There are just two instruments that a locksmith would use in order to pick a lock, a tension wrench and a rake. Most Salem locksmith technicians will use such method on a traditional residential lock system even those that were modified with security pins. First, the technician will start by inserting the tension wrench into the keyway on the bottom end of the cylinder. A tension will be applied with the wrench in the direction which the lock supposes to open. At the same time, the locksmith will insert the second tool which is the rake and will attempt to manipulate the pins into the shear line. If he was able to get the pins into the shear line, with the tension wrench he will attempt to turn and unlock the lock.
Since there are many types of locks in the market, picking will not always work on all of them. That is when bumping comes into play. Most professional locksmith technicians will carry an item that is called a bump key. Initially it is just a regular key which was cut evenly across the blade. The process involving such key will work by striking it consistently while it is inserted inside the keyway. The custom cuts will initially assist in pushing the pins into the shear line much like a pick, but require less skills ad sometimes even more effective.
A lot of home owners are now turning to high security locks. If the locksmith was not able to bump the lock open, chances are the only option to unlock it is drilling. Drilling is often used as a last resort method as it completely damages the lock. What the locksmith will do is attempt to drill the pins and tumblers inside the cylinder so the lock can be opened. Once the locksmith was able to unlock the door, have him do a lock change as you do not want to leave your home without front door protection.