Locksmithing is a skilled trade that has been around for centuries, and with each passing year, the tools and equipment used by locksmiths continue to evolve. From traditional manual lock picking tools to the latest in digital locks and key cutting machines, locksmiths use a wide range of tools and equipment to get the job done. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top locksmith tools and equipment used today.
- Lock Picking Tools: Lock picking is the process of opening a lock without a key, and it’s one of the most basic skills that a locksmith must learn. There are many different types of lock picking tools available, including manual picks, electric picks, and tension wrenches.
- Key Cutting Machines: Key cutting is the process of creating a duplicate key for a lock. In the past, key cutting was done by hand using a file, but today, most locksmiths use key cutting machines. These machines can be either manual or computer-controlled, and they use a process known as code cutting to create a precise duplicate key.
- Digital Locks: Digital locks are electronic locks that use a combination of numbers, letters, or symbols to unlock. Digital locks are becoming more common, and locksmiths must be familiar with these types of locks in order to perform their job effectively.
- Key Duplication Machines: Key duplication machines are used to create a duplicate key for a lock. These machines can be either manual or computer-controlled, and they use a process known as code cutting to create a precise duplicate key.
- Lock Bumping Tools: Lock bumping is a process that allows a locksmith to open a lock without a key. This process uses a special tool known as a bump key, which is inserted into the lock and then bumped with a mallet to open the lock. Bump keys are used by locksmiths to open locks in emergency situations when a key is not available.
- Electric Picks: Electric picks are a type of lock picking tool that uses electricity to open a lock. They work by sending an electrical current through the lock and manipulating the pins so that the lock can be opened. Electric picks are often used in emergency situations when a key is not available.
- Key Extractors: Key extractors are tools used by locksmiths to remove broken or stuck keys from locks. These tools are designed to grip the key and remove it without damaging the lock or the key.
- Lock Tension Tools: Lock tension tools are used by locksmiths to apply pressure to the pins in a lock to open it. Tension tools come in many different shapes and sizes, and they are an essential tool for any locksmith.
- Car Opening Tools: Car opening tools are specialized tools used by locksmiths to open locked car doors. These tools include slim jim tools, which are used to open locked car doors from the inside, and air wedges, which are used to create a gap between the car door and the frame so that the lock can be reached.
In conclusion, the top locksmith tools and equipment used today are designed to make the job of a locksmith easier and more efficient. Whether you’re a professional locksmith or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools and equipment is essential to performing your job effectively. Whether you need to open a locked car door, create a duplicate key, or simply pick a lock, having the right tools and equipment can make all the difference.
