What is a lock pick gun?
Lock pick guns: snap-action tools for pin tumbler locks
A lock pick gun (available mainly as fully-automatic, professional “electric pick guns”, but also as basic manual, hand-powered “snap guns”) is a tool that opens pin tumbler locks by rapidly striking all the bottom pins at once. The kinetic energy transfers to the driver pins, momentarily freeing the cylinder so a tension wrench can rotate it. Pick guns work on standard pin tumbler locks but not on disc-detainer, dimple, or smart locks.
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Manual vs semi-auto vs electric pick guns
Three categories of pick gun, each suited to a different use case. Speed and skill required scale inversely.
| Type | Action | Speed | Skill required | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual snap gun | Spring-loaded trigger | Slower (when it works) | Beginner-friendly (when it works) | $30–$50 | Practice, casual interest |
| Semi-automatic pick gun | Adjustable spring tension | Medium | Medium | $60–$150 | Practice, casual interest |
| Electric pick gun (EPG) | Motorised striker | Fastest (1–10 seconds) | Medium, practice required | $150–$500 | Working locksmiths, EDC, hobbyists, locksport |
Prices in USD. LockPickWorld stocks each category. See products below.
Kit de ganzúa eléctrica Multipick KRONOS: herramienta profesional de ganzúa automática
Automatizado de precisión alemán
Desde $294.99Precio unitario /Agotado
Unmatched at Opening Locks
Desde $274.99$299.95Precio unitario /Agotado
Ganzúa eléctrica KLOM PLUS con estuche de transporte y herramientas
$86.99$99.99Precio unitario /Agotado
Juego completo de ganzúas eléctricas Multipick Kronos + gama ampliada de herramientas de cerrajería
Kit EPG definitivo
$559.99$569.99Precio unitario /Agotado
Pistola de ganzúas SouthOrd E500XT, eléctrica, 4,5 V, edición máxima, + estuche, etc.
$199.99Precio unitario /Agotado
Agujas para pistola de ganzúas (0,019" x 10 uds.) Cuchillas profesionales de Dangerfield
$27.99$29.99Precio unitario /Agotado
Pistola de ganzúas Brockhage (hacia abajo: para pasadores debajo de la ranura de la llave)
$59.95Precio unitario /Agotado
Lokko Manual Pick Gun / Snap Gun
$26.99Precio unitario /Agotado
Lock pick gun FAQ
What is a lock pick gun and how does it work?
What is a lock pick gun and how does it work?
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.
Do lock pick guns actually work?
Do lock pick guns actually work?
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).
What's the best lock pick gun for beginners vs. professionals?
What's the best lock pick gun for beginners vs. professionals?
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.
Manual or electric pick gun: which is better?
Manual or electric pick gun: which is better?
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.
Can a lock pick gun open any lock?
Can a lock pick gun open any lock?
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.
Do lock pick guns damage locks?
Do lock pick guns damage locks?
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.
Are lock pick guns legal to own?
Are lock pick guns legal to own?
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.
Who invented the lock pick gun?
Who invented the lock pick gun?
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.