Any lock pickers?

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
8,250
I’m bored and need a new hobby. I’ve always been interested in picking locks,like every other 10 year old;), and decided to buy a set of picks. I was doing a general search and found an organization that does competitions. I was wondering if anyone here dabbles.
 
Shotgun said:
I’m bored and need a new hobby. I’ve always been interested in picking locks,like every other 10 year old;), and decided to buy a set of picks. I was doing a general search and found an organization that does competitions. I was wondering if anyone here dabbles.
Click to expand...
I keep a set in my bag o'doom just in case, played with them enough that I can get simple locks pretty quick:).
 
Never dabbled, but I've SPPd, raked, zipped, jiggled, bypassed and bullied locks open.
Started back in the early 90s, got a bit more serious early 00s.
Check out the YouTube, Bosnian Bill and lock picking lawyer are good ones.
Couple of books/downloads out there.
Lockpicking overkill(I think that's the name) been a while since I read it) is a good one.
Lot of different kinds of picks out there, not all good, and it's not all about the tools, but still need some decent ones.
Most perishable skill I've found.
Way more than shooting or pool, it's crazy how fast you loose it, but it does come back quickly with practice.
Have fun, hit the flea market for old locks, keys are a pluss but not necessary.
 
No, I avoid felony charges, by not doing felonious stuff. Just getting caught with those tools can get you charged in some states.
:P
JK

Actually, I used to repo cars and used jigglers and shaved keys to open doors and start older cars.
Newer models require a proper key with chip, so that skill became obsolete.
Pre HEI cars only require you use them to unlock the steering column.
Hot lead to the coil, and arc the starter solenoid, and you're driving.
 
I’m into it! Been picking for about two years, but lately I’ve had very little time to get in any practice. What locks are you working on?
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9K6rby98W8JigLoZOh6FQ

Lots of good youtube channels available..

I used to dabble along long time ago. It wasn't for crime at all. I used to make shift my own equipment with basic junk I had laying around, usually nails for picks.

It originally started with the master locks for lockers that were extremely easy to unlock and went from there in learning. Was about the challenge of the locks. Nothing more. There used to be books from bbs networks that my friends and I would learn all sorts of stuff from. Don't want to mention the names of the books. But yea, i liked to learn things.

I haven't picked it up for over 20 years or so, but every once in a while watch some vids on it. Most locks are thwarted. It's funny how easy some of them are. Massdrop usually has a lot of different lock picking kits available. If one was interested practicing.

Heres a good video too...

 
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Know the laws and regulations where you live.
lock-pick-map-768x568.jpg


https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog/lo...gulations-is-your-hobby-a-crime-in-your-state
 
I barely know how to pick the lock on my front door. Haha. I cant see myself ever being into competition but I am interested as a hobby myself.
 
Every great once in a while, I think of trying it as a challenge hobby. Up to this point, I've only succeeded in "picking" a spot to hide a spare key.
 
Yeah, I’m not sure I’m down for the competitions as it seems more of a social event and I’m a bit of a loner. ;)

I have an 8 piece set from south ord. I’m going to give it a shot this weekend while my wife’s doing her church stuff.

I have a couple master locks laying around. The real trick is going to be finding those locks.
 
My father was a locksmith learned it was easier to stuff me thru a window than pick some locks , still have his picks see if I can find them .
 
I tried one of the master lock padlocks once (my own), couldn't get it. I figured if I couldn't pick the easiest one out there, there was no chance I would be able to pick any other lock. Watched some of the youtube videos, but it's all beyond me...
 
I work in security, and lock picking seems to be a shared interest of everyone in the field. It's a skill that has actually come in handy a few times.

I have picks, bump keys and a pick gun along with a variety of practice locks.

I'm OK at picking simple locks, but I can't seem to get the hang of the bump keys or the pick gun.
 
I've had some fun with it over the years. Started way back in college to help the company I worked for save some money. They would re-key every exterior lock every time there was a personnel change. I was much cheaper on payroll than bringing in a smith.

As soon as family heard I had acquired a new skill, I became the first call for every lockout problem. That part got a bit old. Later I found myself managing multiple properties, and the skill came in handy again.
 
sodak said:
I tried one of the master lock padlocks once (my own), couldn't get it. I figured if I couldn't pick the easiest one out there, there was no chance I would be able to pick any other lock. Watched some of the youtube videos, but it's all beyond me...
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Those are fairly easy. You have the pick that turns the lock and the pick that pushes the pins up.

Put the one that turns in, then push the pins up and when they all go into place, then turn. Fairly easy concept. Each lock may be a bit different though.
 
Mo2 said:
Those are fairly easy. You have the pick that turns the lock and the pick that pushes the pins up.

Put the one that turns in, then push the pins up and when they all go into place, then turn. Fairly easy concept. Each lock may be a bit different though.
Click to expand...

Wow, just, wow.
That's it, that's what I was missing.
Thank you
 
Mo2 said:
Those are fairly easy. You have the pick that turns the lock and the pick that pushes the pins up.

Put the one that turns in, then push the pins up and when they all go into place, then turn. Fairly easy concept. Each lock may be a bit different though.
Click to expand...
I was referring to Master padlocks. Those are combination locks. Not keyed... There are no pins.
 
sodak said:
I was referring to Master padlocks. Those are combination locks. Not keyed... There are no pins.
Click to expand...
Ah.. Yea i believe that was the first lock I figured out. Combination locks are all about feeling and sound as well as some numbers.

Plenty of vids on YouTube for this that could explain it better than I can. I haven't opened a combination master lock in many many years.



Even more vids out in the suggested vids of these two if you want more to watch.

When I was in high school long time ago I sometimes forgot my combination, I had to write it down in case. but I would easily open it after learning the techniques instead. Guess my parents raised me right cause I didn't use it for much else.
 
Resources:
on you tube: BosnianBill
Serepick is probably the leader in training, although they've only held maybe a handful of classes for citizens.
 
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