laws in california

[Lockopener]

i read the law thing in the faqs but i still dont know if lockpicks and bump keys are legal
could someone please enlighten me on the laws?

[Safety0ff]

What about this?
viewtopic.php?p=22263#22263

[cheesehead]

the wording sounds like many other states - The burden of proof rests on the state. If you get caught doing something illegal, and you have lock opening devices on your person, be ready for a world of woe. That being said, almost anything in your possession could be a "burglary tool", and get you in trouble if you are using it for nefarious purposes. It's leagal to carry a pocket knife, or a screw driver - but if you are using them to slip or jimmy door latches - instant "burglary tool". keep yourself out of sketchy situations, and your intentions honest - and when in doubt, leave your picks at home. you should be fine.

[ToolyMcgee]

Cheesehead's got the idea. Although, unless you are a locksmith I say just having a bump key implies enough intent for most police officers to confiscate it. Probably picksets as well, but the bump key gets alot of bad press as a burglery tool.

When I take very many picks out of the house I always have at least a 1 lock. A deadbolt cylinder, or a padlock WITH the key. That way if I get my pockets turned inside out at a traffic stop or whatever it gives me more credibility.

[slojewski]

When I take very many picks out of the house I always have at least a 1 lock. A deadbolt cylinder, or a padlock WITH the key. That way if I get my pockets turned inside out at a traffic stop or whatever it gives me more credibility.

how does that help?
is that based off of the "unless requested by someone" section?

[ToolyMcgee]

how does that help?
is that based off of the "unless requested by someone" section?

What? The person doing the requesting would have to be present to vouch for you. I'm confused how you came to that conclusion.

If you have to explain the yourself for whatever reason how do you justify having a whole tool case for "just in case". A lock cylinder gives more credibilty to the hobbyist. It isn't so much of a criminal intent issue if you have a hobby lock for practice in your pocket. You need a key for your padlock because if you don't have the reciept on you then that looks very suspicious.

I have a fistful of locks everytime I leave the house if I know I am going to have possible down time, but I am a moron with 20 pound cargo pants whose got a glovebox full of locks and a key for every one. That's overkill and I don't suggest anyone walk around like that, but 1 small practice lock shouldn't be that big of a deal if you have a whole pick case and you're worried about having to prove your intentions. It isn't iron clad, but its just a suggestion.