What's the formal definition of Aufsperren (picking), and what are the basic tools?
Aufsperren is the non-violent, non-destructive overcoming of a lock's blocking elements using auxiliary tools, without knowledge of the corresponding key. The toolkit is two things: a pick (to manipulate the pins) and a tension wrench (to apply rotational force).
* A pick sets a binding pin while a tension wrench turns the plug. — GWirken / Pbroks13, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. *
The classic toolset:
| Tool (DE) | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sperrhaken | Single-pick rake set | Rakes — drag across all pins, hoping they set randomly |
| Pick-Set | Pick set (multiple shapes) | Hooks, diamonds, snakes — for specific techniques |
| Dietrich | Skeleton key / pick | A bent piece of steel; the original picking tool. Still works on simple warded locks |
| Spanner | Tension wrench | Applied at the bottom of the keyway to provide rotational pressure |
The fundamental principle:
Picking exploits manufacturing tolerance. If the cylinder were perfect, no amount of fiddling would open it — every pin would either bind simultaneously or not at all. Real cylinders have one pin that binds first under tension, and that's the pin you set first. After it sets, another pin becomes the binding one. Repeat until all pins are above the shear line.
Why it's harder than it looks on TV:
| TV trope | Reality |
|---|---|
| 30 seconds with a hairpin | Months of practice for a beginner |
| Any lock can be picked | High-security locks (Medeco, Abloy Protec) take hours even for experts |
| Quiet | Quiet, but you need both hands free and good lighting |
| No traces | Microscope traces remain on the pins (forensic evidence) |
Tip: If you want to try this legally — buy a cheap transparent practice lock (~CHF 15 on Amazon, search "lockpick training lock"). You can see the pins setting and develop the feel. Never practice on locks you don't own.
Go deeper:
Lock picking — the canonical overview of picks (hook, rake), the tension wrench, single-pin picking vs. raking, and the legal status across jurisdictions.