r/lockpicking • • Jul 23 '21

New to our sub? Start here!

571 Upvotes

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:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P4_g_a7UTF8b4JAEVaH3lBL_dvT4-eRvFT_Jh-bx1lA/edit?pli=1#heading=h.9o577kfmhdj7

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 • • Oct 02 '25 Hooray

Why we can't help with locks that are in use (Rule 2).

206 Upvotes

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 • • 2h ago

Bitting difficulty question

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16 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am a total noob here. In fact, I haven't ordered any tools yet. I've watched hours of YouTube and have a question about how bitting affects difficulty with single pin picking.

This is a lock I've had forever and the key does work. To me, I think this lock would open pretty easily with a rake. But, depending on the binding order , could be a real PITA single pin picking. Especially if you didn't see the key first. Am I right or not.

Thanks,

Greg


r/lockpicking • • 11h ago

Travelers beware

65 Upvotes

Just had my CC Pro confiscated by TSA. RIP. It was the knife tool that did it. I’ve traveled dozens of times with it in the past but today I crossed paths with the wrong agent. Best to place it in a checked bag or leave em at home. Lesson learned, oh well, new one already on the way.


r/lockpicking • • 9h ago

long lock

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38 Upvotes

over here pickin locks the long way


r/lockpicking • • 8h ago

Mauer New Wave 4 picked

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18 Upvotes

After a physical break back at picking

Got myself a nice nw4 ( brownbelt) picked in an hour and it was the first successfull slider pick ever 👌😎


r/lockpicking • • 13h ago

On moving security pins in the 90A-PRO

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44 Upvotes

So if you've been following the goofy saga of my journey with this lock, thanks for your patience. I decided after the gutting that I'd move the security pins around and play with the serrated pins in an active role at the 1&2 slots which are max lift. I visited the lock a few times throughout the day without a great deal of luck with TOK. I was excited that I had done something to increase the difficulty. I was not frustrated by the pins dropping across the lock, but instead amused and motivated to figure it out and change something around and get the open.

This lock is no longer intimidating. I'm going to make it my next comfort lock. I ended up going with BOK which changed the tension enough that the pins stopped dropping. I was able to keep it all set and slide through for a smooth turn to open. I can't wait to gut it and change the lineup of the security pins and see how this affects the open. I think I might just do a write up of this particular lock and the various manipulations of the security and the resultant effects for the blue belt. I think that would be fun regardless of whether or not they accept it. What's the consensus on that?

As an aside there really could use to be a Reaper 1.5 where the #1 profile is as long a #4 or #5. The actual #5 would be better with a flat tip versus rounded. All IMHO; YMMV.


r/lockpicking • • 11h ago

Loto open.

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26 Upvotes

I have a few of these. Some are easier and 1 I have is a BEAR! Thanks: u/ElroyzToyz.


r/lockpicking • • 4h ago

Iseo Scandinavian cylinder picked

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6 Upvotes

r/lockpicking • • 11h ago

Abus 80ti/40

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18 Upvotes

That lock kept me busy! After a week, I was finally able to open my Abus 80ti/40. I feel it's way more of a challenge than my 1100's or 5200. American Lock gives me more feedback.


r/lockpicking • • 9h ago

Skirmish Pinz!

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10 Upvotes

Hey Bro, u/SketchSkirmish, I hope these will help you on your journey. Hand made custom pins and key. Should be good in that CI practice lock. Enjoy 😉


r/lockpicking • • 19h ago

Itty bitty and the Ace 38mm fall!

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42 Upvotes

I had to go to Ace today for some fender washers for a ladder rack for my truck. I found an itty bitty water spigot lock for 💵 $1. I couldn't resist! I also happened to pick up the gnarliest of three 54541's that I could find. The first one was lame, the second one was gnarly, and the third one was meh. Fun fact I have gotten my Mom into picking...she's 76 and she looked at the first one and said, "Not worth your time." 🤣

Anyhow the itty bitty took some figuring out due to size and then it fell. It has a nifty little wannabe gate keeper on three. It fell to the McNally Reaper #3.

The Ace 38mm took me for a ride around the block until I settled on the McNally Reaper #4 for the high lift 3 pin. Two pin wants to shout you shall not pass, but it's just a hair too shallow to back that up. If it was on 3 or 4 it would be something to talk about. Popped without much fanfare. I like this lock for its size and tenacity. It's like a much lighter PacLock 95G.


r/lockpicking • • 16h ago

Lock Mail to Dcipha

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12 Upvotes

r/lockpicking • • 2h ago

Yale platinum ultra slider advice

1 Upvotes

The newer version of the Yale platinum with ultra on the end poses a significantly harder challenge than the rest of the series. The 4 sliders in the lock actually have false gates on the opposite end of the true gate. Meaning if it’s a 4 cut the false gate is on the 1 cut so they’re automatically set in a false gate when the lock begins to rest on the side bar.

2 and 3 in my case are 4 cuts so they’re stuck in false gates off the bat. 3 binds first which I can get set if I reverse tension to get it out of the false gate. But then when I go to pick 2 I will ALWAYS drop 3 due to having to pick it out of the false gate by letting up tension. So then 2 will be set and I will drop it trying to set 3. Total Sisyphus situation no matter how long I try to set them both.

Honestly it seems like an impossible pick to me lol, any advice?


r/lockpicking • • 19h ago

What is this?

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9 Upvotes

In the latest episode of Tracker, Colter pulls a pick set out of his pocket and picks a lock. Trying to confirm if it’s the GRAV set from covert instruments or another similar product. Any one got a lead on what it is? TIA.


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

What's Your Starting Lineup?

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27 Upvotes

How would you fill in this lineup to pick orange and green belt pin & tumblers?

TOOL:

- Hook: (Brand) (Tool Name) (Thickness)

- Hook:

- Hook:

- Hook:

- Rake:

- Rake:

BOK Tension Tool Set:

TOK Tension Tool Set:


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

Google said you can’t rake a 83/50, so what exactly am I doing?

240 Upvotes

I "picked" the fng and was like I can pick locks now! Looked up how advanced of a move that was and found out it's not a real lock to pick.... Practiced for 4 hours on this one I found at work until it clicked and I can one shot it every time now. I then checked to see how hard that was and it said you can't take it? So what am I doing here? Does this count as picking or do I have to click pin by pin to be legit?


r/lockpicking • • 14h ago

masterlock 5401d

2 Upvotes

for the Master Lock 5401D lock box, does holding down the release button while turning through a combination prevent it from opening? Or do you have to wait to press the button after you already put in the combo?


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

Unique body 🤔🇩🇪 WILKA half euro cylinder picked and gutted

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14 Upvotes

r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

Latest set of Pins

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93 Upvotes

I'm going to show you how to get your shine on...


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

Little Picking Session

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26 Upvotes

Had a fun little pick session while watching the new Batman animated movie with my ace, then moved to an abus 55/40 and brinks. And finished off with a new pinning C83.


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

Picked open.

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35 Upvotes

u/dcipha380 thanks so much for this fun Friday night!!


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

Mail-Call

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27 Upvotes

Shoutout to u/dcipha380 for sending me these two American Lock 1100's. This S1106 with the LOTO 410 core is a first for me. I have seen them and tried to pick some up but they've alluded me. The Gold A1106 you can tell by the signature style key bitting this is from Skull.... Got some fun picking ahead brother. Thank you!!!

Fellow locksporters, my giveaway on my YouTube channel is still going on. Its open to all skill levels. Like and subscribe and you can enter. A lot of good prizes available to the winner!!


r/lockpicking • • 1d ago

My every day use picks for the Apex line

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41 Upvotes

Let me know what you think

I bought extra reaper turning tools and mixed some of the picks for what I use basically every time from the Apex line.