Latch Slipping
Latch slipping is a non-destructive technique used to exploit the spring-loaded latch on a door. By pushing the latch back into the door, it’s possible to open the door without turning the handle or key.
Basic Steps to Perform Latch Slipping:
- Identify the Latch: Locate the latch on the side of the door. It’s the piece that retracts into the door when you turn the handle.
- Insert the Tool: Insert your chosen tool between the door and the frame at the height of the latch.
- Push Back the Latch: Using the tool, push the latch back into the door. Once it’s fully retracted, the door should open freely.
Considerations:
- This method works best on doors where the gap between the door and frame is sufficient to fit a tool.
- Always perform these techniques legally and with permission, for testing or improving security.
Basic Latch Slipping Tools
A variety of tools can be used to perform latch slipping:
- Plastic Mica Sheets: These can be slid between the door and frame to push back the latch. This is also known as the “credit card” technique.
- Air Wedges: Small inflatable bags that can be inserted between the door and the frame. Once inflated, they create a gap for a plastic sheet or other tool to push back the latch.
- Big Easy Lockout Tools: Professional-grade tools that are long and stiff plastic rods with a curved end. They’re used to reach in from the top of the door to push back the latch.
- Latch Slip Tools (aka Traveler’s Hooks or Latch Tools): These are specially designed tools with a hook or curve at the end. They can be inserted between the door and the frame to reach the latch and push it back.
Advanced Latch Slipping Techniques
Advanced techniques are required when dealing with protective measures such as protective plates, improper door fitment, and dead latches.
Protective Plates
Protective plates or latch guards are metal plates installed over the latch area of the door to prevent tools from reaching the latch.
Technique: Use a thin, flexible tool like a “Big Easy Lockout Tool” or a flexible “Latch Slip Tool” to slide under or around the plate to reach the latch.
Improper Door Fitment
Doors that are not fitted correctly, such as those that are warped or have a significant gap between the door and frame, can present both opportunities and challenges for latch slipping.
Technique: Larger gaps might make it easier to fit a tool in to reach the latch, but may also require a larger or stiffer tool. Doors that are fitted too tightly may not have enough space to insert a tool. An air wedge might be used to gently create more space.
Dead Latches
A dead latch is a type of latch that includes a mechanism to prevent the latch from being pushed back when the door is closed.
Technique: Use a “loiding” tool or a plastic mica sheet to push back the latch while also pushing the door. The aim is to depress the plunger, which is the part of the latch mechanism that deactivates the deadlatch when the door is closed, allowing the latch to retract.
Advanced Tools Required
- Flexible Latch Slip Tools: For bypassing protective plates.
- Big Easy Lockout Tools: Useful for reaching the latch under or around protective plates.
- Air Wedges: For creating a gap in improperly fitted doors.
- Loiding Tools or Plastic Mica Sheets: For bypassing dead latches.