Lock Pick Guns

A lock pick gun is a tool that opens pin tumbler locks by striking all the bottom pins at once. The kinetic energy transfers up through the driver pins, momentarily lifting them above the shear line. A tension wrench applied simultaneously turns the cylinder while the pins are free. The standard format used by working locksmiths, EDC carriers, and serious sport pickers is the electric pick gun (EPG); manual snap guns are a slower hand-powered alternative.

Yes, on standard pin tumbler locks. Pick guns are a fast entry method used by locksmiths and trained pickers, especially on lower-security cylinders. They don't work on disc-detainer locks, dimple locks, smart locks, or high-security pins (security spool/serrated pins reduce reliability considerably).

For beginners, working locksmiths, EDC carriers, and sport pickers, we recommend an electric pick gun (EPG) from a professional manufacturer. EPGs are faster, more consistent, and more forgiving than manual snap guns. That's why they're standard kit across the locksport and locksmith community. The Dangerfield Machina (British-designed) is our in-house EPG, tested by our locksport team. Multipick (Germany) and SouthOrd (US) offer respected alternatives at the same quality level.

Electric pick guns (EPGs) from professional manufacturers are the practical choice in almost every scenario. They're faster, more consistent across lock types, and built to professional spec by makers like Dangerfield (UK), Multipick (Germany), and SouthOrd (US). Manual snap guns are cheaper but slower, less reliable, and rarely what experienced pickers carry. Even if you're learning, a good EPG teaches you the principles of pin tumbler physics faster than a manual will.

No. Pick guns only work on pin tumbler locks (the most common household and padlock format). They do not work on disc-detainer locks (Abloy, Abus high-security), dimple locks, wafer locks, smart/electronic locks, or combination locks. Even within pin tumblers, security pins, tight tolerances, and anti-bump features reduce reliability.

Used correctly, pick guns don't visibly damage a lock. Over many uses they cause normal pin wear, the same wear a regular key produces. Excessive force or repeated strikes on a single lock can accelerate wear on driver pins. For practice, use a transparent training lock rather than a working installed cylinder.

In most US states, yes. Lock pick guns are legal to own. Several states (Tennessee, Mississippi, Nevada) restrict possession to licensed locksmiths or require proof of intent, so check local law. In the UK, ownership is legal. Using them on a lock you don't own without authorisation is not. LockPickWorld ships only to jurisdictions where ownership is legal.

The first patented lock pick gun was filed by Ely Epstein under the trade name 'Lockaid' in 1934, with the modern manual-trigger design popularised by Erik Larson Hanflig. Electric variants emerged in the 1960s. Today, both manual and electric formats remain in active production by manufacturers including Multipick, SouthOrd, and HPC.