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

[scientist]

I never formally introduced myself...does that count?

Locksmithing in general runs in my family: my great grandfather was a blacksmith in my hometown of Varburg, Sweden, which also made him the towns locksmith(its a very small town). Couple interesting stories were passed down from him to me through my dad. When I turned 14 I guess I caught the itch, and picked my first lock with a paper clip and a bent/filed nail. Because of the blacksmith in me I refuse to buy any picks ^_^

-sCi

[Chucklz]

Beleive it or not, I have never actually introduced myself.

Im 20, a biologist, and my mother tells me that I have been interested in locks since I was 2 or 3. My interest in picking specifically, comes from my nature to try and solve problems, or do a task in a creative way, often with whatever is at hand (I grew up with MacGuyver, what can I say).

[mattc]

Hello everyone,

First off, congratulations on the site - i've found it very informative and have learned a lot in quite a short space off time. I got my first lockpicking set about 12 or 13 years ago, but I've only really recently been picking with any dedication in the last year or so, mainly after finding this site. Thanks to you I've just made my first tension tool from a street sweeper bristle I found in the street (and it more than does the job)and am currently awaiting an order of a new kit from Devon Locks. I thought I'd treat myself as they're older than some of your members!

PS I think wore my search button out

[pickninja]

hey wuts up everyone

[DonnaMatrix]

Hello, I just joined about 2 minutes ago... didn't know there was a forum like this, awesome! Anyway, I pick locks for fun and if I'm good enough, I may try my luck at the Defcon contest sometime Need to build up a good set of practice locks of different difficulties, If you can suggest some good ones to buy/try let me know, Thanks!

-DonnaM

[monkeE]

Hello, I am new to the forum, and a little new (but not too much) to lockpicking (about 1 year now). I hope to add some info about how to properly make and temper lock picks for all those eager beavers out there wanting a set of their own.

[soon2be_usmc]

I'm new to picking...just started today actually. I made some picks with wiper blades today and they work great! I've been practicing a lot today and now I am able to pick a basic pin-and-tumbler lock. This is great fun. Anyways, I'm new! Hey ya'll.

[Tom Burns]

Just found the website today. I am a retired police officer looking to start a part to full time business and am very interested in locksmithing. I am just starting my research in this field. I will be looking for info on what if any online or correspondence course to buy or take to learn locksmithing, along with advice on setting up the business and what to buy or not to buy. Any advice or tips would be appreciated, as I have absolutely no knowledge of this field at all right now.

[maldotcom2]

well welcome to LP101, and seeing as you have no knowledge yet this is a great place to start

and you should start reading http://www.howstuffworks.com/lock-picking

hope that works

and happy picking

[pick_maker]

Hello All!
FNG here. I been lurking since January, '04 and making picks since then, and really took off since viewing Pyro's video. What I can't afford I make-cutaway locks & cylinders, pick cases... . Looking forward to posting pics of my work. I am no pro locksmith but I like solving puzzles. Great to see a lot of international folks here too.

[ghostdog]

Wow, cool site. I wish I had seen this place a couple of years ago when I started picking.

One of my good friends is a locksmith, with a shop next to the police department I work for. Yes I'm a cop, but I'm not here to spy on anybody or anything. If I just wanted to spy, I would lurk, instead of joining.

I got started picking just out of curiosity. I found some good info on the net. Then I met my friend who is a locksmith, and started sharing information with him.

I have no store bought tools. I made all of my own picks using a dremel tool, and bicycle spokes and stainless steel parts from some old windshield wiper blades. A decent little kit that I am proud of, and cost me literally nothing.

I'm a little out of practice lately, but I'm getting back to it. I really want to learn how to pick automobile type locks. I've got a lockout kit, and am pretty quick with a slim jim, but still I'd like to learn more.

On several occasions I have opened doors for elderly people that locked themselves out of their homes. Makes you feel good to help someone out, without damaging their door.

[Pheniox]

One of my good friends is a locksmith, with a shop next to the police department I work for. Yes I'm a cop, but I'm not here to spy on anybody or anything. If I just wanted to spy, I would lurk, instead of joining.

We have several cops on the site actually. I myself am military, with about 5 or 6 other guys. Anyways, its good to have cops around, that lets us ask them our little questions about "What would happen if" and someone who is there doing that daily would know. Anyways, I would like to recommend the pyro video if you like making your picks, shows you how to make excelent picks.

[ghostdog]

Thanks Pheniox, I'll check out the video. And I'll be glad to help out with the "ask a cop" questions.

[custer]

I'm a bit long in the tooth but I've always been fascinated by lockpicking, or manipulation. So here I am after years of trawling the web I've finally found somewhere thats both interesting and informative. Although I'm very raw I do hope to contribute as I go along,

Best regards,

custer

[Guitar_J]

I've started to learn to pick locks (read.. I've thought about learning to pick locks) several times in the past few years.. but never did... But now I'm getting into it, I think it will be fun... I love puzzles and this seems like a good puzzle, manipulating something you can't see... fun fun.. anywho so far I've yet to pick a lock (though I have been able to shim some padlocks with a popcan but that's not picking... its neat though) I'm working with a Masterlock #3... I've read its a good one to start out with, a little tricky, but good..

I'll be around..