ARCHIVE 2003-2013 Introduce yourself HERE if you are new. :)

[Slalan]

I am new to the forum and new to locksmithing. I am just finishing my Foley Belsaw course. I am more of a hobbyist than a worker. I am retired and just want to learn new things. I will take care of my friends, neighbors, etc.

Thanks for the information.

[ACCESS-24/7]

Hi superb site guys. Its good to be a part of it.

[jdaragon]

Well, hello.

Like most of you in this community I have a recreational interest in locks, although I haven't got much beyond common or garden pin tumblers, and I'm pretty slow and clumsy at that!

I'm suddenly responsible for the physical security of a building (apart from my house!) and I'm forced to think pretty quickly about access control in all its sordid detail. I'll be documenting the process as we evolve an access control system, and probably asking some fairly stupid questions along the way.

jd

[davidthepicker]

Hi,

I'm living in Miami Beach, FL, USA, and will be for the next few years, then I'll be returning to Málaga, Spain, where I normally live (hablo español) and where I spend most of the summer. Also I visit Manchester, England, where I used to live, every year, in June or July. I'd like personal contacts (preferably face-to-face) with anyone in any of these places.

David

[mralternator]

Hello. I am new and just finally discovered this site, Have been in the business now 5 years and had a few questions for a business friend and I finally stumped him, he suggested this site and I have discovered alot of information already that I have wondered about for a while now ,It is also nice to see that I am not alone in some of my questions and problems that can arise during our business day.
I hope to someday be included in the advanced forums and am sure i will again be surprised that many of us have had similiar problems.
Great site !!!

[Outbreak Monkey]

Hello, thank you guys for a great resource.

I decided to re-pin the locks on the house (was sick of everything keyed different - 10+ sets of keys is just crazy)!

All went really well (7 patio locks, two interior doors, and a sliding door in 30 minutes), then on the last lock of the day - my lockwood exploded in a shower of pins and springs. Three hours later, finally re-assembled now with modified springs due to the plug follower molesting them after the pins fell out. :)

Now only have one more door to do, unfortunately the original key is totally missing, so I guess it's time to pick.

Thanks again, I'll post properly if I have anything of value to add. :)

Cheers,
Nik.

[PauloB]

Hi,

I just wanted to say how great this site is. I found a wealth of information here.
A little about my progress . I have been lock picking for about 2 days and I have managed to open two lock with four and three pins and I am currently practicing with a lock with 5 pins(TITAN). No luck still but I sure enjoy trying.

I am currently in collage of computer sciences , but I am also interesting in security : these times are really difficult , and as the economy goes down it is worth to secure your house.

I also like that this forum is "preaching" moral virtues to new locksmiths . Because you want to admit or not , this knowledge is dangerous . DON'T MESS WITH THE LAW. Because it will make your life much easier.

P.S - nice to see that this forum is nicely moderated, ok enough of the chatter I need to read much

[Moko]

Hey, I just made my account today. Received my first lock picking kit in the mail yesterday and realised that I did not know what I was doing! I hope to learn quite a bit from this site, as it seems like a really interesting hobby.

[yoboy]

Hi All,

Guess im one of the few foreign members here that reside outside USA. Im from Malaysia, and I am interested to learn how lock works. Lock picking aint really my hobby, but I gotta learn this stuff because I have to construct an electronic Padlock for my Final Year Undergraduate Project. Hope you guys will be a big help!

[nitram22]

Hey!
Just joined today, the site has peeked my curiosity and I will be looking at it further.

[NatetheNinja]

Hey, I'm really new to the art of lockpicking! The Name's Nate. I got interested in it about 3 days ago, and since then I've went to various stores acquiring all kinds of DIY stuff for making my own first lockpicks and wrenches. Also, I've done a bit of research and I guess I might turn out to be good at this... I've already picked a 4 pin, 5 pin, and a 5 pin padlock with a security pin. Plus I picked a 4 pin wafer lock, all using my picks made of hairpins. My wrenches are made of a bent and modified pair of mini tweezers, paper clips, and a small multi-tool made to look like a key(found it today. It's friggin' awesome! It's the size of an average key but folds out to make 3 sizes of Flathead screwdrivers, a Phillips screwdriver, and a serrated and smooth knife. Good for all kinds of stuff :D). Now I'm in the process of learning the basics of picking tubular locks and double sided locks. All of my basic lockpicking equipment fits on my key ring(wrenches) and wallet(picks).

So, that's me so far. This is really fun by the way. It's basically solving real life puzzles all over the place (yes I ask permission before I pick the locks belonging to other people.). Anyways, any tips and stuff would be great!

Nate

[hapis]

Hello all. I found this kind of by accident. I work in the security field and had to have a bunch of locks rekeyed. when the locksmith came out and I didn't have the key to get the plug out he pulled out his lockpickiing kit and went at it. He had the plug out in a matter of seconds. I was in awe. I have to do stuff w/ safes fairly regularly. I see that i have much to learn about locks and such.

[ilckurat]

Hi, I'm from Estonia and very lucky to find this great site.

I had a chance to buy four fireproof safe's manufactured in 60's. One with key and others without - so I have a goal to pick the others. They have typical safe locks with 7 levers (2 with springs) and a double sided key. First picking attempt on a removed lock was a failure even when I removed 5 levers and only 2 with springs remained. Need some more education and practice …

If someone is interested from photos or wants to give an advice then contact me!

[grayrockleo]

I stumbled on this site while searching for information about the Foley Belsaw course. I received a mailing from them and have requested more information. I have been in law enforcement for 40 years and hope to retire next year. I still want to work full time but want to be my own boss for a change. I have spent the last 8 years getting as much information on security and crime prevention that I can get. Attending seminars, joining associations, etc. I am preparing to start my own business as a security consultant and having some knowledge of locks and security systems would be very beneficial. What is the general consensus of the Foley Belsaw course? In searching the web it looks like there are some pretty questionable sites out there. My brother took this locksmith course years ago and really liked it, however unable to finish due to a home fire and getting cancer shortly after. I especially appreciate the high standards and professional ethics promoted at this site. Thanks.

[willow_rob]

Hi my name is Rob. I am in Anaheim, CA and stumbled upon this site doing a web search. Good to know so many others out there are as interested as I am.