Thread: Lock picking

A while ago my school decided it would be a good idea to install pad locks on all the classroom doors. The only problem was that they forgot to give keys to the teachers. Things are done this way in Thailand.
Anyway, at that time I wanted to learn lock picking. But it turned out easier to 'borrow' the keys and make my own copies.

Originally Posted by ndw76

A while ago my school decided it would be a good idea to install pad locks on all the classroom doors. The only problem was that they forgot to give keys to the teachers. Things are done this way in Thailand.
Anyway, at that time I wanted to learn lock picking. But it turned out easier to 'borrow' the keys and make my own copies.

Lock picking takes hours of daily practice to become proficient enough to open most common found locks. Besides for padlocks and cylinders there are special tools to open them with almost no training.

At a jobsite there was no key left for us like there was supposed to be. Some old guy plucked a modified pocket knife from his trousers and had the door opened in minutes. I was fascinated. This was really cool I thought. He ended up giving me that knife and I managed to open a couple of doors before I broke the blade, obviously doing something wrong there. A handy skill for sure! Now when it happens we just drill out the cylinder. not as cool.

I worked as an auto mechanic for several years. The best tool easily available for applying pressure to the cylinder is from a German made car that has a wiper insert with metal supports. That insert metal is unbreakable and really thin.

Originally Posted by CableDawg

I worked as an auto mechanic for several years. The best tool easily available for applying pressure to the cylinder is from a German made car that has a wiper insert with metal supports. That insert metal is unbreakable and really thin.

+1 on wiper blades. I use them to make my own lockpicks (steel street sweeper bristols are awesome to).

now this is intereasting. i have just recently picked my frist lock with a safety pin pick and a pen clip tension wrench. when i got it the frist time i was hooked and can now trick it open in 30 secs, max. way back in the late 70s i was in a large comune (ahh youth) anyway we were abought 120 people living together on a old coastgard station in north calif and there was a guy who was a wizzard at the art. cars locks, cylinder locks,were no hinderence to him.i figger if you can get shaving with a straight down, you have more than enough dexterity to pick a lock,

In most places in the U.S having a set of lock picks on your person is illegal unless your a licensed locksmith.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

In most places in the U.S having a set of lock picks on your person is illegal unless your a licensed locksmith.

Now this is true.


Reminds me of phone phreaking on analog phones...ah youth.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

In most places in the U.S having a set of lock picks on your person is illegal unless your a licensed locksmith.

Yep and if not illegal they are probable cause to
pull you in while they sort things out.

Do check and understand the local rules and laws.

Heck, having a Costco size box of sandwich baggies on hand
constitutes probable cause for some illegal activities.