Lock
Opening a Lock
A good lock protects a gate, chest or set of restraints, but the rules for picking it depend on the edition. Both fifth-edition versions give a standard lock a fixed price and check; Pathfinder and D&D 3.5e have four quality grades with different difficulties.
At a Glance
5.5e / 2024: Lock and key, 10 gp, 1 lb.; DC 15 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) with Thieves’ Tools.
5e / 2014: Lock and key, 10 gp, 1 lb.; DC 15 Dexterity with thieves’ tools proficiency.
Pathfinder 1e: Four grades, 20–150 gp, 1 lb.; Disable Device DC 20–40.
D&D 3.5e: Four grades, 20–150 gp, 1 lb.; Open Lock DC 20–40.
Lock Rules by Edition
D&D 5.5e / 2024 — Lock
| Property | Rule |
|---|---|
| Price / weight | 10 gp / 1 lb. |
| Key | One supplied with the lock |
| Pick without key | DC 15 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) with Thieves’ Tools |
Thieves’ Tools are required for this item’s picking procedure. The lock rule does not say that the older editions’ four quality grades apply to the 2024 equipment entry.
Source: D&D 2024 Basic Rules, equipment (SRD 5.2.1).
D&D 5e / 2014 — Lock
| Property | Rule |
|---|---|
| Price / weight | 10 gp / 1 lb. |
| Key | One provided |
| Pick without key | DC 15 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools proficiency |
| Better locks | The DM may price superior locks separately; no official fixed four-grade price table is given here |
Use the Dexterity check specified in 2014; it is not automatically the 2024 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) item check.
Source: D&D 2014 Basic Rules, equipment (SRD 5.1).
Pathfinder 1e — Lock Quality
| Quality | Price | Disable Device DC | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | 20 gp | 20 | 1 lb. |
| Average | 40 gp | 25 | 1 lb. |
| Good | 80 gp | 30 | 1 lb. |
| Superior | 150 gp | 40 | 1 lb. |
Use Disable Device for the listed grade. Do not substitute D&D 3.5e’s differently named Open Lock skill.
Source: Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook, lock quality and costs.
D&D 3.5e — Lock Quality
| Quality | Price | Open Lock DC | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very simple | 20 gp | 20 | 1 lb. |
| Average | 40 gp | 25 | 1 lb. |
| Good | 80 gp | 30 | 1 lb. |
| Amazing | 150 gp | 40 | 1 lb. |
Picking a lock uses the trained-only Open Lock skill and takes a full-round action. Improvised tools impose a −2 penalty; masterwork thieves’ tools grant +2.
Sources: D&D 3.5e equipment and Open Lock skill (3.5e SRD/OGL).
Choose the lock quality for the door, chest or manacles before the attempt. See the locks and restraints price directory for the related gear.
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