Not a Locksmith

[VincentCardella]

The MIT guide link was down when I clicked on it, and I wasn't able to find a direct answer to my question in the FAQ section or through searching. So here it is.

I'm not a locksmith and I don't intend to become one. I'm only interested in lockpicking as a hobby. Therefore, as far as I understand, I shouldn't be able to buy lockpicking tools online. If I ordered some anyway, would I have to prove I'm a professional locksmith or a member of some related field? Is the law cited that I must be a locksmith to buy lockpicking tools just there so the website can cover its bases, or is it actually enforced?

[sublime progie]

you dont have to be a locksmith to buy them in some states the laws of owning them are sketchy check the faq section or the more question section for a sticky about the laws.

as far as comming about the picks themselves this is pretty easy i am in the same position you are. I am not a locksmith, just a hobby

you can buy them from

http://www.southord.com
http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp
http://www.lockpickshop.com/

with no questions asked. i would suggest a simple smaller set to start with. i started with the southord 5 piece set and i havent found a lock that did not work on yet. plus that is what was suggested to me

hope this answers your pickings.

enjoy

[VincentCardella]

That isn't quite what I asked. The law on lockpickshop.com and other sites is a federal law, not a state one. Again, according to this law I am not supposed to be able to buy lockpicking tools over the internet. The question is whether this law is enforced.

[sublime progie]

TO answer, no it isnt. it is also a law that if they have no reason too they cant go through your mail. the only time i have heard of this being a problem is if it goes through customs. and even then it is not common i havent heard of anyone on this site that it has happened too.

also you may want to look through the buy/sell section there are some very talented people in this forum. it is worth checking out.

but no it is generally not enforced because they dont know you are getting them

[VincentCardella]

Thanks very much.

[sublime progie]

Very welcome and i like your signature

[digital_blue]

Many people here have ordered successfully from http://www.lockpickshop.com including myself. They are, in fact, the site sponsor and they offer a 10% dicount off regular priced merchandise to members of lp101. If you order from there, put LP101 in the coupon box to receive your discount.

db

[SFGOON]

Vincent - first of all, that signature is excellent. Second, there is no such law on the books, period. Possesion of burglar tools has to be proven under suspicious circumstances - simply having them is about as illegal as carrying a sledgehammer, (whcih will open a door way faster than any pickset.) knock yourself out and get a set. I reccomend Peterson Picks - they're way bettern than most out there and best of all, they're less expensive.

Welcome to the forums - stick around, you might learn a few things.

[Romstar]

I believe that Vincent was asking about the postal regulations forbidding mailing locksmithing tools in the US mail.

At least, thats my guess.

Romstar

[VincentCardella]

Originally posted by Romstar
I believe that Vincent was asking about the postal regulations forbidding mailing locksmithing tools in the US mail.

Yes, that's right. I ordered the beginner's set that comes with the book Easy Pickings. I selected "expedited shipping," thinking it would use UPS instead of the USPS. Apparently either shipping option used on lockpickshop.com goes through the USPS. I hope nothing comes of it.

[VincentCardella]

And as for my signature, I've found that anything in Latin sounds more profound than it really is. In fact, I hear there's a bumper sticker out there with a Latin phrase that translates as "If you can read this you are overeducated."

[stick]

Yeah, you guys seem to be all missing the point.

Yes, it's a federal law, no, it's not enforced. Order and enjoy.

[stick]

Wow, in the time for me to click "Post Reply" and type out that message, Vincent popped out another two posts.

[cracksman]

As far as I have been able to ascertain if you live in the U.S. posession of picks is perfectly legal (except for Washington, D.C.) which has a law written expressly forbidding posession of them (got that from the MIT guide which is dated). Most laws are written to imply "intent", if you are caught in the process of a felony (certain class of drugs, firearms without a permit etc. then expect to be charged with posession of burglary tools-which will be the least of your problems) I live in Massachusetts and have ordered Lock pick sets from California, Florida, and my own state both UPS and USPS without any problems. If your worried about a federal marshal knocking down your door-don't your not commiting any crime (unless your reading this from your neighbors computer who happens to be on vacation, in which case shame on you.)

P.S. I am not a lawyer and statutes change continuosly. Call your local police department and ask them, if you get someone who seems that they are not knowledgeable ask to talk to there superior or go down in person, most police departments would be happy to tell you the laws regarding this.

p.p.s. In reality most police departments (at least in the urban North East U.S) do not have the time nor the inclination to research this subject. I, myself often carry both a concealed pistol (have permit and rigorously obey all applicable laws) and a locksmith grade pack (about 50 picks wrenches etc. -in a nice leather bound case-thanks Southord) and I carry both my pistol permit and a copy of the applicable Massachusetts law about posession of lock pick tools.

[vector40]

USPS postal regulations have rather little to do with state statutes.

The "not enforced" point is more or less sound, though.