How to pick a lock with a credit card?

We have all seen in the movies where the protagonist gets locked in a room, pulls out a credit card from his wallet, and with a heroic move, swings the door open, but how realistic is this? For those who question whether you can pick a lock with a credit card, the short answer is yes. However, there are certain things to keep in minds such as the type of card, type of lock, and steps to follow.  

Choosing Your Card

Unfortunately, picking a lock with a credit card isn’t as easy as it seems in the movies. As you move the card along the lock it will bend, and endure a ton of damage that will cause you more stress. That’s why you should scan through your wallet or purse to find any expired or unwanted credit cards, preferably laminated cards. The exterior of laminated cards has an unequaled suppleness that allows the maximum necessary bending force.

Since credit cards are thick, stiff, and easy to break we recommend that you choose a more flexible, lightweight, and less valuable card such as:

• Hotel key cards
• Gift cards
• Insurance cards
• Membership cards 

However, a less valuable credit card will work fine as well. Just make sure to choose the one you are willing to sacrifice. 

How to Pick a Lock with a Credit Card: Steps

Step 1: 

First, slide the edge of your credit card at an angle between the door and the strike plate. Once the corner is in, straighten the card maintaining a perpendicular position to the door, and make sure that the entire edge of the card is between the door and the strike plate.

Step 2:

For the second step, you should bend your card towards the doorknob. By doing this you should be able to breach the latch as you use the laminated credit card to force it into position. By giving the card a little push and bending it at the right angle you should be able to slide it further into the door easily.

Step 3:

Now, for the last step, all you need to do is continue bending and wiggling the card. You should make sure to apply pressure at all times and continue to move the card in between the doorknob and the door at the specified angle. When the card slides far enough to compress the latch, the door will unlock. However, you should keep in mind that the card will be damaged during the process and you might not be able to use it again. 

Conclusion

Picking a lock with a credit card can be harder than it seems in the movies, but with the right steps to follow anyone with a card can do it. All you need to do is search for your wallet and pick the right card. We recommend an unwanted, expired, or laminated one. After you have the right card in your hands, follow the steps by bending it at the right angle, and unlock the door.