Bypass Methods
The job as a locksmith is not only to create keying systems and install door hardware. You will also be asked to bypass locks on a regular basis. Understanding the appropriate methods are important for assisting a customer in their time of need. When approaching a customer that has requested a lock bypass, be aware that this may be a stressful situation for the customer. This can cause them to behave erratically and impatient. Many times the customer has already been waiting 30 mins or a couple of hours to gain access to this space. Other situations you may encounter are evictions, gaining access to utility rooms, a broken key, or their key is no longer working the cylinder. It is important to not rush to complete the task and to always follow the appropriate steps no matter how rushed the customer makes you feel and to confirm the customer is allowed access to the space and if there are any alarms that may need to be disabled before starting.
Non-Destructive
You should always start with the following non-destructive methods before attempting any destructive means of entry. These may take a little longer to complete, but will always save you a conversation of why you had to destroy the lock and why they will need to purchase a new one. Before attempting any bypass, be sure to have at least 4 non-destructive methods in mind after assessing the lock, door, and frame.
Picking
Lock picking is the least destructive means of bypassing a lock. This method can be used on almost any cylinder. You may come across some restricted keyways that are not pickable due to the locks configuration. Picking is accomplished by creating some turning torque on the cylinder, be sure to not apply too much pressure because the pins will not push upwards. Start by assessing the age of the cylinder, you may need to spray some lubricant into the cylinder to allow the pins to move more freely. Place your rake into the cylinder followed by the tool you will be using the twist the cylinder. Move the rake back and forth or attempt to push the pins up one at a time while applying even pressure throughout the process. If you are successful, you will create the sheer line and the cylinder will turn. If you have turned the cylinder the wrong way, then you can use a quick turn tool to quickly turn the cylinder the opposite way without having to pick it again. Be patient when attempting this method of bypass. It may take you some time to create the sheer line necessary and often may not be possible. If you are having too much trouble with picking the cylinder or it is not possible to do so, move on to a second bypass method.
Bumping
This method of bypass is commonly used to bypass a lock due to its ease and how it can be employed on almost any cylinder type lock. However, this method is semi-destructive as it can cause pins to break down or chip because of the force that is used. The idea behind this method is to bounce the pins up while applying even turning pressure on the cylinder. Start by identifying the type and age of the cylinder you will be working with. You may need to spray an oil based lubricant into the cylinder before starting. Cut or obtain a key that will fit into the lock and is cut to all of the lowest cuts. Place the key partially into the cylinder then use a tool to twist the key slightly. It is best to use a tool that will not bend and that can fit into the key ring hole of the key. Use the butt of a screwdriver or a small rubber mallet to hit the key into the lock. Do not use any metal items to hit the key as it may cause the key to bend or become malformed. If the cylinder does not turn, keep slight pressure on the key and pull it out of the cylinder slightly. Repeat this process until the cylinder turns. You may also try to use a castration band pushed all the way to the head of the key on the blade to make this process easier. The castration band will allow the key to bounce out of the cylinder after being hit causing more pin shifting to occur.
Under the Door Tool
This method of bypass is easiest to perform if it is possible to perform. You will be able to use this method on most commercial doors due to the ADA requiring lever style handles on common access doors. For this method to be successful, you will need the following requirements : the secured side of the door will need to be a lever style handle, there must be enough space to fully insert the tool under the door, and there must be enough gap on the bottom of the door to insert the tool. Additionally, it will be much easier if the lever has a lip on it so that the tool does not slip off. If you meet this criteria, start by measuring where the pivot point of the tool will be by placing it on the front handle. Insert your tool at that measurement. Using the key ring attached to the cable, pull the tool down to the handle while not moving from the pivot point. When the tool grabs the handle, pull the ring back while either pushing the door with your body or pulling it open with the tool cable depending on how the door swings. If you are successful, the inside lever will retract the latch and the door will open.
Carding
Carding (or latch prying) is a method that can be used on many residential doors or improperly aligned doors. Keep in mind that this method can be semi-destructive for both the locksmith and customer as it can cause damage to the card used and possibly the frame or door. This method can only be employed when there is not a deadbolt in use and the dead latch is not engaged on the locking hardware. You may not be able to confirm this if the door swings into the secured side of the space. If the door swings away from the secured side of the space, you will be able to identify if the dead latch is engaged. Start by inserting a tool between the door and frame. We commonly use knives, straight pokes, or 90 degree pokes to accomplish this. It is also possible to use a piece of wire to shimmy the latch if a latch protector is in use. Pull the tool onto the latch and shimmy it back and forth to retract the latch until it clears the strike plate. You may want to be pulling on the door lightly to make sure the door opens as soon as the latch is retracted. If the door swings away from the secured side, then you will need to use a tool that is durable and flexible enough to fit between the door and the frame. Commonly used for this is a credit card or an item of similar composition. Keep in mind that this will damage or possibly destroy the tool that is used. Start by inserting the card between the frame and the door at the latch. Place pressure on the door to create enough room to accomplish this. Move the card up and down while pushing inward to get under the curved side of the latch. You will eventually retract the latch and be allowed entry into the space. Take this time to explain to the customer how this can be a security concern and the proper ways for this to be fixed.
Shimming
This method can be employed when you are able to remove the cylinder from the lock. This method is the least destructive, but can only be used if you are able to remove the cylinder from the lock without a key. Start by assessing the lock and gathering the tools you will need, a rake and metal shim. Remove any cams that may be present. Insert the rake into the cylinder and the metal shim between the plug and the shell at the top of the plug. Push up on the rear most pin until the shim can go further in. Repeat this process until the sheer line is created and the cylinder can freely turn. You will now be able to remove the plug and key the lock to the appropriate key.
Destructive
It is important to note that these are last resort measures for bypassing a lock. You should always start by explaining to the customer why you will need to use these methods and that any cost for replacing or repairing the items will be their responsibility. DO NOT start any of the following steps without explaining each one to the customer and the costs that may be associated with it. While there are many destructive ways to enter a door, including breaking the lever off or breaking a window close by, the methods discussed here are what should be employed because they are parts that we can replace on site at the time of entry.
Drilling
This method is the most common means of destructive bypass as it can be the least damaging. You will need to employ quite a bit of precision and knowledge to accomplish this. Always use the correct tools for this job. You will need a bit that is slightly larger than the pin width. Make sure the bit is sharp and straight. Start by positioning the drill bit along the sheer line at the very top of the key way. Drill until you go through all pins. Do not over drill as you may damage the cam or tailpiece, making it impossible for the cylinder to retract the latch or unlock the door.
Cylinder Break
A cylinder break can be used on Mortise style cylinders only. You will need to know how the cam of the cylinder operates the lock to be successful. Explain to the customer that this will most likely ruin the cylinder and the set screw holding it in place and these items will need to be replaced. Insert a sturdy tool into the keyway as far as it can go, be sure the tool can withstand high amounts of torque when being twisted. It is common to use a flat head screwdriver with a hole for hanging and another screwdriver that can fit into this hole. Twist the tool to left with large force until the set screw breaks or starts to dig into the cylinder. Continue to rotate the cylinder until you can fully remove it. You may now use your finger to manipulate the lock body in the same manner that the cam would to retract the latch.
Latch Cutting
This is the least common used means of bypass due to the extreme nature of destruction it can cause. This method will most likely damage the door and frame as well as destroying the lock completely. Be sure to explain to the customer fully what will happen, what can happen, the items that you can replace today, and that they will be responsible for the cost of all damage that may occur. You can only employ this method on a door with a sizeable gap between the frame and door. You will need a hand grinder and a fresh metal cutting disc. Always wear gloves and proper eye protection when using a hand grinder to protect yourself from flying metal. Position the hand grinder on the center the latch and cut slowly until you are completely through the latch. Use a small crowbar to open the door.