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Lock Picking Course Station 6 - Warded Lock (extra credit)

  • Warded Lock: This is an extra credit exercise. Since warded locks require different tools, this lock is not required to finish the course. If you have the tools try it.
  • Tools: Picks for warded locks are very different than pin tumbler picks. They are more like what you would think of as the classic skeleton key. They can be bought from the same dealers as pin tumbler picks and usually include an assortment of picks on a keyring.
  • Mechanism: In a warded lock, a release lever (or levers) is obscured by a series of "wards". Assumedly, only a key that can get through these wards can open the lock. Warded picks provide an assortment of common shapes that can be used alone or together to bypass the wards and trigger the release mechanism.
  • Warded Pad Lock: This padlock has two release levers obscured by wards. One lever releases the open end of the clasp and the other releases the hinged side of the clasp. Try the various picks. One shape may get both levers at the same time or you may need to use a pick with a single nub on it to pick each lever individually. If you can maintain tension on the clasp, you can pick each lever independently and the lock will open.