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/LargeRussian • 4h ago
(With the help of raking first) idk what this lock is, maybe an old master? But it seemed to have one spooled pin that was tripping me up at first. Finally got it though
r/lockpicking • u/Rough-Training-6793 • 5h ago
First time here, i bought the basic practice set and got it on this saturday and i took some locks that people have lost years ago at my job to practice including this one, Abus 65/40, took me 2 hours of persistence but i fricking got it 😤
I'm curious what locks you guys would recommend that are along the lines of this one, it's a fun challenge 🫡
It was probably luck but i'll keep at it
r/lockpicking • u/No-Day6119 • 4h ago
Just got into this and looking forward to getting better at it! :)
r/lockpicking • u/xZeroCatalystXx • 3h ago
Picked this baby up from an antique store. Can’t wait to get home and explore it!
r/lockpicking • u/BarnesBuilt • 7h ago
Picked plenty of Packlock and Masterlock laminated locks but never one with an Abus core. Different feel to it.
r/lockpicking • u/o0RustySpoon • 10h ago
#showmeyourmittens #MittenPickinChallenge
Locksport challenge lovers, start your engines!
I just want to make sure everyone sees that I am not able to do international post at this time, but I am able to send to a US person who can forward to you.
Edit: UK Pickers! u/LordKodiac (@LordKodiac) and u/NicksPicksLocksport (@Nicks-Picks) have generously offered to assist with getting your spoils to you if you would like to participate.
Once I see and approve your video, I will add your patch and stickers to a package with individual packs for each person with their delivery info and send that to Kodiak. Kodiak will then forward that to Nick with some other mail that was already headed that way, and he will disburse the items to you.
r/lockpicking • u/nycepter • 5h ago
Doing the Blue Whale Challenge by u/banditobrandino07 and u/cyb3rV01d_2024 on my lunch break. Paclock took longer than i'd like, but oh well xD
total time 4:19
r/lockpicking • u/wild_0nion • 4h ago
hello all! a loved one has expressed interest in learning lock picking so I would like to get them a beginners set as a gift. this one from sparrow is what I’m leaning towards. my budge is around $100, this one has picks and some practice locks.
are there better suggestions for beginner sets with practice locks around this price point? are there better quality picks or something? or can I just bite the bullet and get this set.
thanks in advance!!!
r/lockpicking • u/Zokon • 7h ago
Apologies for the portrait video :( I have a bad set up and looking at upgrading it in the future.
Shout out to u/o0RustySpoon for creating such a wonderful (dreadful) challenge! Made me frustrated for a good hour or two and made me realize how much I rely on feedback!
The open is at 6:25.
r/lockpicking • u/Kamesamouille47 • 14h ago
Hi everyone ! I recently got to pick the Abus 55/30 on video, a yellow belt level lock. I sent a request to get promoted to yellow belt via modmail, precising I wanted to pass the Yellow grade. Early this morning, I got a response and was announced i was promoted to Orange belt. Is it normal ? Does "over-promotion" happen sometimes ? If yes, what can explain it ?
Thank you for reading me !
r/lockpicking • u/DeliciousPumpkinPie • 9m ago
I’ve finally acquired a tubular lock to play around with, but no tools for it. From what I can tell, the pins just need to be pushed down, and I can easily make a tool for that. But what shape does a tubular tensioner need to be? Are there any guides online for making your own? TIA!
r/lockpicking • u/Xp3rtUs3r • 48m ago
Can someone explain the holes on the side of the cylinder and the opposing "pins" in the cylinder.
r/lockpicking • u/mbauer206 • 23h ago
Movin' on up, as the song says.
Gave up n the Master Lock No 7 for a bit. Figured I'd try my hand at the 140 for my Yellow Belt. Only took a couple of tries and it popped right open. Also first time trying the 3D pRinted vise, as the SmallRig clamp showed up yesterday.
Still using BOK as my first few attempts at TOK weren't successful. Need more work on that.
r/lockpicking • u/nycepter • 16h ago
Back from my weeklong hiatus from being Sick :D
4 Minutes 55 Seconds from the time the pick entered. Only took me about 50 tries because I kept hitting time with 1 or 2 locks left. The 12 cheapies I got for this challenge can be a royal pain.
I know gutting isn't required, but I didn't want anyone to think there was funny business with the 1100s.
Shoutout to u/LordKodiac for the sweet pinning tray and followers!
r/lockpicking • u/No_Warthog6342 • 6h ago
I have lost the code and don't know what it is anymore, if you can find it it would be much appreciated.
r/lockpicking • u/Tileeho • 1d ago
Thank you u/revchewie and you other helpful people for suggesting those tensioners! It worked and I have finally managed to open this Master 150 and also opened the Abus 55/40 twice again.
Good tensioners do make a difference and they helped me a lot in being able to focus on what is happening inside the lock.
r/lockpicking • u/revchewie • 21h ago
Got me a Dynalock tubular padlock, a Union 3G115, and a mystery Chubb lever lock.
Everything on the Chubb except the springs appears to be machined out of solid brass. The weirdest bit (in my opinion) is that the levers are different thicknesses. Like between 1.5mm and 2.85mm! The seller (from farcebook) says they got it from eBay 10+ years ago so no clue on its history.
Edit: It's a Union 3-lever sashlock, which isn't a 3G115. My mistake.
r/lockpicking • u/mbauer206 • 1d ago
After picking open a No 1, I next attempted a No 7. Having a time with it. I read the No 3 is like the 7, only larger. So have the 3 a shot and had it open pretty quickly. Still used BOK as I haven’t dialed in the TOK yet.
r/lockpicking • u/daddonuts • 20h ago
Hey, I guess I might be getting a little better at this because Schlage keyways have been my nemesis since I started, but this is my second one this week! I bet nobody can guess why I didn’t post about the first one! 😝 They’ve honestly become kinda fun now! They operate nice and smooth and always have a couple spools in them. It’s not a crazy lock, but it sure is satisfying to go back and open the locks that used to be impossible!
r/lockpicking • u/aspie_electrician • 21h ago
Managed to decode this U-HAUL disc lock that I found on the side of the road.
