Journal Published Online: 01 October 1975
Volume 20, Issue 4

The Examination of Disc and Pin Tumbler Locks for Tool Marks Made by Lock Picks

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

There are many references on the techniques of lock picking (for example, Refs 1 and 2) and on the subject of tool mark examination (Ref 3, for example), yet there are only a few articles published on the tool marks made by lock picks [4–6]. These articles indicate that certain methods of picking locks can be detected. No in-depth study has been published on the types of marks left by different picks, nor to what extent tumbler composition plays in detecting pick marks. It is the purpose of this study to indicate what can be learned from pick marks on cylinder locks. This paper will attempt, through use of photographs, to demonstrate the tool marks often left on pin and disc tumbler locks by various lock picks in use today.

Author Information

Plumtree, WG
Criminalistics Laboratory, Los Angeles, Calif.
Pages: 12
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10317J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10317J