{"title":"Tension Wrenches","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003etension wrench\u003c\/strong\u003e is the most important tool in lock picking and the one most kits get wrong. It applies the light rotational pressure that makes pins bind — \u003cstrong\u003etension is 80 % of the skill\u003c\/strong\u003e. Here are proper wrenches in every style: L-shaped, top-of-keyway, twist-flex and adjustable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--more--\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat a tension wrench does\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pin tumbler lock only opens when every pin is at the shear line at once — impossible to hit by chance. The tension wrench applies a tiny turning force to the plug so that, because of manufacturing tolerances, \u003cstrong\u003eone pin binds at a time\u003c\/strong\u003e. You set that pin, the plug turns a fraction, the next pin binds. Without tension, nothing binds and nothing you do with the pick matters. That is why the wrench, not the pick, decides whether you succeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTypes of tension wrenches\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBottom-of-keyway (BOK) L wrench\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe classic L-shaped wrench that sits in the bottom of the keyway. Simple, fits most locks, included in every set. Comes in several widths — a wrench that rattles in the keyway gives poor feedback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTop-of-keyway (TOK) pry bar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA flat bar that sits at the top of the keyway, leaving the whole bottom free for the pick. Preferred by most experienced pickers for single pin picking and for spool pins, because the feedback is clearer. Comes in 0.040\" and 0.050\" thicknesses to fit European keyways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwist-flex wrench\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wrench with a twisted section that acts as a spring, smoothing out your hand and making it much harder to over-tension. The best beginner wrench — one is included in all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/beginner-lock-pick-sets\"\u003ebeginner sets\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdjustable \/ circular tension tools\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTools that clamp into the keyway or use a spring dial to give constant tension. Useful for disc detainers and for pickers with hand fatigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much tension to use when picking a lock\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLess than you think.\u003c\/strong\u003e The weight of a finger resting on the wrench. Beginners use five times too much, which over-sets pins and makes spools lock up. If a lock feels impossible, halve the tension before changing anything else. Our guide's first exercise is picking a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/transparent-padlocks\"\u003eclear lock\u003c\/a\u003e with the wrench only touched by a fingertip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy extra tension wrenches?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause keyways vary. A wrench that fits a padlock may be too thick for a Euro cylinder and too thin for a wafer lock. A small assortment of BOK widths plus a pair of TOK bars covers everything in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/practice-locks\"\u003epractice locks\u003c\/a\u003e range. Tension wrenches are also the tool you lose or bend most often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the tools here are legal for hobby use in nearly all of Europe (\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/is-lock-picking-legal\"\u003elegality by country\u003c\/a\u003e). Learn to use them in \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-pick-a-lock-for-beginners\"\u003ehow to pick a lock for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"lock-pick-set-leather-zip-case","title":"Lock Pick Set in Leather Zip Case – 10 or 24 Picks","description":"\u003cp\u003eA clean, complete \u003cstrong\u003elock pick set in a leather zip case\u003c\/strong\u003e. Every pick is stainless steel with a flat handle that gives good feedback, and the case keeps the blades straight. Choose the compact 10-piece set or the full 24-piece set with specialised profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's included in the leather-case lock pick set\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10-piece: short hook, medium hook, half-diamond, snake rake, Bogota rake, city rake, 2 tension wrenches, extractor, key extractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24-piece: adds deep hooks, offset picks, wafer rakes, double-ball, extra tension wrenches and extractors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather zip case with elastic loops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho the leather-case lock pick set is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who already owns a practice lock, or who wants a proper pick set to pair with one of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/transparent-padlocks\"\u003etransparent padlocks\u003c\/a\u003e. The 10-piece set is the sensible beginner choice; the 24-piece set is for the picker who wants every profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeather-case lock pick set — specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStainless steel picks, 0.6 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat stainless handles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase size approx. 16 × 9 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBelt level for the leather-case lock pick set\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite to green belt. The tools are the same at every level — the lock changes. See the full \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/lock-picking-belt-ranking\"\u003elock picking belt ranking\u003c\/a\u003e to plan your next lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegal note:\u003c\/strong\u003e lock picks are legal to own and use on locks you own in nearly all of Europe. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/is-lock-picking-legal\"\u003elegality by country\u003c\/a\u003e page. Only pick locks you own, never a lock in use. New to the hobby? Start with \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-pick-a-lock-for-beginners\"\u003ehow to pick a lock for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lockpit Kit","offers":[{"title":"10 picks","offer_id":58805474951503,"sku":"14:29#K;200007763:201336100","price":34.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24 picks","offer_id":58805474984271,"sku":"14:10#G;200007763:201336100","price":44.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1041\/0609\/9023\/files\/S3281d8093ccd4b3bb97b79dfbc16075dh.webp?v=1789650205"},{"product_id":"lock-pick-set-30-picks-2-transparent-padlocks","title":"Lock Pick Set – 30 Picks, 2 Transparent Padlocks, Zip Case","description":"\u003cp\u003eA full \u003cstrong\u003e30-piece lock pick set\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003etwo transparent practice padlocks\u003c\/strong\u003e — one small, one standard — so you can start picking the minute the box arrives. Hooks, rakes, half-diamonds, tension wrenches and extractors, all in a zip case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's included in the 30-piece lock pick set\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30 stainless picks and tools: hooks, rakes, half-diamonds, tension wrenches, extractors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 transparent practice padlocks with keys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZip case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho the 30-piece lock pick set is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beginner who wants a complete kit without choosing pieces, or a gift that works out of the box. The two locks let you feel the difference between a loose and a tighter practice lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e30-piece lock pick set — specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStainless steel picks, 0.6 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcrylic padlocks with brass pins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase approx. 17 × 10 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBelt level for the 30-piece lock pick set\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite to yellow belt. See the full \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/lock-picking-belt-ranking\"\u003elock picking belt ranking\u003c\/a\u003e to plan your next lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegal note:\u003c\/strong\u003e lock picks are legal to own and use on locks you own in nearly all of Europe. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/is-lock-picking-legal\"\u003elegality by country\u003c\/a\u003e page. Only pick locks you own, never a lock in use. New to the hobby? Start with \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-pick-a-lock-for-beginners\"\u003ehow to pick a lock for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lockpit Kit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58805479604559,"sku":"\u003cnone\u003e","price":64.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1041\/0609\/9023\/files\/S3c0723d8e8384256bed45623baeab128z.webp?v=1789650262"},{"product_id":"tension-wrench-set-7-pieces","title":"Tension Wrench Set – 7 Double-Head Tension Tools","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTension is 80 % of lock picking\u003c\/strong\u003e, and most kits ship one flimsy wrench. This set gives you seven double-head tension wrenches in different widths, so there is always one that sits firmly in the keyway — padlock, Euro cylinder or wafer lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's included in the tension wrench set\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 double-head tension wrenches, 14 widths in total\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey ring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho the tension wrench set is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery picker. Beginners get a wrench that fits; experienced pickers get the spares they always lose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTension wrench set — specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpring steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBottom-of-keyway style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBelt level for the tension wrench set\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll belts. See the full \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/lock-picking-belt-ranking\"\u003elock picking belt ranking\u003c\/a\u003e to plan your next lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegal note:\u003c\/strong\u003e lock picks are legal to own and use on locks you own in nearly all of Europe. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/is-lock-picking-legal\"\u003elegality by country\u003c\/a\u003e page. Only pick locks you own, never a lock in use. New to the hobby? Start with \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-pick-a-lock-for-beginners\"\u003ehow to pick a lock for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lockpit Kit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58805480390991,"sku":"14:350850#Set;200007763:201336100","price":16.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1041\/0609\/9023\/files\/S0a53ff853a664e8ca4d987ff7b155fdbh.webp?v=1789650265"},{"product_id":"lock-pick-set-with-transparent-locks","title":"Lock Pick Set with Transparent Locks – 6 Configurations","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne pick set, six ways to buy it. Start with \u003cstrong\u003e17 stainless picks in a zip case\u003c\/strong\u003e, or add one, two or three \u003cstrong\u003etransparent practice locks\u003c\/strong\u003e and step up to the 24-piece set. Every configuration includes tension wrenches and extractors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's included in the lock pick set with transparent locks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA: 17 picks + case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eB: 17 picks + transparent padlock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eC: 24 picks + 2 transparent locks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD: 24 picks + 3 transparent locks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eE: 24 picks + 3 transparent locks + extra tension set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF: picks + cutaway lock + rim cylinder + quick-start card\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho the lock pick set with transparent locks is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who wants to size the kit to their budget. If you own no lock, take B or higher — the lock is what teaches you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLock pick set with transparent locks — specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStainless steel picks, 0.6 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcrylic practice locks with brass pins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZip case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBelt level for the lock pick set with transparent locks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite to yellow belt. See the full \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/lock-picking-belt-ranking\"\u003elock picking belt ranking\u003c\/a\u003e to plan your next lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegal note:\u003c\/strong\u003e lock picks are legal to own and use on locks you own in nearly all of Europe. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/is-lock-picking-legal\"\u003elegality by country\u003c\/a\u003e page. Only pick locks you own, never a lock in use. New to the hobby? Start with \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-pick-a-lock-for-beginners\"\u003ehow to pick a lock for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lockpit Kit","offers":[{"title":"F · Picks + cutaway + rim cylinder","offer_id":58805480816975,"sku":"14:173#Style 6;200007763:201336100","price":54.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"E · 24 picks + 3 locks + tension set","offer_id":58805480849743,"sku":"14:29#Style 5;200007763:201336100","price":69.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"D · 24 picks + 3 locks","offer_id":58805480882511,"sku":"14:350686#Style 4;200007763:201336100","price":59.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"C · 24 picks + 2 locks","offer_id":58805480915279,"sku":"14:10#Style 3;200007763:201336100","price":54.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"B · 17 picks + padlock","offer_id":58805480948047,"sku":"14:350853#Style 2;200007763:201336100","price":39.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A · 17 picks","offer_id":58805480980815,"sku":"14:350850#Style 1;200007763:201336100","price":29.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1041\/0609\/9023\/files\/S0286317c25bd4da69d688557ce7e069dG.webp?v=1789650267"},{"product_id":"complete-lock-picking-kit-38-picks-4-locks","title":"Complete Lock Picking Kit – 38 Picks, 4 Practice Locks, Zip Case \u0026 E-Guide","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur best-selling \u003cstrong\u003ecomplete lock picking kit\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong\u003e38 stainless picks and tools\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003efour transparent practice locks\u003c\/strong\u003e — two padlocks and two cylinders — tension wrenches, extractors, a zip case and the e-guides. It covers the first two belts without a second order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's included in the complete lock picking kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e38 picks and tools: hooks, rakes, half-diamonds, tension wrenches, extractors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 transparent practice locks: 2 padlocks, 2 cylinders, all with keys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZip case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eE-guides (PDF)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho the complete lock picking kit is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe complete beginner who knows they will stick with it, and the gift buyer who wants the box that has everything. The four locks are graded: start on the small padlock, finish on the cylinders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eComplete lock picking kit — specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStainless steel picks, 0.6 mm; optional silicone-dipped handles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcrylic locks with brass pins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase approx. 20 × 12 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBelt level for the complete lock picking kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite to yellow belt, with the cylinders stretching towards orange. See the full \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/lock-picking-belt-ranking\"\u003elock picking belt ranking\u003c\/a\u003e to plan your next lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegal note:\u003c\/strong\u003e lock picks are legal to own and use on locks you own in nearly all of Europe. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/is-lock-picking-legal\"\u003elegality by country\u003c\/a\u003e page. Only pick locks you own, never a lock in use. New to the hobby? Start with \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-pick-a-lock-for-beginners\"\u003ehow to pick a lock for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lockpit Kit","offers":[{"title":"Standard handles","offer_id":58805481177423,"sku":"14:29#Regular;200007763:201336100","price":79.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silicone-dipped handles","offer_id":58805481144655,"sku":"14:193#With silicone;200007763:201336100","price":84.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1041\/0609\/9023\/files\/S239263b0f7ff4fcb9cf3c4e6a3eaad23a.webp?v=1789650268"}],"url":"https:\/\/lockpitkit.com\/collections\/tension-wrenches.oembed","provider":"Lockpit Kit","version":"1.0","type":"link"}