An Introduction To An Art.

Yes, you read this subtitle correctly. Lock picking is quite an art. It is not something the average Jane picks up.
It requires a very good sense of imagination, perseverance, and a substantial amount of practice. Now do not forget lock picking is
a form of security also. Instead of writing to unallocated memory to exploit this vulnerability, you have to
bypass a physical barrier. This barrier may be a set of pins. Maybe it is a combination. All locks just like all
servers have a flaw that can and will eventually be exploited in order to gain access. It is up us lock hackers
or Locksport enthusiasts to give the lock industry a much needed overhaul. It is time we show the public how
secure deadbolts really are. If you are looking to get into lock picking, you picked the right article.

Why Pick Locks?

This is quite a common question. Lockpicking as I stated earlier can be treated as an art. However just like certain
words and taboo subjects, lockpicking sadly carries a negative connotation. It can also be treated as a criminal act.
Most of the populace thinks of lockpicking as some sort of crime. What this same populace doesn’t understand is how
complicated lockpicking really is. Your average hoodlum trying to break into a house is not going to waste his time
picking a lock when he could just kick the door down, or break a window. Much faster and effective ways are used by
most criminals to gain entry. Lockpicking is common place in of course the field of locksmithing. It is also quite
popular with special operations units of the military, and government. However we know nothing about that, right ;)

Anywhoo, why pick locks if you aren’t a 6′5″ hoodlum, enlisted in the special ops, or a locksmith? A plethora of
reasons exist. For some it is the challenge. A rubix cube if you will. For others it is the competition. Some
people do it just for the satisfaction of saying “Hey.. I just gained entry to my $500,000 beach front home with
a set of 10 dollar lock picks -/wrist-. All I can say is for myself it is all those reasons and more. The satisfaction
that comes from bypassing a lock used to store expensive corporate secrets with a set of home make picks is quite a feeling.

Let me say their are reasons we don’t pick them. We do not pick locks to instill fear to the public. We do
not pick locks so we can apply this skill in criminal ways or any kind of illegal endeavors . We are good in intentions.
Locksport enthusiasts are helping the lock manufacturers make stronger, better locks. They are showing people
that the security layer they rely so heavily on isn’t as secure as once thought. To me I think this realization
is one of the best things about picking locks. Nothing is better than the expression on the faces of people in a crowd when they
see you get out of a pair of police issue handcuffs with a hair pin. Pick locks for whatever reason, just make sure you have
fun and contribute to the community.

How Do I Start?

Lockpicking can be a relatively cheap hobby starting out. Not much is needed to start. You can buy a set of 5 of the most
basic and needed picks for around $30.00 . However if you feel the need to be over prepared you can buy a very large kit
full of a multitude of picks (most will not be needed honestly). Another making your own set. I will write
another article on buying and fabricating your own picks. And then various articles on starting out and getting better.
While browsing the various websites you might be tempted to purchase an electric and(or) “slap” lockpicking gun.
Please do yourself a favor – refrain from it. Not only does using one of these not make you a spy, it makes you a lamer.
If you are “intelligent” enough to waste your money on one of these you will be surprised that unlike the movies it doesn’t
automatically unlock doors. It might take several tries and you still have to have an additional tool called a torsion wrench
to turn the lock.

Back to the question. So here are the steps for getting started.

1: Make,Buy,Obtain a set of locks picks.
- Websites to purchase a set:
a) http://www.lockpicktools.com
b) http://www.lockpickshop.com
c) Above are places I have used, however many more exist.
d) Simply Google “Lock pick sets”.

- Location of places that sell sets:
a) Local “Spy Shop” most places will rape your wallet. No wait time however.
b) Go to local TOOOL meetings buy a set of a member.
c) Try local 2600 and or Defcon meetings and talk to members.

- Making a set of lockpicks:
a) Honestly this is a subject that can fill books. Also can be quite challenging.
b) If you really want to make a set invest in a table grinder.
c) Percision is the key. Look at measurement diagrams
d) Read my upcoming article on it

This article will be a work in progress I will be constantly updating and evolving. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

2: Find a Lock To Start on.
- Websites to purchase a practice lock(s):
a) Any of the websites listed above

- Places to buy cheap and easy to pick locks:
a) Walmart, just look for a cheap Master padlock.
b) Walgreens, they sell off brand cheap locks.
c) Any variety of places related to and or similar to the above listed.

This article is a constant work in progress. It will be changing and evolving frequently. If you have any questions or need assistance feel free to email me.