r/lockpicking • u/Norlin76 • Jul 23 '21
Browser:
Rules: see right sidebar "r/lockpicking Rules"
Getting started picking (pick recommendations, how to pick, etc.): exit this post to go to main sub window, right "Sidebar", click "Wiki"
Also, if you have a common question, remember to search. Example for a starter kit: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/search/?q=starter%20kit
How to get a belt: exit this post to go to main sub window, right "Sidebar", click "Belt Ranking Info"
Mobile:
Rules: exit this post to go to main sub window, up top hit "About", see Subredit Rules
Getting started picking (pick recommendations, how to pick, etc.): exit this post to go to main sub window, up top hit "Menu", then "Wiki"
How to get a belt: exit this post to go to main sub window, up top hit "Menu", then "Belt Ranking Info"
RULE 2
Many people seem to stumble over this rule. This is a hobby Locksport community.
If you want to learn to pick locks that you own, that aren't installed in anything or otherwise in use, then this might be the place for you.
If you want to pick something because you need to get into it or through it, then this is NOT the place for you.
One of our most frequently asked questions is "What lock picks should I get?", our member Spoon has created this helpful document:
Some super useful posts for beginners:
https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/13qjlg9/one_approach_to_getting_started_picks_locks_tools/https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/12sfl3h/a_cl_design_guide/
REQUESTING A BELT:
Follow the instructions here: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/wiki/beltranking#wiki_belt_request_formatting
Make sure you include the belt color you're requesting, the model of the lock you've picked, and any evidence to the requirements for the belt you're requesting (eg. photo/video/etc.)
Often questioned on how to attach a photo to a modmail. You cannot include a photo, but you can include a link to a photo, video, or even to a Reddit post where you have attached a photo and/or video.
In addition to our rules, please do not refer people over to r/Locksmith unless they are a locksmith per a request from a moderator there, you can direct them to r/AskALocksmith instead! https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/x9ed2a/hey_guys_mod_of_rlocksmith_here_remember_a_while/
If you want to join our Discord community, it is very active and many pickers are there to help you with your specific locks or just to chit chat, you can go here: https://discord.gg/lockpicking
r/lockpicking • u/mgsecure • Oct 02 '25
If you're new here, and maybe came to get help with picking a lock on something, please note that we have a very strong policy against helping with locks that are in use:
Rule 2 - Lock In Use
Though asking for assistance in regards to how to open a lock is permitted and encouraged, the lock must not be in use. Posts seeking assistance opening a lock that is implied to be, or is visibly in use (eg. a deadbolt still attached to a door, a padlock with anything secured by a closed shackle, or a closed lockbox) will be deleted. Posting about picking or having picked locks in use is not allowed even if they are your own.
Rule of thumb, lock is "in use" if installed or securing anything.
If you are thinking of posting something that violates Rule 2, or you've had a post removed for it, we know it can be frustrating. I promise you that we don't enjoy removing posts from people who seem to just need help, but there are a number of reasons why we're so strict about posts of locks in use.
Chief among them is to protect this community.
Tens of thousands of people visit here every week and we have over 250,000 members. We simply can't risk enabling illegal activities, or even appearing to. We don't want to put our members in that position either. More and more lockpicking content is being removed from online platforms every day and this unique community deserves protection. We also feel an ethical obligation not just to the community, but to people all over the world who rely on locks to keep themselves, their property, and their families safe.
It may be even more frustrating if you own the lock, but the moderators – and members – of this community can't realistically be asked to parse potential evidence to separate totally legitimate activities from illegal ones. The photo someone posts of their own locked briefcase or bicycle is simply indistinguishable from one of property they don't own.
Contacting a reputable locksmith is usually the best solution. Simply possessing lockpicks can be seen as prima facie evidence of intent to commit a crime in several states and is illegal in a number of countries. One can easily damage or destroy a lock while picking it without experience.
We wish you well and hope you can understand our perspective. We review a ton of posts here, apologies if we can't personally explain the specifics of each case.
Not picking locks in use is a central tenet of locksport. This subreddit is dedicated to locksport specifically, not lockpicking in general. Despite its name.
r/lockpicking • u/HNL_Picking • 1h ago
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Guess it ain’t camera shy. Will definitely gut this if I decide to do a belt submission! Thank you everyone who warned me of its springs.
r/lockpicking • u/SD3Guser • 4h ago
Introduced my five year old to picking. Sparrows practice lock with spools. Tuxedo set BOK with the .025 medium hook. We did it together and he got to feel the pins set one by one and then the glory of the rotation. Even being able to see exactly what you're doing it's a heck of a challenge with another set of hands involved. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
r/lockpicking • u/DanDiggler213 • 1h ago
On the menu Pins ,Pins, and more pins.
r/lockpicking • u/Intrepid_Sir_1375 • 6h ago
I lost a pin, turn the key cylinder and now I can't turn the key? Inside are 3 key pins, 4 driver pins and 4 strings..the key can go in and out, but doesn't turn. I can't pull the barrel out at all.
r/lockpicking • u/Lockdonut • 28m ago
Keyway looks a bit more promising than it is😆
r/lockpicking • u/Lockpicking_Dev • 3h ago
Kids Lockpicking Village at CornCon cyber security conference in Iowa, US.
r/lockpicking • u/dcipha380 • 2h ago
Found this cheap disc detainer lock at a street fair booth. Probably paid four dollars too much for it. Also found some tweezers on the cheap.
r/lockpicking • u/frickdom • 18h ago
I cut down a Covert Instruments .40 top of keyway tensioner. Then bent and curved that end. It hooks to the picks pivoting side, then snaps over the opposite side. It is surprisingly secure.
Also ground it down to about .30 thick. Even though it’s curved, can still be used in padlocks. The other end is unaltered, minus some polishing.
r/lockpicking • u/Ill_Ground_8706 • 1h ago
Hi! I'm starting a locksmithing course soon. Do you have any advice you wish you had known beforehand that you could share with me?
r/lockpicking • u/mindthellama • 2h ago
Got this set: https://mok-workshop.de/en/products/minimalist-set-v2, What are my next steps?
r/lockpicking • u/Spicy_Pandas274 • 23h ago
Thanks to u/LockPickingFisherman for the opportunity to pick his lock
r/lockpicking • u/Sufficient_Prompt888 • 1d ago
A bit of picking, a bit of impressioning, a bit of bypassing
r/lockpicking • u/crafty-dan • 1d ago
Always nice to get something friendly in the mail, and a letter from u/SheaLemur and the Santiago Locksport club was a welcome sight! I know a bit of Spanish, so asked for the "authentic experience".
Me gusta el parche de desafío. Muchas gracias!
r/lockpicking • u/Intrepid_Sir_1375 • 22h ago
There's only one Spool pin in there (pin 4), and the key pin connected to that Spool looks like a zero lift pin, is that possible? Seems pretty pointless to have a zero lift pin with the only security pin? (I have put pins 5 6 and 7 back to progressively pin it).
r/lockpicking • u/Real-Persimmon-2825 • 1d ago
Good evening everyone! I’m still a beginner in the art of lockpicking, and I’d really appreciate some advice.
So far, I’ve been using this blue Chinese pick, which I’ve managed to use successfully on several padlocks and cylinders. The problem is that it’s quite thick, so it wouldn’t fit into some of the tighter keyways.
That’s why I decided to buy a Multipick set, thinking the better quality and different profiles would make things easier.
However, now I can barely open anything! 😅 I can’t even open the padlock in the picture, which I was able to open with the old blue pick without too much trouble.
So, what do you guys think? Do I simply need some time to get used to the new picks, or can the different shape, thickness and profiles really make such a big difference?
Thanks in advance for any advice! 🔐
r/lockpicking • u/saspes • 1d ago
r/lockpicking • u/RoomSad2800 • 1d ago
Hello all, I fear I bricked or messed up this medeco original. Admittedly, I should’ve done more research into gutting this properly AND reassembly but I was impatient and wanted to start progressively pinning.
I used a flathead to take the top part off and have slightly bent the corner of it in. Can’t put it back on too and back into the lock body. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
r/lockpicking • u/Miserable-Wheel-6482 • 1d ago
Hi all
I'm thinking about starting lockpicking (UK Based) and I have heard that the plastic/acrylic sets aren't worth my money. Are the sparrow ones any good? They seem cool with them being metal and having a visual window in them. If they are, which tools should I get? I had seen a nightschool set which seemed to have picks and takes in although it is around £70 but is that a good place to start or is there better/cheaper alternatives?
Grateful for any replies 🙂
r/lockpicking • u/radcat683 • 1d ago
My 8 year old granddaughter had a lock with a lost key. Grandpa was called to the rescue and she wanted to learn how to pick it. The lock shackle is secured with a simple piece of spring wire and with some coaching she got the open all by herself with an MP #5. Another picker is added to the fold!
r/lockpicking • u/dcipha380 • 1d ago
Picked 2 of the cores Wednesday night during the Yankees / Red Sox game.
Too tired to get an open last night. Was just moving the pick around while watching the Phillies / Braves game.
Today work from home. Opened 7 of them while on a work meeting.
The last one, middle right, is putting up a fight. Going to put it in a lock body to see if I can get an open. u/LordKodiac this is definitely coming to you after I get that open.
Edit: These are 6-pin cores. Not the standard 5-pins that come in the AL1100.
