To start or not to start...

[Krab166]

...now that is the question.

Hi all, I'm brand new here. I've been interested in lockpicking for a while, and I know a few things about it, but I really can't get anything to practice. That is, I'm still living with my parents - even though I'm not a minor - and they won't let me buy any picks or practicing locks, they're very paranoid and would think I have criminal intents.
For the same reason I can't make my own picks and torque wrenches, not when the process involves hard hammering, grinders and other similar equipment.
Finding locks wouldn't be a problem though- I've got some unused padlocks and could probably find more - and I've actually tried to pick some with...paperclips, with terrible results.
Is there a way one can learn with other homemade tools or do I really need practice locks and proper picks? If the answer's the latter I'll have to wait several months until I start living on my own.

Ah by the way English is not my native language, so if there's anything wrong just tell me.

[KPick]

I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble with your parents bruh. So my advice is to just stay away from it for now until you can get your own spot. It's not worth trying to learn something your parents aren't very comfortable having around.

[YouLuckyFox]

If I were in your situation, I would ask your parents about getting an "OK" on a mail-in locksmithing course. You could just do the first course for like $55 and then just add to it as a hobby. Then they'll view it as a possible means of legal profit rather than a means of illegal profit . Werkit, bruh.

I agree with KPick though, if your parents aren't alright with it, just leave it alone and focus on getting your own place.

[HerrMannelig]

Hi all, I'm brand new here.

Welcome.

I've been interested in lockpicking for a while, and I know a few things about it, but I really can't get anything to practice. That is, I'm still living with my parents - even though I'm not a minor - and they won't let me buy any picks or practicing locks, they're very paranoid and would think I have criminal intents.

Depending on where you live, there may be legal restrictions. Investigate that. If you can show it is legal, and a valid interest, they may relent.

Or, you can get a locksmith course. That is perfectly 100% legit in both the eyes of the law and your parents, unless they are against locksmiths too.

Finding locks wouldn't be a problem though- I've got some unused padlocks and could probably find more - and I've actually tried to pick some with...paperclips, with terrible results.

Is there a way one can learn with other homemade tools or do I really need practice locks and proper picks? If the answer's the latter I'll have to wait several months until I start living on my own.

You can learn lock manipulation with other tools. You may want to work on decoding combination locks for example, or jiggling locks.

Lock picks and bump keys are hard disguise usually, but there are many locksport activities which do not involve dedicated equipment.

Ah by the way English is not my native language, so if there's anything wrong just tell me.

It is very well written, especially for a forum post.

And familiarity with Shakespeare without English being your native language is most interesting

[teamstarlet]

If I were in your situation, I would ask your parents about getting an "OK" on a mail-in locksmithing course. You could just do the first course for like $55 and then just add to it as a hobby. Then they'll view it as a possible means of legal profit rather than a means of illegal profit . Werkit, bruh.

I agree with KPick though, if your parents aren't alright with it, just leave it alone and focus on getting your own place.

...What he said

[Squelchtone]

Ah by the way English is not my native language, so if there's anything wrong just tell me.

You should fill out your Location: in your Profile, maybe you can find some friends who live near you and can get your picks or locks, or you can find a local locksport or 2600 Magazine meeting and get to try someone's locks and picks.

and don't prove your parents right, only use your lock picking powers for good.
Squelchtone

[Achyfellow]

Just to address the actual problem you are asking about... How old are you? Have you been in trouble or done anything that could cause that reaction? If your parents "would think you have criminal intents" maybe it could be not because of the lockpicking itself, but your general attitude. I don't have a son but I have found that parents are more right than wrong when it comes to their kids' attitudes and general behavioral issues (Not saying that you have any, mind you).

I have never talked with my parents about this hobby (I think they don't even know yet) but I don't think they would have any problem with it since they know I'm not the kind of person that does stupid things without thinking it trice. Have you tried explaining it and talking to them? Maybe they lack information and it's just a matter of talking. Being sneaky on them is just going to make things worse.

If they are *actually* "paranoid" and it's just a mindset problem on their part, you could consider the solutions people have given you in this thread (Not gonna lie, there are also "that sounds wrong so I'll consider it extremely wrong without thinking about it" parents), but talk to them first.

[Krab166]

Thanks everyone for replying!

You can learn lock manipulation with other tools. You may want to work on decoding combination locks for example, or jiggling locks.

Lock picks and bump keys are hard disguise usually, but there are many locksport activities which do not involve dedicated equipment.

That's very interesting. I didn't know about these, but they might be what I'm looking for at the moment.

If they are *actually* "paranoid" and it's just a mindset problem on their part, you could consider the solutions people have given you in this thread (Not gonna lie, there are also "that sounds wrong so I'll consider it extremely wrong without thinking about it" parents), but talk to them first.

This one, and an older brother caught trying to steal stuff from a supermarket some years ago.

[HerrMannelig]

This one, and an older brother caught trying to steal stuff from a supermarket some years ago.

That is interesting. I've had the speculation about theft being a motivation for picking locks, and I come down hard on that. It is a baseless accusation and slander, and very insulting.

[easy-e]

Just to address the actual problem you are asking about... How old are you? Have you been in trouble or done anything that could cause that reaction? If your parents "would think you have criminal intents" maybe it could be not because of the lockpicking itself, but your general attitude. I don't have a son but I have found that parents are more right than wrong when it comes to their kids' attitudes and general behavioral issues (Not saying that you have any, mind you).

I have never talked with my parents about this hobby (I think they don't even know yet) but I don't think they would have any problem with it since they know I'm not the kind of person that does stupid things without thinking it trice. Have you tried explaining it and talking to them? Maybe they lack information and it's just a matter of talking. Being sneaky on them is just going to make things worse.

If they are *actually* "paranoid" and it's just a mindset problem on their part, you could consider the solutions people have given you in this thread (Not gonna lie, there are also "that sounds wrong so I'll consider it extremely wrong without thinking about it" parents), but talk to them first.

Well I'm 25 and my dad starting teaching me how to responsibly use tools when I was little. There are pictures of me using a power drill when I was still in diapers. He thinks my lockpicking hobby is great and is pushing me to go into locksmithing. We re-rented the other side of our warehouse recently and the landlord didn't have keys to some of the locks that the old tenant had replaced. Instead of hiring a locksmith I went over and replaced the locks myself using what I've learned from my hobby. They were Schlage Everest LFIC's which I had to pick to get out of the housings to re-key. I recently bought a used Framon 2 key machine so I cut new keys including control keys. I've spent a lot of money but I've also bought good quality tools that I can re-sell if I decide to get out of it.

My mom on the other hand thinks it's a waste of money buying tools for a hobby. Or buying tools in general. I've got a few tool boxes full of tools. She does however appreciate when I fix her car or other stuff around the house. I have a full time job but I work at a bar part time for extra money for my hobbies. My dad has always supported me in whatever as long as I have the money for it and I'm doing it safely and not getting into any trouble. My mom has always been skeptical about everything. Why do you need a handgun? Are you going to shoot someone? Why do you need lockpicks? Are you a criminal? Why do you need a fast car? Are you going to race it? Why do you need a new phone? What's wrong with your current phone? Why would you want to quit your perfectly good job to buy a bar?

OP: You really need to move out bro. You also don't need any complicated tools. Get a hacksaw blade and a file. It takes a while, but it can be done.