I’ve always been interested in the idea of being able to pick locks and after some research I recently bought a set from Sparrows . The picks themselves have mixed reviews from hobbyists but I really liked the three cutaway locks locks offered in the set. I added another lock that has the ability to be re-pinned really quickly. I was able to pick my first lock within a couple hours and within two days opened two master locks I had lying around.


This basic kit should last me a while but I’m already thinking about upgrading and I’m interested if any members have any experience with the hobby and any recommendations. I know there are several manufacturers and they all have pros and cons and that there are some individual tools that are recommended by other communities, but like a lot of things I’m kind of partial to recommendations by the members of this forum. Thanks!

Not me, but I follow a guy on YouTube called "The Lockpicking Lawyer".

Very interesting and informative. I've learned things from him.

BTW in my area there are only a couple of locksmith shops left. Many have sold out and retired. I think a guy with the knowledge, skills, and experience could do very well making $$$ as a side job or even a full time. Having extra skills sets will be advantageous if/when the economy takes a dump.

Best wishes to you.

Cool. I hate it when you get locked out and have to pony up to big bucks. Probalby good money. You call 24 hour service and get answer machine. I have been locked oout plenty over the years. I can get them to come out at three am for surcharge though.

For most home locks, a squiggly pick and tension bar works well. Auto picks have come a long way and work well.

For cars, duct tape on the windows is probably the easiest and fastest.

When I was in college, I took one of those correspondence courses you used to see advertised on TV all the time. Learned the basics of locksmithing to some fairly advanced stuff (at the time) and came away with quite a bit of equipment, including a key cutter and a fairly complete pick set among other things.

Cutting my own keys and opening locks without since then has more than paid for the course.

My biggest takeaway was confirmation of the saying that locks are there to keep honest people honest. Once you know how they work and how they’re defeated, doors don’t seem nearly as much like barriers anymore.

-Rob

Yes. I have a set of pics from Covert Instruments (Lock Picking Lawyer) and have done pretty well with them. Padlocks are pretty easy. Old deadbolts and knob locks are also pretty easy. Newer deadbolts like the Kwikset Smart Key (rekeyable by owner) I can’t pick. (I have them on my house and I have tried many, many times).

Any of the high security padlocks ($100 padlock) are hard, if not out of my league. I have only opened one, one time. They are really damn hard.

Buy a set of pics from Covert Instruments and give it a shot on the locks at your house. It’s pretty fun. I bought this set when it came in a shitty plastic tube. At least now he sells it with a nice nylon case.

https://covertinstruments.com/...ts/genesis-lock-pick

^^^^^^^ Damn you! There's more money down the tubes.

I have always wanted to learn the skill, ever since watching Magnum and Jim Rockford jiggle a pick around and walk right in like it was nothing.

Do you know if their products come with instructions, or are there printable tutorials or videos available?

Check out “The Lock Picking Lawyer” on YouTube. That’s how I learned. He gives pretty good instructions and just watching helps make a lot of sense on how it works.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
Newer deadbolts like the Kwikset Smart Key (rekeyable by owner) I can’t pick. (I have them on my house and I have tried many, many times).

My mom was watching our kids while we were in CA for a wedding. Power tripped while they were out, and the garage door openers were inop, and my wife didn't have a house key on her car keys.
Locksmith said similar, he wasn't able to pick a 'smart' lock.
He was able to use an air bladder to push the top of the garage door open, enough to pull the emergency release.

We were 2k miles away, and my only other though was to just break a window on the back patio. glad we were only out a Saturday locksmith callout & not a new window replacement.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
^^^^^^^ Damn you! There's more money down the tubes.

You’ll hate me for recommending Peterson for your picking needs.

Also, I have a “pick gun”. FWIW, I’ve never been able to use the thing reliably, even if your average FBI agent can (on TV, at least). I’d much rather have a rake, a feeler, and a good tension wrench.

-Rob

Nothing to add, but what an interesting hobby. Probably not for me, but I think I see the appeal.

I've wanted to dig in to this as a hobby, but for the life of me, I cant figure out why. Not that "why" will stop me, but it's always been curious"

Another +1 for Lockpicking Lawyer
His videos show a lot of the inner workings, cheats (bump keys) and the easy to advanced "how-to" on locks.

Here's a spot to look at:
https://countycomm.com/collect...ck-manipulation-card

They sell a set with a clear lock that's decently priced, and sturdy.

https://gosolockpicks.com/prod...lock-pick-set-bundle

https://store.itstactical.com/...ons/tools-tradecraft

Thanks for the recommendations on the lockpicking lawyer. I had seen a few of his videos a while back but kind of forgot about him. I’m going to watch his stuff this afternoon.

Just watch your state (and local) laws. In some cases it is illegal to possess picks and or other locksmithing tools absent a license.

^^^^^^^. That doesn't even register on my give-a-shit meter, to be honest.

In fact, I care so little that I'm not even going to bother looking it up.

Good heads-up though, for those who may be concerned with such things.

quote:

For cars, duct tape on the windows is probably the easiest and fastest.

Does that actually work, or are we looking at another fake Youtube hack?

quote:

Newer deadbolts like the Kwikset Smart Key (rekeyable by owner) I can’t pick.

That is great news - I have these on our cabin and didn't really pick them for this feature, but it is a nice lagniappe!

I used to be.
Then four years ago I started working on locks every day.

"Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." Well twice in my life this has not been my experience. More like "Do what you love and soon you'll stop loving it."

My interest and skill level plummeted. I'm embarrassed now when when I struggle with or fail at opening things that used to be simple. In part it's from almost only opening junk. So when I have to open something that requires at least a little but of skill, I'm so out of practice I struggle and get frustrated.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

quote:

For cars, duct tape on the windows is probably the easiest and fastest.

Does that actually work, or are we looking at another fake Youtube hack?

I’m not sure the way it was described above, but enough duct tape or masking tape on a window and a ball peen hammer, the window is almost silent when broken. Doesn’t make much of a mess either.