r/lockpicking Jul 23 '21

New to our sub? Start here!

563 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

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

195 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 7h ago

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

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106 Upvotes

New house and a new space to tinker away into the night.
Any must haves I’m missing?


r/lockpicking 8h ago

Challenge Lock Finished

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38 Upvotes

RT-006-JC aka “Basic Training”


r/lockpicking 12h ago

Late night victory

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66 Upvotes

r/lockpicking 3h ago

Same Hand Challenge sponsored by ElroyzToyz #ElroyzToyz #Shacklemen

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10 Upvotes

r/lockpicking 4h ago

Where to start

10 Upvotes

I'm interested in learning lock picking.

I successfully managed to crack my combination lock on my suitcase many years ago when I lost the keys via travelling and it's always been of interest from there.

I own a D-Lock and various Padlocks so figured I should start with what I have already but I have no tools.

How do I know which tools I need to get started on these types of locks and targeting the mechanism of these types of locks? YouTube? Or are there better sources for learning?


r/lockpicking 11h ago

Master #15 aka big old lock.

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25 Upvotes

Ok first off it's not in lpu rankings, the closest looking is the #19 which is a purple belt. So here's my question yesterday I got tired of beating myself up with green and blue locks so I fell back to some easy opens. This 15 is new to me but I figured ahh its a master lock. Well I didn't get the open and it flipped me out even tried to rake it. Nothing. Is it that im getting more used to better locks, or is this a difficult lock to open. I asked on discord and really only got one answer its a white lock same as #3. But I have a 3 and it opens easily. Any thoughts?


r/lockpicking 10h ago

Vidmar SEA 🇨🇭 9 free floating slider lock picked and gutted

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17 Upvotes

r/lockpicking 18h ago

first pick but doesn't "feel" right?

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53 Upvotes

got a master #3 as a first lock to try based on common suggestions on this sub but i definitely wasn't able to "feel" each pin in order like tutorials seem to suggest i'm supposed to.

i felt the binding pin but the rest seemed to click into place in any sort of random order. i reset it several times and each time it felt the same. i felt the binding pin only and the order for the remaining pins didn't seem to matter. am i maybe counting or feeling the pins wrong? or is that normal for white belt locks?


r/lockpicking 17h ago

National Park Lock

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37 Upvotes

Cool lock I grabbed a picture of while working at the Park. Was not picked and isn't my lock but was able to get a picture. Lock wise, nothing special, but cool engraving and has seen some seasons in Maine!


r/lockpicking 9h ago

Looking for help opening a combi lock.

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6 Upvotes

Hi,

I have a Squire Warrior45 Combi lock that I have locked and forgotten the code. Any ideas on how to open it? I've looked online and I can't see any ways to open this particular Squire lock.


r/lockpicking 14h ago

How to combo?

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13 Upvotes

Am I doing something wrong? I set the code to 1234 or whstever and I can't seem to get the feel of pulling tension and finding the code again. I'm new to this looking for advice, thanks! This is a diyife lock I haven't been able to find any specific videos or posts about it.


r/lockpicking 15h ago

Lockwood 334B45 Pick & Gut

13 Upvotes

https://youtu.be/a1Jqtjw5oAw Blue Belt on the LPU


r/lockpicking 22h ago

My boredom drawer

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45 Upvotes

My boredom drawer for when it get slow around the office! That being said, it has not been slow in quite a while😢


r/lockpicking 19h ago

Such a weird one

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30 Upvotes

Discus padlocks are such an enigma to me. I almost never pick them because I detest them. They confound my efforts to pick them then doll out opens seemingly at random. This one that I haven't touched in months just opened at the barest touch.

Anyone else have the oddball stuff that stumps them?


r/lockpicking 1d ago

Lock Mail from Elroyz Toyz

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33 Upvotes

HUGE Shoutout to u/elroyztoyz for the coolest swag box ive ever seen! I am looking forward to picking some new locks and am already using one of your printed holders to help me fight the battle that is the goal S in a deadbolt housing LOL.

Sorry I didn't get a unboxing video, it was filmed and edited and adobe shit the bed and lost all my raw and edited footage, it was the final straw I will be moving to a new software effective immediately.


r/lockpicking 20h ago

false set and counter rotation

13 Upvotes

im new to this community and people in here has already helped me out a ton, so i thought i’d leave this little explanation video i found here that helped me instantly understand “counter rotation” and “false set”, to hopefully help my fellow new pickers. i understood NOTHING when i got it explained until i saw this visually.

https://youtube.com/shorts/h9Er-dogANM?is=l1Gb6v2rfHre00hj


r/lockpicking 20h ago

Seattle Lock Hunt

10 Upvotes

Wanted to let everyone know that u/elroyztoyz sent over some locks for hiding... They are now out in the wild! Please post if you bag one 👍🍻

https://youtu.be/u-2O5aZj8y0

https://youtu.be/GG1r17UhiZ4

Happy hunting!!


r/lockpicking 1d ago

Rattled!

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29 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I think i rattled my first lock yay me! Luckily it's this reece lock with a screw to tear down. Unfortunately, it's also a dimple which I'm totally unfamiliar with. How difficult is this to fix compared with a regular pin tumbler


r/lockpicking 22h ago

Having trouble picking the FNG.

8 Upvotes

I want to get into lock picking, so I got the FNG, and no matter what I do, it feels like I can't unlock the thing with the one hook. I've watched a lot of videos, and no matter what I do, it just won't open; all the pins just feel the same to me. I have no idea what I am doing wrong


r/lockpicking 1d ago

Quick fun ways to escape cuffs!

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12 Upvotes

r/lockpicking 23h ago

Challenge Lock #6

9 Upvotes

My latest challenge lock is almost ready to go. Is there anyone in the community that would like to receive it? Maybe do a challenge lock trade? Ideally looking for someone who will pick it on video. I will do the same of course.


r/lockpicking 1d ago

DOM Plura

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40 Upvotes

Popped this today at last.


r/lockpicking 1d ago

Masterlock 575 picked

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81 Upvotes

Brand new picker, posting this for an Orange Belt! Didn’t have too much difficulty with this, but somehow have a 140 that I cant get open for the life of me.

From what I understand, the 140 is a very standard & simple lock, so not sure what gives.

Oh well, very excited to join the fun! Looking forward to the long road ahead.