Cheaper locks and old worn locks, which have more movement in their mechanism, are often easier o pick. The first is called a Tension Wrench and is used to apply a rotary pressure on the moving parts of the lock. The second is the pick itself, which is used to move the pins into alignment. The Tension Wrench fits into the lower half of the keyway and has a ninety-degree bend at its head to form the handle. This allows gentle but steady pressure to be applied to the central core of the lock.
Picks vary in design, depending on the technique to be employed.
Picks with fine or pointed ends are used to lift individual pins. The pick shafts are narrow and fine in section to allow them to be inserted into the keyway above the Tension Wrench but below the row of pins. A third tool, which may often be found useful, is a broken key extractor. There are several types available, which either grab the broken piece or hook behind it to clear the keyway. Pressure is then gently applied sideways, i.e. in a rotary fashion.