I've been lock picking for a bit over 2 months now and I'm seriously considering becoming a part time locksmith. I'm still pretty green, but I practice every day. I work at an apartment complex where I was taught how to cut keys, replace, install, re-pin and re-key locks. I really love it. Lock picking has come in handy at my job, the property that I work in is rather large and sometimes keys get lost, residents get evicted and such so I get to practice quite a bit and in real life situations.
I invested in tools (beginners lock pick set by Southhord PXS-05, 7 pin Tubular pick, warded lock picks and Auto Jigglers, which I haven't even used yet ) and red books (Practical Lock Picking: A Physical Penetration Tester's Training Guide, Unauthorised Access: Physical Penetration Testing for IT Security Teams). I also built a practice station and I have a humble collection of locks that I use to practice on.
My question is where do I go from here?
1. Kwikset deadbolts give me little to no trouble. I'd say I have a 95% success rate
2. Master Lock N.3 puts little resistance. I'd say I have 97% success rate.
3. 7-Pin Ace Locks are easy enough, it all depends on the condition of the lock. 80% success rate.
4. Warded locks for some reason is hit or miss with me. I've found keyways where my picks won't even fit into or just simply they won't work. 60% success rate.
5. Wafer locks are easy. 90% success rate.
Should I invest in a better lock pick set?
I've started to have the need for different widths, shapes and sizes of tension tools. The picks I have are pretty basic, but so far they've done good enough.
What should I do to continue increasing my skills?
