Unlocking tool

There are three unlocking tools in NetHack: the skeleton key, the lock pick (osaku to Samurai) and the credit card. They allow you to lock and unlock doors and chests, except the credit card which can only be used for unlocking. Credit cards have nothing to do with money in NetHack; they appear as unlocking devices because of their popularity in films for jimmying open door locks.

Usage
The chance of successfully locking or unlocking a door depends on which tool you use, your dexterity, the type of lock, and whether or not you are a Rogue. The per-turn probabilities of success are listed in the table below.

"Box" includes chests and large boxes.

If you have not succeeded after 50 turns, you give up.

This exercises your dexterity, even if you don't succeed.

Generation
All unlocking tools are generated uncursed.

Other effects
If a watchman sees you picking a lock, he may warn you or get hostile. If a warning is given, a trap is automatically added to the door in question.

Strategy
Credit cards are the lightest unlocking tool, but also the slowest, and they won't lock. Lock picks are the heaviest and most expensive, and for a Rogue with 18 dexterity give a 97% chance of (un)locking a box in one turn. However, in all other circumstances, skeleton keys are faster, as well as cheaper and lighter.

Rust does not impede the operation of any unlocking tool.