No matter what key and lock problem you’re facing, professional locksmiths arrive armed with a toolbox full of specialized tools, seemingly ready to conquer any lock problem.

But have you ever wondered what exactly those tools are?  Understanding these essentials can not only satisfy your curiosity, but it might even come in handy during a minor lock malfunction at home! This list dives into the top 10 locksmith tools, giving you a glimpse into the fascinating world of lock manipulation and security.

10 Locksmith Tools Every Professional Should Have

There are many tools that locksmiths use while offering keys and lock-related services, but the necessary tools will vary depending on the service requested. The tools listed here are only some of the key tools that locksmiths use:

1. Tension Wrench

A tension wrench is a thin, L-shaped metal tool used in conjunction with lock picks. It's inserted into the keyway of the lock alongside the pick. The locksmith applies a constant turning pressure (tension) on the wrench, mimicking the tension a key would create when inserted and turned.

This tension helps hold the pins inside the lock cylinder in a specific position, making it easier for the pick to manipulate them and unlock the lock mechanism.

2. Prying Tools

Prying tools are a crucial part of a locksmith's toolkit, but their use requires a delicate touch. While they can be used to pry open a car door without causing damage, improper technique can easily scratch or dent the paintwork. Locksmiths skilled in using these tools understand how to apply and choose the right tool for the specific situation. This ensures they can effectively open the door while preserving the customer's vehicle.

3. Drill

A locksmith uses drills for numerous reasons. However, the most common cause is lock replacement. When a lock or ignition cylinder has been damaged beyond repair, it must be replaced and the drill allows a key maker to do it efficiently. This kind of service is essential when dealing with a break-in or attempted break-in of a vehicle.

4. Air Wedges

When it comes to important locksmith tools, air wedges are a lifesaver for locksmiths who need to gain entry to a vehicle without causing any damage. These inflatable tools are thin and wedge-shaped, allowing them to be inserted between the car door and the frame.

Air wedges are also handy for newer vehicles with sophisticated locking mechanisms that traditional prying tools can easily damage. Moreover, they are also an excellent option for unlocking cars with tinted windows, as they eliminate the risk of accidentally cracking the tint film.

5. Screwdrivers of All Kinds

While it might seem simple, having a variety of screwdrivers is essential for any locksmith. These versatile tools are used in a multitude of situations such as lock replacement or smart lock installation.

Many locksets are secured with screws on the inside of the door or frame. The appropriate screwdriver is needed to remove these screws and access the lock mechanism for repair or replacement.

Screwdrivers come in handy for tightening loose door knobs, handles, or strike plates, ensuring the lock operates smoothly and securely. A locksmith's screwdriver set will typically include a variety of flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in different sizes, as well as specialty screwdrivers for less common screw types they might encounter.

6. Lock Picks

Lock picks are perhaps the most iconic locksmith tools. These specialized tools are used to manipulate the internal pins of a lock, allowing the locksmith to bypass the need for a key. Therefore, these instruments are often used in emergency lockouts. There are various types of lock-picking tools, each designed for a specific purpose:

• Rake Picks: These picks have a serrated edge that can quickly "rake" over the pins in a lock, sometimes opening it with minimal manipulation.
• Hook Picks: These offer more precise control and are used to individually lift specific pins within the lock cylinder.
• Diamond Picks: These versatile picks can be used for both raking and manipulating individual pins, making them a good all-around choice.

Aside from these, many professionals also use lock-pick guns for fast, convenient entry as a complement to manual lock-picking.

7. Inspection light

Lights are often required to see into dark places, spot tiny vital pieces, or see code numbers. Lights are essential when keys break inside of an ignition. Sometimes, no matter how hard a locksmith tries, they can’t see into the lock without one of these lights. This is why inspection lights are one of the must-have locksmith tools.

8. Key gauge

This tool is ubiquitous and extremely useful in several locksmith services. Locksmiths usually carry a crucial gauge for key duplication, critical creation, and decoding services.

When a customer needs a spare key made, the locksmith uses the key gauge to take precise measurements of the original key. These measurements are then used to create a perfect replica on a key-cutting machine.

9. Key extractor

Key extractors are used in case a key breaks inside a lock or ignition. While this isn’t necessarily a common problem, it does happen. A locksmith needs to carry this tool because it is used to pull broken pieces out of a lock without damaging the property. These equipment often have a small, hooked end that is inserted into the lock cylinder to grab the broken key piece. The locksmith then applies gentle pulling pressure to remove the fragment without damaging the surrounding mechanism.

10. Key cutter

A key-cutting machine is generally used for several reasons. The machine cuts keys to code and is frequently used for copying keys. It also creates keys for residential, commercial, and auto services. A car key-cutting machine can even be used in specialty services to make keys for safes, chests, cabinets, etc.

Also Read: What is a Key-Cutting Machine? Everything Explained

To Sum Up

As discussed above, a professional locksmith will help you resolve any lock- and key-related problem with the right locksmith tools. If you want to know more about these tools or are looking for a professional locksmith to resolve your lock-repleted problem, don't hesitate to Get in touch with us.

Our locksmiths at Keyenzy are always ready to come to you with high-quality tools to solve your locksmith problem quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What tools does a locksmith use?

Ans. Locksmiths carry a variety of tools to tackle different situations. Some essentials include lock picks for non-destructive entry, screwdrivers for lockset removal or repair, key extractors for removing broken keys, and key gauges for key duplication and critical key creation. They might also use specialty tools like impressioning tools for creating keys from scratch or air wedges for unlocking car doors without damage.

Q. What are good lock-picking tools?

Ans. Good lock-picking tools depend on the skills and knowledge of the locksmith. For a beginner basic hook picks and rakes might be the right option. On the other hand, for a seasoned technician, specialized picks like diamond picks or tension wrenches might be ideal for greater control.

Q. What tool do locksmiths use for key duplication?

Ans. The key tool for duplicating keys is a key gauge. This small device measures the profile, spacing, and depth of key teeth. Locksmiths use these measurements to program a key-cutting machine that will create an exact replica of the original key.

Q. What instrument is used to open a lock?

Ans. The most common instrument used to open a lock is, of course, a key!  However, locksmiths have a wider range of tools at their disposal.  Depending on the situation, they might use lock picks for non-destructive entry, bypass tools for specific lock types, or even drilling tools in extreme cases.