If you've been following the site, you may have seen our feature last week on cracking a padlock without tools. That technique is very simple and effective, but it also makes quite a bit of noise as you tap the lock with a hard object. Additionally, it won't work on recessed door locks—if you're being illegally detained in a building, that's more likely to be what you're dealing with. Fortunately, there's another easy method that anyone can try using a common household item: paperclips.

DISCLAIMER: We’re certainly not advocating you do anything against the law, so only practice this technique on locks you own. Please don’t do anything stupid and/or illegal with this knowledge, and if you do, we are not responsible.

You may have thought picking a lock with a paperclip was too good to be true, since it's often featured in otherwise unrealistic TV shows and spy movies. It may seem far-fetched, but it's actually quite doable. YouTube channel BlackScoutSurvival shows how it's done:

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You'll notice the host makes picks using a set of pliers. While a pair of pliers makes the process easier, it's not necessarily a must-have tool. Both the tension wrench and the rake can be made manually, as shown in this video (most relevant from 2:22 to 5:02):

Admittedly, these videos still make it look easier than it might be for a true beginner. However, even with minimal practice, paperclip lock picks can be an effective method of escaping captivity. Looks like MacGyver wasn't so far off after all.

Written by Patrick McCarthy