Lockpicking

[Spud1]

Well, this could well be a new hobby of mine

Not sure what sparked off my interest, but earlier this week I ordered a 9pc set of Southord slimline lockpicks, and picked up a cheap ERA 5 pin lock and a cheap 5 pin padlock. Everything arrived yesterday and i've spent every spare minute playing with them. I did a fair bit of reading around about the theory of how locks work..and its a very interesting subject - I had no idea that locks were so simple in their operation, and how easy it is (in theory) to open one without a key. After a couple of days I am now able to open the padlock with about an hours work, and the ERA lock in about 10 seconds.

I started by taking apart the ERA lock and repinning it down to just 1 pin - this makes it easy to get a feel for the concepts of picking, and to understand some of the basic principles (such as when a pin is binding/set etc)..and then I slowly built it up by repinning again until I could open it with 5 pins in place. The padlock is more difficult (still takes me an hour) for some reason, possibly as its a smaller lock so more difficult to manipulate..don't think it has security pins as I can't make it false set. Still, gives me a challenge before moving on to another lock (euro-style next I think!)

Are there any lockies (or picking hobbyists) on hexus? It's a cheap hobby to pick up - cost me £30 for the 9 pick set (well, 7 picks and 2 tension wrenches) and a lock - and could well be useful if you/a friend gets locked out of their house hehe. It's like doing a puzzle really..each lock is very different to pick and you have to overcome various challenges along the road to actually opening it.

Well worth a go if you have never tried, top fun

PS if anyone is worried about the legality - it's 100% legal in the UK to buy and own lockpicks even without being a licenced locksmith. Technically you are not supposed to carry them on your person if you leave your house (legally that is called "going equipped"), however you would only have a problem if you looked like you were going to break into someones house..moral is that it's fine to own them, just don't carry them with you on a night out Oh and the actual picking - thats also perfectly legal if you are using your own locks. It's recommended to buy a lock just for your picking pleasure, rather than using your front door (incase you break it!). That also lets you re-pin your practice lock in all sorts of different configurations for more of a challenge.

[GoNz0]

bumping locks seems to be the fastest method, i dunno if this thread will stay open, better not post any real details about the how to do it..

[Whiternoise]

The most i can do is pick suitcase padlocks - comes in damn handy when you forget your keys

[Spud1]

bumping locks seems to be the fastest method, i dunno if this thread will stay open, better not post any real details about the how to do it..

Well i've not posted any details on how to do it As I said in my first post, lock picking is not even slightly illegal to practice with your own locks, so I would hope theres no problem with general discussion (avoiding specific details maybe)..but if so then I apologise to the mod team. Have expanded my legality bit on that post anyway to clarify.

Bumping locks requires almost no skill and doesn't count..far too easy to do with the right bump key for a lock and not at all fun ;/ Raking is almost as bad, as that too requires more luck than anything else (when dealing with standard, simple locks). Both those methods are often the fastest way of opening a lock, but from the hobbyist point of view they don't offer a challenge and therefore no fun. I say that as if i've been doing this years hah, but I obviously havn't so thats just my point of view ofc

[Koolpc]

I need to get into my Father-In-Laws safe!!! lol

[Mithrandir]

Play Oblivion,

[Gerrard]

Whilst playing Oblivion and Thief, I have often wondered how difficult it would be to actually do it. Might look into it seeing as it's quite cheap and legal.

[Whiternoise]

Do it with paperclips and learn on the padlocks you get in crackers (i'm serious btw)

Even though they're not proper locks..

Suitcases are good for practice on.

[Bios]

- Some people like puzzles from books but i prefer to pick locks with my "Slim Line Euro" Lock Pick Set.
- In Oblivion and Splinter Cell you can pick locked doors, which can be a great tool for beginners who want to practice virtually.

[iranu]

Met a locksmith in Sydney and he taught my friend and I a few of the basics. It's surprising how easy it is to do and how many simple locks can be opened. Like any skill it does require practice. There were a few high rise buildings in the city that were awaiting refurbishment and we used to get into them and have a wander about. Got some great views but it was a bit creepy especially when we thought there was either another group of people in the building or a tramp.

[Jay]

I use one of these

[jimbouk]

I did get into a key box with only a paper clip and a letter opener, think that just goes to show how poor the locks on those little key boxes are. Oh and I wasn't stealing anything, some idiot just didn't give us the right keys to get the things we needed... and it was for charity... and and and

Heard it's a great way to pass the time on train journeys, always good to have a cheap compact hobby.

[Gerrard]

Do it with paperclips and learn on the padlocks you get in crackers (i'm serious btw)

Even though they're not proper locks..

Suitcases are good for practice on.

I used to do that as a kid a few years ago. Dead simple to do.

[mediaboy]

I've had to break into a little red cashbox thingy before.

It was owned by someone I ran a tuck shop for.. and they managed to lose the key.

Cashbox+Paperclip+Hairclip+ten minutes of stress and we were sorted! We did manage to break the lock though.

[samcross]

I use one of these

[Nick]

Hehe, I'm not going to lock the thread or delete it as long as the conversation stays sensible.

As to 'going equipped' you can be arrested for carrying a newspaper, marmite (or golden syrup) and screwdriver... all you need to break a double glazed window with little noise and no mess. True dat!