Newbie questions

[Ubersquirell]

1) I'm confused on Cali pick laws. Do i have to be a registered locksmith to even own picks, or is it legal to own them outright? (Always need to be careful here). All questions hereafter can be discounted if illegal in Cali to own lockpicks.

2) My parents don't much approve of me learning this, so the items i would be able to use are Safety Pins and Paperclips for picks, which do you suggest, and how would i best go about making them (alternative suggestions to items that can make picks with a needlenose plier are greatly welcomed, must be easy to come by)?

3) I found some masterlocks (padlocks, nothing we rely on, or even remembered existed) around my house by model No. 3, on the box it stated that is was their midrange lock, would that be too much for a beginner?

4) I tried the key on the lock and determined where the tumblers are, and which way to turn. Down by the tumblers looks like something out of place, would that be a pin?



Thank you for all the advice in advance.
Squirrel

[Ubersquirell]

Just some more info on the lock. First i believe it is a 4 tumble. It says on the back "Precision Pin Tumbler Mechanism for Resistance to Picking" (dunno how reliable that statement is, part of the reason i am asking if this is too hard for a first-timer.

Lastly, if this is too hard, what brand lock would you suggest?

[eurolock fan]

I don't know anything about California laws so I can't help you there but a Master Lock No. 3 is perfect for learning to pick locks.

[Safety0ff]

IF YOU REALLY MUST use paperclips there's this thread.
But I'd really reccomend that you use hacksaw blades or plumbing snake or electrician's snake and cut it with files/grinder/dremel rather than using paperclips.

As for the lock, it shouldn't have security pins (I checked the thread) and only has 4 pins, so it should be fine.

[vrocco]

Instead of trying to hide oyur hobby from your parents, perhaps you should talk to them about it. Explain how picking locks is like a puzzle that intrigues you. Introduce them to this forum and have them read some posts. Let them see the ethical nature of Locksports and that we aren't a bunch of criminals. Lastly, follow the rules. Don't pick locks that you don't own and don't pick locks in use.

You may be surprised how understanding parents can be sometimes.

[Ubersquirell]

My parents are almost dead against it, i tried explaining, but they don't like it, so i'm letting it cool off for a few days, then i'll try again with a well represented presentation, stating the pros to knowing this, why it isn't criminal intent, the challenges, and the skills i would gain from making lockpicks. As for the advice on the lock (yay i made a good choice), thank you. And for the thread on paperclip picks, thank you too.

On another note, i just remembered where that lock came from. I bought 2 identically keyed ones last year for me and my brother for our P.E. lockers because the ones we had were destroyed (ahh highschool boys in P.E.). The identical keying was in case we needed something out of the other's locker.