What Do Professional Locksmiths Use to Pick Locks?

By Michael Anderson, 27 years of experience · November 9, 2026 · 6 min read

What professional locksmiths use to pick locks depends on the lock; they select specialized entry equipment and a method suited to its mechanism. Call us before trying to force a door or lock, and we can come to you for lock rekeying or other locksmith service.

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What Do Professional Locksmiths Use to Pick Locks?

Professional locksmiths use specialized entry equipment and choose a method based on the lock’s design, condition, and the kind of access needed. There is no single approach that works for every lock. A trained locksmith first identifies the lock and confirms that the person requesting service is authorized to access it.

Picking is only one possible way to address a lockout. A locksmith may use another appropriate entry method, or recommend rekeying or repair if the lock itself is the problem. The goal is to solve the access issue without causing unnecessary damage; the right choice depends on what the lock is doing.

How Do You Choose Between Rekeying, Replacing, and Repairing a Lock?

A lockout is an immediate access problem; it does not always mean you need new hardware. Once you can get in, consider whether the existing lock works properly and whether your concern is lost keys, damage, or a sticking mechanism.

When Is Rekeying a Better Fit Than Picking the Lock?

Picking addresses access to a locked door; rekeying addresses which keys can operate the lock afterward. Rekeying is worth considering when you still have the hardware but need to limit access from keys you can no longer account for.

• A key is missing — Rekeying changes which key works, so the missing key will no longer operate the rekeyed lock.
• Someone who had a key should no longer have access — Rekeying can change access without replacing a functioning lock. Make a list of the doors that use the affected keys before arranging service.
• The lock works normally — A lock that turns and latches properly may be a candidate for rekeying, subject to the lock’s design and condition.
• The lock is damaged or unreliable — A lock that binds, fails to latch, or has visible damage may need repair or replacement instead. Tell the locksmith what you noticed rather than forcing the key.

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What Steps Help You Arrange a Safe, Successful Rekey?

These steps help you prepare for a locksmith and check the result. They do not explain how to pick or take apart a lock; leave the internal work to a qualified professional.

1. Confirm you are authorized to request the work — Arrange service only for a property you own or have permission to access. Be ready to establish that permission when the locksmith arrives.
2. Describe the immediate problem — Say whether you are locked out, have lost a key, or want to stop an old key from working. This helps distinguish an entry request from a rekey request.
3. Check how the door behaves without forcing it — Notice whether the key turns, the latch moves, or the door seems to press against its frame. Share those observations; a door alignment issue can feel like a lock problem.
4. Note each lock that may need to be changed — Count the doors and locks involved, and note whether you want one key to operate more than one lock. Do not assume different locks can use the same key.
5. Identify the lock if you can do so easily — A visible maker name or model information can help identify the lock. Check the maker’s support page or manual for owner information; for example, Schlage support provides product help.
6. Have the locksmith assess the hardware — The locksmith can check whether the existing lock is suitable for rekeying or whether its condition calls for repair or replacement. Ask what work is being done before service begins.
7. Test every changed lock with the new key — With the door open, check that the new key turns the lock and that the latch moves smoothly. Then close the door and confirm the lock works from both sides as intended.
8. Check that old keys no longer operate it — If you have an old key, test it while the door is open. If it still operates the rekeyed lock or the new key sticks, stop using force and contact the locksmith who did the work.

What Can Go Wrong After a Lock Is Rekeyed?

A new key that sticks, fails to turn, or does not move the latch smoothly needs attention. Do not keep forcing it: the problem could involve the key, the lock, or pressure from the door against its frame. Test with the door open first so you can tell whether the door position changes the way the lock operates.

If the new key does not work while the door is open, stop testing and contact the locksmith. If the lock works with the door open but binds when it is closed, report that detail; it can point to a door or latch alignment issue rather than a keying problem.

What Should You Do Before Attempting Entry Yourself?

Stick to checks that do not damage the lock or put you at risk. Do not force the key, pry the door, or try to defeat a lock; those actions can damage the door and make the original problem harder to resolve.

• Check for another authorized way in — Use another entrance only if you are allowed to access it and it is safe to do so.
• Keep the lock and door intact — Avoid forcing the hardware. Tell the locksmith whether the key is missing, stuck, or turning without moving the latch.
• Call a locksmith when access is urgent or the lock is not working — We provide mobile service and can assess the lock at your location. Our lock rekeying service is an option when you need to change which keys work, and our guide to locks locksmiths recommend covers choosing replacement hardware.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

How Can You Check a Locksmith Before Requesting Lock Work?

Ask what the proposed service addresses: access to a locked door, changing which keys work, or fixing a faulty lock. Those are different jobs, and a clear description helps you understand whether rekeying is relevant before work starts.

The Associated Locksmiths of America offers information for people choosing a locksmith. You can consult ALOA’s locksmith resources alongside the locksmith’s explanation of the work. For mobile service in San Luis Obispo and nearby Central Coast towns, 15 Min Locksmith serves San Luis Obispo and comes to the customer.

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