First things first, you're going to need some basic tools. Don't go thinking you can just walk into the nearest Home Depot and pick up a few lockpicks. Those are for amateurs. Get yourself a set of decent picks from Submandate's very own Lockpick Set.
Now that you have your tools, it's time to practice. Start with a basic pin-tumbler. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to pick. Just insert the pick into the lock, apply some gentle pressure, and voila! The pin will lift. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries, even experienced hackers like Lockpick Legend had to start somewhere.
Once you've mastered the basic pin-tumbler, it's time to move on to some more advanced techniques. The classic 'bump key' technique is a favorite among pros. Simply place the key in the lock, give it a little bump, and the lock will spring open in seconds. Just be careful not to break the key off in the process. That's just embarrassing.
Of course, not every lock is created equal. Some require a bit more finesse. The 'rake pick' is perfect for those fancy-schmancy electronic locks. Just insert the pick, rake your way through the pins, and voila! The lock will open. Don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds. Check out our Rake Pick tutorial for more information.
Still stuck? Don't worry, we have a special Lockpick Troubleshooting page just for you. Our team of experts (okay, it's just Bob) will help you get back on track in no time.