some people have no scruples, bump keys on ebay

[zeke79]

I would disagree with that analogy - I use bump keys, mica, letterbox kit etc., not for the joy of opening locks without keys, but when I have to get in quickly in situations such as warrant executions. This is not the preserve of "sport lockpicking".

I don't believe any locksmith would have objections to hobby pickers knowing how mica, bump keys and similar bypasses work, if only to help them make their properties more secure, but there is a whole world of difference between knowing how a tool works and actually buying it with the reason that you enjoy finding out about locks, most bypasses really aren't that exciting, to do or watch.

I prefer to pick locks open when I'm doing domestic and commercial lockout work but I also reserve the option to use other bypass techniques when circumstances make them necessary.

To go back to your analogy, why not use a formula 1 racing car for your commute rather than a corvette? It's a lot faster, will handle a lot better and as most commuters travel alone the fact that it can only hold a single passenger isn't a disadvantage (although the prohibitive purchase costs, the need for a trained pit crew, fuel requirements, poor low speed tractability, peaky engines, specialised and frequent maintenance requirements - necessary after each outing, cramped surroundings and other little inconveniences such as having to remove the steering wheel to get in and out of the cockpit may discourage most people) - my point is that it is really not necessary to buy specialised kit for routine use. By all means use specialised kit (e.g. a corvette in your example) if you really have to but you'll never be able to use it properly unless you go on a track day.

This then opens up a whole new can of worms in that you could then argue that the advanced sections of this site should be accessible to all - then next thing we know is that this site gets negative publicity because of the information on bypasses becomes available.

Please don't consider this a personal attack, but my feelings are that hobby pickers don't have a legitimate need to own bypass tools - there are some who feel that lockpicks shouldn't be as easily available as they are - but that is how some of us got started.

I can see this conversation going nowhere really. No sense in arguing with a UK lockie about anything.

[UWSDWF]

you've been here how long and you're just learning that now zeke

[NKT]

There is a clear difference between working as a locksmith and picking for fun at home.

[JackNco]

There is a clear difference between working as a locksmith and picking for fun at home.

Yep you guys can justify more expensive toys... i mean tools.

[Eyes_Only]

You mean the lockie or the hobbiest?

[JackNco]

the lockies I cant justify spending 100s on single tools... or can I?

[Eyes_Only]

Maybe if they're the type that specializes in lockout jobs they can. I know theres a couple of locksmiths in the LA/OC area that only do lockout work, I guess they're a real lockout specialists.

[JackNco]

Ya i know NKT does a lot and he loves his toys.

[NKT]

When they work, I do.

Most of the good locks require you to really work, even with all the toys.

[panalman]

selling bump keys on e-bay, or on this site, is there a differance?

No the keys are from Ken Dale AKA just locks etc etc

[lockedin]

The irony. You only have to look at Bump-J to your left. And they don't even need modification. Trust me, I emailed them to ask.