Lockpicking - a practical and somewhat ethical aproach

[fgarci03]

Hey all! I don't know if I'm posting this on the right forum, please change it if necessary.

First of all, I'm sorry for any writting mistakes this text may have, since english is not my first language. That being said, I will also remind you that this is just my point of view and that I may be completely wrong, so I'll be looking forward to read your personal opinions about this subject.

I'm writing this text because despite being legal carrying a lockpick set in Portugal (I don't really know the law, but I've never had BIG problems being caught with one), it does bring some trouble.
If the place where you live has laws that forbids you to do that, then this text is irrelevant, it will still be a crime. If not, maybe you will be saved from a lot of explanations with this.

Beggining with the fact you (like me) are all about lockpicking for the right reasons - as a hobby, because you like it, because it's challeging and fun, I could go on, and on, and on... - and aren't really doing anything illegal; you can't judge someone who doesn't know your intentions.

See what happened to me:
- I have a friend who repairs a couple of cars a week in his garage. Since most of his clients are other friends, I hang with them a lot. Once he had a car parked near by for one week so we called the police to check if it was stolen. The police got there, dealed with the problem and just before they left, one of them looked at my car and saw my lockpicking tools. BAM, they "invited" me to go "downtown" and explain that. 2 hours later I went back home and thought about it. Yes, I wasn't doing anything wrong. Yes it didn't have anything to do with the situation, and yes, they seemed to belive my words (I told them it's just a hobby and all the ethical and legal stuff I could remember, etc), but they still took me to the station.
I can understant that.

Imagine you being a cop, and when you get to a small garage with three or four cars in it, a couple of friends hanging out with beers and making a lot of noise, and then you see a lockpicking kit. ", we just got to a Chop Shop!". For the next week, everyday a car was stopped and frisked when getting out of the garage.

With this example, I will try to give advice (mostly to the n00bs but it goes to anyone who likes to carry a lockpicking kit all the time) on how to avoid this kind of situations:


1. Don't show off your lockpicking kit or skills, unless it's a closed environment and/or someone you trust (some people find it fun untill someone breaks into their stuff, then, they will suspect you).
2. Don't pick the front door of your house from the outside. It's legal because the door is yours, but it's still suspicious.
3. Don't carry ALL your stuff with you. You won't be needing it. If you are legit, you will only need to pick something that isn't yours in two situations: with permission from the owner, or in an emergency when someone locked himself out of the house/car. In eiher case, if you can't solve it with the basic stuff (by basic I mean a couple of picks, maybe shimms, and so on), you can always go home and get what you need.
4. Always carry at least one lock you own. I's easier to explain that it is a hobby, and you carry your picks AND a lock so you can increase your skills when you are bored.
5. When you are in a situation where you can be wrongfuly judged (like me in the garage, or if you get along with known felons LOL), keep your tools somewhere where it's not easy to see but isn't suspicious if found (finding it in the glove compartiment is different than finding it under the car because you tried to hide it in a hurry).
6. AND PLEASE don't act like if it's illegal, you just need to be discrete. But don't act like it's the same thing as walking arround with your wallet, because it's not. People don't know what you're up to when they see these kind of tools.


If you still "get caught" and have to explain that (although beeing legal, you still have to explain why you carry tools like that instead of leaving them home, at least I had to), I use this guidelines:

1. "It's a hobby, some people collect stamps, I pick locks. I only pick locks that I own and/or have permission to pick by the owner."
2. "I haven't done anything illegal did I?"
3. "I carry my tools with me because when I'm bored I pick this lock I always have with me."
4. Don't explain to much, they won't believe you. Just answer their questions and act like you have done anything wrong (only if you haven't... If you have, rot in jail mate!)


I hope that with this steps, you will be out of trouble. Especialy the begginers, who want to show to all their friends what they can do with a pick set. I did... And I learned the hard way.
Here at LP101 we will be glad to see your progress. It may not be a good idea that all your friends know this stuff. Some will use it with bad intents. And we will be the ones with a bullseye on our back because we showed it off a lot.

Remember, it's ethics that separates us from the bad guys!


Be safe!

[MrAnybody]

I think it's a great thing you've done by posting this, since it's always a subject that needs to be revisited even though most of it is common sense. The work you've put into this also demonstrates something positive in my opinion.

Of course, many people's circumstances and legal situation are different depending on laws and professions, but most of the points you've expressed will apply to the majority.

4. Always carry at least one lock you own. I's easier to explain that it is a hobby, and you carry your picks AND a lock so you can increase your skills when you are bored.

I really like this point. Of course, It may not satisfy the police in all situations, but it could definitely help. That's good thinking, and good sense.

1. Don't show off your lockpicking kit or skills, unless it's a closed environment and/or someone you trust (some people find it fun untill someone breaks into their stuff, then, they will suspect you).

Yes, yes. Always be discreet. You'll be surprised where prejudice or suspicion will arise. And it will never do you any good.

4. Don't explain to much, they won't believe you. Just answer their questions and act like you have done anything wrong (only if you haven't... If you have, rot in jail mate!)

And in my opinion, cooperating and remaining calm and amicable will usually work in your favour. If you can, be respectful. Being anything else, will usually work against you, but that's true in most walks of life. I love the last bit

As I say, I'm in favour of revisiting this subject even though it's probably been talked to death. A reminder to new people is a great thing. In that way, we can do something positive to change people's ideas of what we're doing with these tools.

Many thanks for posting this.

[lockjock50]

I enjoyed this post.
Know your law around you.
know if it is different in the next town, county, state, or country over that you may travel.
dont brag. Dont showoff. Its a skill, not a superpower.
Yes keep locks with the pick set... if you have a bat, bricks, drill, and pickset, crowbar in one spot, i would invite you down town too!
Have fun with it. Have a business. Just dont ever question your own ethics. And dont leave an opening for others to do so.

[GWiens2001]

While the OP's topic has been discussed, and should be discussed, I think it one of the best written, concise, and well thought out articles I have seen. The advice is very good.

I always keep two or three locks in my car, even though I rarely have my picks out of my home. If, for some reason I do have the picks with me, there is ready evidence that it is a hobby, and not criminal intent.

Thank you for your post, fgarci03. I look forward to your future posts!

Gordon

[fgarci03]

A reminder to new people is a great thing. In that way, we can do something positive to change people's ideas of what we're doing with these tools.

Although I would like to agree that in a perfect world we would change people's minds about lockpicking, maybe we shouldn't... This is a skill that can be used both for right or wrong. Like Computer Hacking, or Nuclear Reaserch. The good or bad use of it depends solely on our own principles and just that.

When I first told my father I could pick a door he thought to be safe in a few seconds he told me these exact same words (in Portuguese of course :"If it was that easy, everyone would do that". Then I took less than a minute to open the door locked with three turns and I didn't use my Plug Spinner (It's a really easy lock, I'm not that good ahaha).
Then I told him: "No one will do this, because no one knows it is THAT easy. But seriously, CHANGE THE #%&#%* LOCK!"

Maybe it's better that people still look us in the wrong way. At least burglars will have a harder time learning this since it's not wide in the open (I know, I know, Internet... But at least most people don't know some locks are THAT easy!)
For me it doesn't make a difference, I still love this hobby even if my neighbour has no ideia I could check his mail before he did everyday! (And I don't do that, honest!)

Sorry if I bored you to death, but my friends call me philosopher, you will soon know why ahaha

Be safe!

[EmCee]

TBH, unless your are on your way to a locksport meeting or for a picking session with friends, I never understand why hobbyists carry picks around with them - even for the often stated reason of 'helping someone out in an emergency'. You are not an emergency service. I can only think it's the 'cool factor' of walking around knowing you might be able to open a lock 'in an emergency' or to show others (which as the OP said, is not a good idea).

To put it in context, I am a locksmith. I carry picks and a wide range of other tools when I am working. If I am not working I do not carry any picks with me. Not even a single tension wrench and hook in my wallet.

[MrAnybody]

A reminder to new people is a great thing. In that way, we can do something positive to change people's ideas of what we're doing with these tools.

Although I would like to agree that in a perfect world we would change people's minds about lockpicking, maybe we shouldn't... This is a skill that can be used both for right or wrong. Like Computer Hacking, or Nuclear Reaserch. The good or bad use of it depends solely on our own principles and just that.

I very much agree with all that you've written. However, guess I could have chosen my words differently. "What we're doing with these tools" was intended to refer to why I would own them, rather than the method with which I'd pick a lock. I'd much rather keep the 'how to myself, and I believe we'd agree on that point.

I'm still of the opinion that more people should know that possessing these tools is not just for malicious intent. In some ways, prejudice can only be overcome with education. And it would be very true to say that the less one knows about a group or individual, the more likely it is that one will project a negative opinion or fears onto them. I could give examples of this in several walks of life..

You also chose to use computer hacking as an example. I'd be happy to assert that educating people about the risks they're under (and how to counter them) will more than likely prompt them to take sensible precautions. As you pointed out, showing your father is a good example of this. Another example could be an awareness of the risks of bad food hygiene may prompt someone to clean their kitchens better. In the same way, I believe that educating someone in how vulnerable a lock is will prompt them to secure their properties in a better way.

Anyway, maybe I'm getting into points that were not intended, but I'm enjoying the discussion nonetheless. My thanks for bringing it up. I've also enjoyed reading your posts, and you're very, very far from boring me to death

[fgarci03]

You are getting into the intended points!

I did misunderstand what you meant. You are absolutely right. My 15yo self was all about showing everyone how hacking could "save the world" by exposing the threats to the owner of the vulnerable system (At least in theory, never got very good at it lol).
I didn't realise that point untill you brought it up.

I think we're getting somewhere! It would be good that people stopped looking at us as burglars, but still the knowledge to be kept to ourselves (or at least in a controlled environment).

I can only think it's the 'cool factor' of walking around knowing you might be able to open a lock 'in an emergency'

Well, I have to admit that you are right. It IS the cool factor. At least for me. Not being cool in front of others, but for me. Kinda like being Harry Potter, he can't show his magic to anyone, but in trouble he can pop out his magic stick, say "Alohamora" and the door will open! It's good to feel that, even by being discrete and very few people knowing about this.

But you are probably right, maybe I shouldn't do that. I think is a matter of personality. I like to feel that I know something cool and unique. Probably because I'm young!

Thank you for your insight!

Be safe!

[Bob Jim Bob]

TBH, unless your are on your way to a locksport meeting or for a picking session with friends, I never understand why hobbyists carry picks around with them even for the often stated reason of 'helping someone out in an emergency'. You are not an emergency service. I can only think it's the 'cool factor' of walking around knowing you might be able to open a lock 'in an emergency' or to show others (which as the OP said, is not a good idea).

To put it in context, I am a locksmith. I carry picks and a wide range of other tools when I am working. If I am not working I do not carry any picks with me. Not even a single tension wrench and hook in my wallet.

Well I'm not a locksmith but I absolutely agree with you. Why run around asking for trouble? You would be even cooler if you pulled out your set of spare keys and said "this is what I carry with me in case I lose my key".

If I was a cop I would think you just carried locks as a cover story for having the picks.

I'm not trying to sound like a grandpa here I just think it's a big risk considering how often you'll probably really use them.

[emptech1]

I too had the experience of drawing the attention of the police one day.

I was taking an EMT (emergency medical technician) course and it came time
to become familiar with the equipment stored in the ambulance. The instructor
realized that she forgot to bring the keys with her that day so I asked if she wouldn't
mind if I could try to open one of the doors. I'm outside in the parking lot, somebody
yells at me, can't remember what he said, but stop what I'm doing and get away. I
continued. I wasn't able to pick the lock so I gave up, returned to class.

We get a knock on the door, two cops identified themselves and asked to see me
outside. They didn't seem to notice that I had picks but were most concerned with
me breaking into an ambulance. Once it was explained and verified, they left.

Always good to have a good story.

[Silenthermit]

I am new to this but I am opposite of "not a locksmith, not on the job, leave tools at home" school of thought. I have been taught and have had the mentality of being prepared. If I can then I should. Now when I say "can" I do mean it with considerations to the law. If the law says I can carry my tools then I will.

Why? Same reasons as for knives, guns, credit cards, driver license...so on so forth. I carry a knife because a knife cuts. When something needs cutting/opening I will have the knowledge and tools to accomplish that task. I will not need to ask around to borrow a knife or the service of someone in possession of a knife nor will I need to drive home to get a knife to do what I need to do.

This goes for picks too, I have the knowledge (small maybe but growing hopefully) and tools so if a situation arises that calls for my tools and service I will be prepared to act. Not saying I'll be offering my service to random strangers out there but if family, close friends or I clumsily misplace keys I will be ready willing and able. I am not willing to allow myself into a position of "Yes I know how, yes I own the tools, yes I have the ability to.....but no I can't because I am not prepared, I don't have it with me."

Having rambled about all that, it's not the wisest to attract attention. With some things, more attention equals more trouble. Have it with you but no need to brandish it, as with a knife, picks in the eyes of people who don't understand will cause fear and judgement. Be prepared but also be discreet, be smart. Use the tool between your ears to manage the tools in your possession.

To locksmiths out there, yes it is your livelihood, it pays your bills and puts food on your table, it may one day be putting food on my table. Mechanics gets paid for oil changes and yet many regular people have no qualms changing their own oil.

TLDR: If you are not doing anything wrong you should have nothing to worry about. If you're in the moral and legal right then there is nothing to be so fearful about. Speed limit is 65, go 65 pass that police going 60.

[EmCee]

Sure, I take the point and I'm all for 'being prepared'. But 'being prepared' and 'using your mind' works both ways.

The best way to prepare for losing a key...as Bob said above...is to have a spare key. Either with you in a different pocket or in your wallet, or in the car, or securely hidden outside your property, or held by a neighbour. The best way to help family and friends in the same position is to tell them to have a spare key.

A spare key will do everything, and often more, that your picks will do. Even simple locks can be a pain to open. Sometimes they won't pick. Sometimes they are damaged or a broken key or glue are inside the keyway. Picks wont help then, so 'being prepared' would mean carrying a lot of other tools with you all the time as well.

[fgarci03]

After reading these last few posts I started to realize that there is no right answer to this (excet if the law prohibits you of course).

It's a matter of personal taste. Some may like to carry them, some may not.
There are a million reasons on why I should not carry picks with me. But there is only one on why I should: "I want to!" (again, presuming it's not illegal).

Does it have more weight on the decision than the other million?

I don't know. It's up to every single one of us.

But, as I said in the original post, don't make a big deal out of it. "Discretion is Advised!"

Be safe!

[Silenthermit]

I do carry a spare key and I also show and advise my family to carry them. It just so happens to be that my "spare key" works on many different locks. It's tucked away discreetly from prying eyes and doing everyday tasks outsiders would never see, let alone notice what they are. Unless my body is thoroughly searched another will never know that they are there. On the other hand I hate the idea of having a spare key in my wallet. If I happen to drop my wallet or have it stolen...now there is someone out there that not only have my address (from ID) but they also have an easy way in. Then not only do I have to cancel and replace everything in that wallet but also need to replace every lock in the house.

I guess my approach on the practical and ethic to carrying is rather than not doing in fear of complications but rather, learn your local laws. Learn what is within your rights to do and not do. Learn how to interact with people be it police or regular joes. Realize that people's perception of such tools brings up negative feelings. Keep it discreet not because of the law but rather to spare people's feelings, it's just downright rude to scare people for no good reason. Because you can or because you think it's cool and you don't give a are not good reasons.

I understand though if you're in an area where you would constantly get hassled for it it no longer is practical to have them. But if you're constantly hassled means you constantly have it visible, you might rethink that whole cause and effect.

I agree with fgarci03, there really isn't a universal right answer, just what's right for you. I disagree your one reason why to carry though. "I want to!" is one of the reasons I do it but the main reason is "It's a tool, it serves me in my hobby and also it serves me for when the need arises".

[fgarci03]

While the OP's topic has been discussed, and should be discussed, I think it one of the best written, concise, and well thought out articles I have seen. The advice is very good.

I always keep two or three locks in my car, even though I rarely have my picks out of my home. If, for some reason I do have the picks with me, there is ready evidence that it is a hobby, and not criminal intent.

Thank you for your post, fgarci03. I look forward to your future posts!

Gordon

Today I got a couple of drinks ( ) and I went through some of my old posts and found this one.

Well, when I was at the begining I didn't know anyone on the forum and I didn't remember it was you who wrote this. Now that I do, I conect the dots and even understand it a bit further. I remembered some days ago someone wrote this and I wanted to know who it was. Guess what? It's my friend Gordon!
So... Many thanks for the kind words!