Lock Picking/Smithing book reviews

by **SwitchBladeComb** » 11 Apr 2004 13:00

Nah, I already own a copy of the current one.

by **rakemaster** » 11 Apr 2004 13:07

It's not a book but I like the crypto.com guide at
http://www.crypto.com/papers/notes/picking.index.html because it has
step by step instructions for learning. I got a lot better after I followed
them even though I thought I knew what I was doing before that.

I may buy the LSS book soon too. I got it at the library and it looks
great.

Rakemaster

by **rakemaster** » 11 Apr 2004 13:09

rakemaster wrote:It's not a book but I like the crypto.com guide at
http://www.crypto.com/papers/notes/picking.index.html because it has
step by step instructions for learning. I got a lot better after I followed
them even though I thought I knew what I was doing before that.

I may buy the LSS book soon too. I got it at the library and it looks
great.

Rakemaster

Sorry that like is http://www.crypto.com/papers/notes/picking/index.html

Rakemaster (not typemaster)

by **Eyes_Only** » 11 Apr 2004 13:13

mightymouse wrote:At the moment I'm thinking of getting:

The visual Guide to Lockpicking,
The Complete Guide to Lockpicking,
Secrets of Lockpicking,
Advanced Lockpicking Secrets.

(I know Secrets of Lockpicking is available online, but I've read that these versions tend to be incomplete.)

Does anyone have any comment on my choice? I'm still looking for an Ultimate Newbie Book Reading List if anyone would care to provide their opinion of what it should be.

Those first three books are a good choice. I have the Complete Giude to Lock Picking and have read Secrets of Lock Picking. I wouldnt get the Advanced Lock Picking Secrets, Ive heard nothing but bad reviews about that book, very short and doesnt have much useful information.

by **mightymouse** » 12 Apr 2004 4:55

Spider: In retrospect, bible was the wrong word to use. I've heard of LSS and its commonly perceived supreme l33tness, and I dont doubt that it would be a great read. I dont want to dish out loads of money on books while I'm still new to the hobby though, so I might just see if I can get this one from the library. Especially if, like Chucklz says, there might be a new version coming out soon.

Eye's_only: Referring to your suggestion to stay away from Hamptons Advanced Lockpicking Secrets, I think you may well be right. I've seen a partial copy and it didn't appear to be quite as in depth as you'd expect from an advanced book. The electronic circuit diagrams for making gadgets to defeat electronic locks seem interesting though; I dont know much about electronics but I've wanted to learn some for ages. Perhaps later on down the line I might get to the stage where I would have a use in making such contraptions. Another book to get from the library rather than buying I think.

rakemaster: Thanks for referencing that link. I've come accross that document befrore, but had forgotten all about it. Its definitely a good read imho.

joecool2727: haha! Sucker!

by **Chucklz** » 12 Apr 2004 12:56

About S. Hampton's writings... I have his High Security lock book, and its really a tortuous read. He basicly spends the book telling you how great he is, and gives suggestions that may be developed into useful tools and techniques, but I am doubtful. Although, the patent diagrams are really wonderful.

by **PickPick** » 13 Apr 2004 7:58

Hampton doesn't write about tubular picks in his book because he claims to be afraid of the risk that knowledge of such tools could benefit criminals. Unfortunately most of the sites that sell his stuff sell the picks, too.
Maybe he can pick but his books aren't worth the paper.
And while some of the other books are not exactly bad, if it's not LSS and available to the general public I wouldn't pay for it, everything else has always been just a rehash of "The Guide". Sole exception is "How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools" by Hans Conkel, I like that one cause it has lots of bypass stuff not covered elsewhere but for everything else, I measure it's value in calories. :wink:

by **mightymouse** » 13 Apr 2004 11:28

thanks for the warnings about the Hampton books. I dont think I'll purchase anything written by him. In fact, I'm thinking of just getting all the books I want from the library and only buying copies if I like them.

by **Eyes_Only** » 13 Apr 2004 14:35

This thread is about books but I also wanted to point out that you gotta watch out for lockpicking themed videos too. I have 4 of them, Expert Lock Picking, High Speed Entry, B & E: A to Z volume 1 and 2. Sad to say they were all pretty much a waste of money. They dont really cover lockpicking or entry techniques all that well and the quality of the picture and teaching methods are poor. I think my money would have gone to better use buying the LSS+ CDs or the entire locksmith video school CDs.

by **Chucklz** » 13 Apr 2004 15:25

Information can be an expensive commodity. If its 1, really cheap relative to the information contained, 2, published by a publisher that also publishes books on ID fraud, and Clandestine Methamphetamine synthesis, its probably a waste of your money.

by **Eyes_Only** » 13 Apr 2004 17:48

very true, I had to learn that the hard way

by **zeke79** » 14 Apr 2004 15:09

I have LSS+ and can say it contains a wealth of knowledge that you are not going to get in the other books you mentioned. I would say if you are buying books to get better at picking then save your money and just practice. If you want to learn more about locks and the methods and theories of security behind them then get the book you will not be disappointed.

by **technik** » 14 Apr 2004 20:14

good advice zeke79

by **jason** » 20 Apr 2004 10:40

I would rate "Locks, Picks & Clicks" as the book that got me started when I was all of thirteen or so years old. It covers lever locks, warded, pin tumbler (including mushrooms) and safe locks (albeit very basic). Not bad for a book written soon after WWII, although references to "agents" and use of a heavy torch in case of being disturbed are a little worrying.

The Paladin "How to Open Locks Without Keys or Picks" is a waste of money - I think we all know how to use drills and crowbars (jimmy).

The MIT is good to get started on though and it's a nice price (free).

The "Complete Guide to Locks and Locksmithing" isn't that complete with regard to UK locks and higher security locks and is more use for the routine business of locksmithing rather than picking (doesn't refer to spool or mushroom pins in the chapter about picking and emergency entry)

by **technik** » 27 Apr 2004 8:11

has anyone got The Locksmith?

http://www.lockpickshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=LPCD&Category_Code=BTT

pretty cheap for a CD and book $19.95

was wondering if price reflected quality of material in this case. Is the CD good? what does it have on it? Is the book have good info?

Thanks guys, BTW a great topic, saves money in the long run

Technik

Lock Picking/Smithing book reviews

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