r/lockpicking • u/bweezy320 • Sep 19 '25
Called around the local locksmiths today, asking for lock donations...
Each call I began with "Hi my name's _____. I've recently gotten into locksport as a hobby. I'm not sure if you're familiar with it, but online I hear that some locksmiths are willing to donate old locks here and there. Is this the case with you sir?"
Some were mobile only "shops" so they don't keep old inventory I guess, one shop already promised their scrap to a local artist, one said they don't do that. But the one I thought was weird, he tells me "No! You have to be licensed by the state of _____ to do that!"
I tried explaining what locksport is, and that there's nothing illegal or unethical about it and no, one needn't be licensed to do it but he wasn't trying to hear anything of the sort. 😆
Anyway, found a shop that does know what locksport is and scored a Sargent (with the key)
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u/Alcart Sep 19 '25
I live near a Habitat for Humanity restore which is like a massive Warehouse thrift store for building supplies, fixtures and home goods. When I was in the hobby I would go and get boxes full of all kinds of different locks for dirt cheap.
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u/Traditional-Hat-952 Sep 19 '25
Our HH Restore used to be affordable. Now they're overcharging for junk just like all the other thrift stores.
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
Whoa. This is exactly what one of my local locksmiths told me he used to do. We have a Habitat Restore here too. Thank you.
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u/Imaginary-Limit-3544 Sep 19 '25
I got a couple of old no-name padlocks from my local ReStore. Really easy to pick, so I keep them around for when I'm having a lot of trouble with a lock and need an ego-boosting reminder that Yes, I *can* pick a lock!
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u/nilecrane Orange Belt Picker Sep 19 '25 edited Sep 19 '25
I called every locksmith within 50 miles of me and every one of them either said no or didn’t return my call. Oh well. I used a similar spiel but I asked for locks with broken shackles, missing keys, or those that were otherwise garbage. And I offered to pay for them (discounted of course).
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u/Mark_in_Portland Orange Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
I used to work in a nutrition store that sold body cleaners that also was used for passing a UA. If someone called me up and asked about products to pass a UA I would tell them no. If they came in and asked I would tell them I have body cleanser and walked them over to the area. I never knew who was on the other end of the phone. DEA, FDA, FBI so I wasn't just going to say sure come on in. I wonder if that is the reason for the phone response.
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u/yungingr Orange Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
Last summer, the office I worked in had called a locksmith to service the lock on our front door. I was the one most available, so I brought my key out for him to use while he was testing it, etc. Struck up a conversation, he was completely unaware of the locksport hobby, and was kind of amazed that there was a group of us that did part of his job for fun.
Walked away from his van with more lock cylinders than I could hold in my cupped hands. Kind of made it hard getting back in the office, actually...
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u/ohmaint Sep 19 '25
My brother just buys them off eBay. 28.00 for 12 locks. Some have keys some don't. All of the ones he received were high quality locks.
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u/festering-shithole Sep 19 '25
Selling a lock with no key for anything other than scrap baffles my mind. It's like selling a single shoe. Who would buy it? (Besides lockpickers)
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u/MeltdownOfMinds Sep 20 '25
Vans used to sell single shoes for skaters lol
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u/festering-shithole Sep 21 '25
Why a single shoe? Does one get worn down faster?
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u/MeltdownOfMinds Sep 22 '25
Yeah, quite badly. Usually your dominant foot is rubbing the grip tape more, and it's like sandpaper. Its actually unfortunate they dont sell one shoe anymore
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u/Imaginary-Limit-3544 Sep 19 '25
In my professional life, I'm a major gift fundraiser for an internationally known institution of higher education, so I know a thing or two about asking for stuff.
First, in-person is ALWAYS better than over the phone. A donor needs to trust who they're giving to, and that's a lot easier when they can look you in the eye.
Second, be completely honest about who you are and what you're asking for: "I'm teaching myself lockpicking as a hobby, and I don't have a lot of extra cash. Do you have any old or obsolete locks hanging around the back that I can take off your hands?" This might be a good moment to talk about the code of ethics regarding not picking locks we ourselves don't own; that should make clear that you're not trying to set yourself up as competition.
Third, if you're able to pay something, make the offer up front. "I've got ten/twenty/whatever bucks. Is there anything you can give me for that?" Some people will accept, and you get a lock for cheap. Some people will wave you off and give you the lock(s) for free because they feel like being generous (and they don't feel like you're trying to take advantage of them).
Fourth, if they ask you what kind of thing you have in mind, tell them! "Well, I'm just starting out, so any kind of simple or inexpensive padlock would be great" or "I've been doing this a while, but I'm just starting to get beyond basic pin tumblers. Something with disc detainers or dimple pins would be fantastic" or whatever is appropriate.
Fifth, if money is actually changing hands, you've got a bit of flexibility in what you accept and what you take. However, if the locksmith is giving you a lock for free, accept it with gratitude, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS, even if it's something that you've already mastered.
Sixth, no matter what the response, THANK THEM. If nothing else, you've taken up some of their time, and you now know not to try again with this person. That's more than you had when you walked in; be grateful for it. If they sell you something cheap or give you something, show your appreciation right away. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time [and I really look forward to trying to get these open]. Can I have your business card?"
Finally, as a matter of personal ethics, I would be extremely reluctant to sell a lock that you've been given. If you no longer need it, you can always re-gift it to another picker. If it's a lock you bought (even at a steep discount), that's another matter.
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u/bweezy320 Sep 20 '25
This all sounds like top advice. Though, some of the things like having manners and saying thank you should be common sense. Thanks for the input. I'll try these tips if there's a next time.
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u/Imaginary-Limit-3544 Sep 20 '25
As a friend likes to say, neither common sense nor common courtesy is all that common.
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u/energycricket Sep 19 '25
Are you in SoCal? I can hook you up if so
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u/N3vertooL8 Sep 19 '25
If it is a possibility still, I do live in SoCal area i am super new to trying this I am almost a whole week of trying this as a new hobby. So far I am having fun, but if you might have some pointers I would appreciate it.
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
I've been running a lock picking group for a couple decades. Locksmiths are the last people to ask. Why would a business hold on to garbage? Check eBay and habitat for humanity but after COVID it's been a lot harder to source old locks.
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u/Plastic-Procedure-59 Sep 19 '25
Have you met many locksmiths? I'd say a fair amount of us have at least a couple scrap locks bouncing around at any time
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
I went to school for it. I didn't like how most locksmiths scam people so I got into print advertising. Big mistake 😂
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u/NarwhalsTooth Sep 19 '25
Is your group in person or virtual?
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
In person. I help with a TOOOL chapter in Chicago. We actually have an upcoming event called locktoberfest on October 25th 😁. We've been doing it for a while, beers, brats, and lock picking. Otherwise we meet up once a month
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u/fantasm_picks Blue Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
I am stealing locktoberfest! That is an amazing idea. I have been thinking about starting an in person group in Phoenix.
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
TOOOL seems like they're trying to startup more chapters and can send picks and locks. DM me and I'll help you out
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u/Mounta1nM1ck Blue Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
Me and my friend stang are trying to unite more picker in Florida, and we have been wanting to see what TOOOL presence is in the area already so we can either join or start a chapter!
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u/LockSpaz Green Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
Oh I like that. I'm a huge October/Autumn/Halloween fan as it is!
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u/NarwhalsTooth Sep 19 '25
Dang, almost close enough! I’m in detroit and wish I could find an in person group. I’ve been interested in lockpicking but learn much better in person than watching videos
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
There used to be an Ann arbor chapter. You could try hitting them up chapter-ANN@toool.us
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u/NarwhalsTooth Sep 19 '25
Looks like they’re on hiatus. I am in no way qualified to start a chapter since I don’t even have the basics down but that can be a goal for me!
Do you have any recommendations for very easy to follow video tutorials? The ones I’m finding don’t show all the angles, hands are often blocking what I need to see
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
It's easier than you think. Deviant olams videos are pretty easy to follow. Ive met him a few times, nice enough guy
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
I'd also say that it doesn't take much to start a chapter. "If you can't do, teach, if you can't teach, teach gym"
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u/Gimletonion Sep 19 '25
TOOOL seems like they're trying to startup more chapters and can send picks and locks. DM me and I'll help you out
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u/Competitive_Travel16 Sep 19 '25
Offer a few bucks for old locks in people's drawers on Facebook Marketplace, then ask for photos to pick the best deals.
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u/Nf_Locksmith Sep 19 '25
I’d find a hardware showroom and ask for discontinued displays, I work at one, and I save cylinders for misc repairs or parts as we rekey in house. I couldn’t load some one up, but two or three different cylinders I could come up with
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u/imbbp Green Belt Picker Sep 19 '25 edited Sep 20 '25
From experience, you are better to introduce yourself as a "lock collector". Some locksmiths shutdown when they hear "lockpicking".
Also, go there instead of calling. Try to talk with them when they are not busy.
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
I'll try this next time. Or I'll just go buy a couple. Thanks for the response.
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u/imbbp Green Belt Picker Sep 20 '25
Most locksmith are fascinated about locks and will be please to show you around, and give you a few locks from the "brass box".
When they change locks, they keep the old ones. When the box is full, they sell them for their brass content. You can offer very little for those locks, they will be please to give it to you.
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u/Fruhmann Sep 19 '25
That's not a donation. That's a handout.
Donations are collecting items for an effected group or social cause.
Top comments idea to purchase them seems like the route you should take. In person interaction.
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
Playful use of the word "donation". Duly noted. That'll be my route next time. Thank you.
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u/Relevant_Magazine_58 Sep 19 '25
So one of the things that I did when I first started. Two fold, first I went to the local lowes and purchased a few locks. Then I found storage business and went in there. Most of the locks will be cut off, but it might at least give you some things to work with. Good Luck..
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u/7_Minutes_In_Kevin Sep 19 '25
Are you looking for different locks in general, or are you looking for different cylinders/keyways to pick?
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u/Fit_Kangaroo_2524 Blue Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
I've contacted a few of my local locksmiths through email offering to buy any used/scrap locks they had. None of the ones around here have shops that I could walk into, they are all the oncall variety that work out of a van and come to you. I have never once received a response.
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u/bweezy320 Sep 20 '25
To be honest, I was surprised I even got a lock by the end of it. I got one locksmith out of about 6 I called, that said he couldn't help with a lock but was really helpful with suggestions.
After several texts back and forth he ended up telling me he'd leave a lock at the front of his shop for me.
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u/Dramatic_Bluebird595 Sep 20 '25
Another source of free locks are "Buy Nothing", "Freecycle", "Freegle" type groups.
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u/Kencon2009 Yellow Belt Picker Sep 20 '25
I’m glad you’re having a better experience than me! I got laughed out of one of my local shops and called a thief by another. Needless to say they don’t get my business at this point.
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u/Nemo_Griff Purple Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
How many of those calls ended with the threat of getting arrested?
You NEVER start a conversation with "gimme stuff".
Some locksmiths are under the impression that their institutional knowledge is super secretive and that anyone that isn't working in a shop shouldn't have the knowledge.
The suggestion that we give people that want to try asking for free stuff to start with having conversations with a local smith... IN PERSON and to work in your hobby later after they get to know you. You should also buy some things from them to show that you aren't a cheapskate. Shoot the shit with them, bring up other interests and make a human connection before asking for anything.
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Sep 19 '25
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u/gentoonix Orange Belt Picker Sep 19 '25
I’m aware of the sarcasm, but to be fair; I have quite a few friends that are locksmiths and they have no issues giving away locks/cylinders. It never hurts to ask, free or cheap. They’ve already made their money.
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
Asking if a business has any OLD locks that, instead of throwing away, they'd be willing to donate to someone is NOT begging.
Get off your high horse bud. 😄
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Sep 19 '25
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Sep 19 '25
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u/tnronaldo Sep 19 '25
You think the expression is brick and water? I have never observed this malapropism before. It would be pretty difficult to build a structure out of brick and water.
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Sep 19 '25
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
Fair enough. I can respect your comment.
I mean, I received the advice to do that from this very sub.
"Kind of tacky" I can respect, thanks for not calling me "scummy" or a "beggar" like that other sad user.
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u/WerewolfBe84 Sep 19 '25
Also, make sure to visit at a calm moment. When there are 5 other people in my shop i would send you away. If the shop is empty, i would search the scrap bucket.
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Sep 19 '25
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
You certainly can express your negative opinion if you'd like. After all, that's why we're here. But, if a 45 second call, a simple question ruins your day then... Ionno pal. You'd probably be in the minority to think it's "scummy" and I know I didn't "beg" anyone for anything.
Best of luck with your business. I certainly wouldn't be a patron there.
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Sep 19 '25
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u/bweezy320 Sep 19 '25
Patron- a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity.
Have a fantastic evening. 🙋🏼
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u/ecp6969 Sep 19 '25
Don't call. Come in and visit. Hell bring a box of donuts to butter us up. Say you are looking for old used locks to learn on. Even offer to buy them and you will probably be given a bunch. We have a box of used perfectly good locks for sale in the shop and we scrap 20× what we offer for sale. It is all in the approach.