Although the tool doesn’t maketh the locksmith, it is widely accepted that every professional locksmith needs to have a wide range of tools at their disposal so that they are fully prepared for any job that might come their way. But, what tools are must-haves for professional locksmiths?

 

Tension Tools- Also known as the tension wrench, these tools are the unsung heroes of lock picking. They allow the ‘smith to push down on the cylindrical part of a lock while simultaneously racking the pins. They are shaped like an L, can be serrated for added precision, and are an essential piece of kit for locksmiths who work on pin and tumbler locks. Some locksmiths prefer to use twisted tension wrenches in order to provide less strain on their hands during prolonged lock picking sessions.

Plug Spinners-these tools come in both manual and “gun” styles and are pin-tumblers that allow a professional to rotate a plug that was picked incorrectly. Plug spinners rotate the core rapidly so that spring biased pins do not fall back into the pin chambers. Professional locksmiths carry these in their tool chest to save themselves time if they pick a lock and accidentally turn it the wrong way. Instead of starting over and spending another 20 or 30 minutes picking the lock, the spinner gets wound up, inserted into the lock, and with the press of a button, the locksmith is able to continue on opening the lock.

Picks and Extractors-Extractors are one of the most useful tools for professional use. Keys are made from metal, and as such, have a finite amount of life. Unfortunately, when keys break, they often do so in the lock. The extractor has a hook, or harpoon-like, tip that when inserted into the slot hooks around the broken key part (or parts) and pulls it out.

Lubricants and Cleaners-Many lock picking tools are fragile and therefore susceptible to damage from everyday dirt and grime. Prior to working on a lock, locksmiths should ensure that the keyhole and lock is clean prior to picking it. Tri-Flow, graphite, or silicone lubricants reduce the amount of friction when picking the lock.

Drill/Drill Bits-The best drill bits for locksmiths are tungsten carbide tipped to ensure that it can stand up to the rigorous demands of professional locksmithing. Non-carbide drill bits simply will not withstand the types of material that locksmiths work with on a daily basis. When it comes to drills, 18 or 24 volt drills will provide sufficient enough power to any locksmith.

Handheld Vacuum or Wet/Dry ShopVac-According to professional locksmiths on Reddit, a handheld vacuum or ShopVac can go a long way when it comes to quickly cleaning up after a job. The reason why some prefer Wet/Dry Vacuums—over something even more portable—is that they have more power to ensure that all the little metal shards are picked up and the chamber is large enough to not force the locksmith to empty all the scraps after every job.