The fastest way depends on what kind of lock you have and whether you own it

If you own the lock, the simplest option is to cut it off with bolt cutters or an angle grinder — no skill required, just time and the right tool. If you need to open it without destroying it, you have three realistic paths: call a locksmith (costs $75 to $200 depending on lock type and your location), pick it yourself if you have basic tools and patience, or use a bypass method that works on specific lock designs. Which one makes sense depends on what you're locked out of, whether you have the key somewhere, and how much time you have.

Before you try any method, confirm you own the lock or have permission from the owner — opening someone else's lock without consent is illegal in most places. If you're locked out of a rental property, contact your landlord or property manager instead of attempting to open it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Bolt cutters or an angle grinder will destroy any padlock in minutes if you own the lock and don't need to preserve it.
  • A locksmith is the fastest non-destructive option for most people and costs between $75 and $200 depending on lock complexity and your region.
  • Lock picking requires specific tools (a tension wrench and pick set, $10 to $30), practice, and works only on certain lock types — it is not faster than calling a locksmith for most people.
  • Bypass methods like shimming a padlock or raking a pin tumbler work on some locks but not others, and knowing which ones requires understanding the lock design.
  • Before attempting any method, confirm you own the lock or have permission from the owner — opening someone else's lock without consent is illegal.

Cutting off a lock you own

If the lock is yours and you don't need to use it again, cutting it off is the fastest and most reliable method. Bolt cutters work on padlocks with shackles (the U-shaped metal loop) up to about 3/8 inch thick. Position the shackle in the center of the cutting blades, squeeze the handles together, and the lock will snap. A pair of bolt cutters costs $20 to $50 and takes about 30 seconds per lock.

For thicker padlocks, chain locks, or locks mounted to doors, an angle grinder is faster. This is a handheld power tool that spins a cutting disc at high speed. Wear eye protection and gloves, position the disc against the lock, and it will cut through most metal in under a minute. Angle grinders cost $40 to $100 to buy, or you can rent one from a hardware store for $15 to $25 per day. The tradeoff is noise, sparks, and the need for safety gear — bolt cutters are quieter and safer for small jobs.

Calling a locksmith

A locksmith is a trained professional who can open almost any lock without damaging it. They carry specialized tools and know how to manipulate or bypass different lock mechanisms. For a standard padlock or door lock, expect to pay $75 to $150 in most areas, though prices vary by region and lock complexity. A locksmith can usually arrive within an hour in urban areas, sometimes longer in rural locations.

To find a locksmith, search "locksmith near me" or ask your landlord, property manager, or local hardware store for a recommendation. Call ahead and describe the lock type (padlock, deadbolt, combination lock, etc.) so they can quote you accurately. Some locksmiths charge a service call fee on top of the opening fee, so ask about the total cost before they arrive. If you're locked out of your car or home, many locksmiths offer emergency service 24/7, though the price may be higher after hours.

Lock picking with hand tools

Lock picking is the practice of manipulating the internal pins of a lock to open it without the key. It works on pin tumbler locks — the most common type in padlocks and door locks — but requires specific tools and significant practice. A basic pick set includes a tension wrench (a thin metal tool that applies rotational pressure) and several picks of different shapes. A beginner set costs $10 to $30 online or at a hardware store.

The process involves inserting the tension wrench into the lock's keyhole and applying slight rotational pressure, then using a pick to lift each pin to the correct height. When all pins are at the shear line, the lock opens. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour for a beginner, depending on the lock's quality and your experience. Many locks designed for security (like those on filing cabinets or quality padlocks) are harder to pick than cheap ones. If you're interested in learning, there are free video tutorials online, but expect to practice on multiple locks before you succeed consistently.

Shimming a padlock

Some padlocks can be opened by inserting a thin piece of metal (called a shim) between the shackle and the lock body to push the locking mechanism open. This works only on locks with a specific design flaw — the shackle must have enough play to move slightly when pressure is applied. A shim can be made from a soda can, a thin piece of plastic, or a specialized shim tool ($5 to $15).

To shim a padlock, cut a thin strip of metal about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long, insert it into the gap between the shackle and the lock body, and wiggle it while pulling up on the shackle. If the lock is vulnerable to shimming, it will pop open. This method is fast (under a minute) but works on only a fraction of padlocks — most modern locks are designed to resist it. It's worth trying if you have a shim handy, but don't expect it to work on anything but the cheapest locks.

Raking a pin tumbler lock

Raking is a faster but less reliable version of lock picking. Instead of carefully lifting each pin individually, you use a rake pick (a pick with a wavy or sawtooth edge) to scrub back and forth inside the lock while applying tension with a wrench. The idea is that one of the pins will randomly align at the shear line and the lock will open. This works on some cheap locks but rarely on anything designed for actual security.

Raking takes 30 seconds to a few minutes and requires only a rake pick and tension wrench. The downside is a low success rate — you might spend 10 minutes raking a lock that won't open this way, when a locksmith could have opened it in 5 minutes. It's a reasonable thing to try if you have the tools and time, but it should not be your primary plan. If raking doesn't work after a few minutes, move on to another method rather than continuing to force it.

When you should not try to open a lock yourself

Do not attempt to open a lock you don't own or don't have permission to open. Opening someone else's lock without consent is illegal in most places, even if you own the tools and have the skill. This includes locks on rental properties, shared storage, or anything belonging to another person. If you're locked out of a rental apartment, contact your landlord or property manager — they have a legal right to enter and can arrange access without you needing to open the lock.

If the lock is on a door or container you're unsure about, ask the owner first. If you're locked out of your own home or car and can't reach a locksmith, contact a trusted friend or family member who might have a spare key, or call your landlord or insurance company — many insurance policies cover lockout services. The cost and time of a locksmith is worth the certainty that you're not breaking the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick a lock without special tools?

Not reliably. Lock picking requires a tension wrench and at least one pick, which are inexpensive but not things most people have lying around. You could theoretically improvise with a paperclip and a flathead screwdriver, but the fit is poor and success is unlikely. Buying a basic set for $10 to $20 is more practical if you're serious about trying.

How long does it take a locksmith to open a lock?

Most locksmiths can open a standard padlock or door lock in 5 to 15 minutes once they arrive. The total time from your call includes their travel time, which varies by location. In a city, expect 30 minutes to an hour from call to open. In a rural area, it could be several hours. Call ahead to get an estimate.

Will picking a lock damage it?

Proper lock picking should not damage the lock if done carefully. However, if you're inexperienced and apply too much force, you can break the pick inside the lock or damage the internal pins. This is why a locksmith is safer if you need to preserve the lock — they know how much force is safe and have backup tools if something goes wrong.

What's the difference between a padlock and a deadbolt?

A padlock is a portable lock with a shackle that hangs outside the thing it's securing. A deadbolt is a lock built into a door that extends a bolt into the door frame. Deadbolts are generally harder to pick or bypass than padlocks, and a locksmith will charge more to open one. Both can be cut off if you own them and don't need to preserve them.

Is lock picking legal?

In most places, owning lock picks and practicing on locks you own is legal. Using lock picks on someone else's lock without permission is illegal, even if you're just testing your skill. Some states have additional restrictions on carrying lock picks in public. Check your local laws before buying a pick set if you're concerned.