Lockpicking Advice

[Druis2264]

Ok Ok Ok... This lockpicking stuff to me is friggin sweet and awesome... But all I can think of it being used for is breaking and entering. I like it as a hobby, but I read that it's illegal to carry the manufactured key sets. Lol, and I was planning on buying them. So the main question here is, "Is me buying a lockpicking kit online a good idea?" I mean, my pick (hacksaw blade grinded) and tension wrench (allen wrench grinded) are sufficient to use, but I wanted something made more by a professional just to use, although making my tools is much more fun.

So, good idea or bad idea?

And lockpicking, bad or good idea to get really into?

[stick]

I'm in a good mood, been talking to some friends I haven't talked to recently. Whether or not it's a good idea to get into this, it's up to you. I think the only places where it's illegal to simply carry lock picks without certification in the US are NY and DC. If you're not in the US, can't help you out.

If you do live in the US and aren't in NY or DC, lock picks are legal to carry around without the intent of burglarizing a house or building or something. However, carrying one may cause a cop to arrest you based on suspicions, depending on how the cop is feeling, etc.

Buying online is easy, ignore all that crap about having to be a locksmith, you can order from lockpicks.com, lockpickshop.com, unlockables.com, lockpickersmall.com, and others I may not have thought of.

I highly recommend as a beginner set the Just Picks Peterson picks with plastic handles and a Peterson U-bend-it tension wrench set. Both are available from lockpicks.com, my favorite site, and if you order now, the U-bend-it set is coming with free refills (20 more strips of steel), so ACT NOW AND SAVE SAVE SAVE! (I keep thinking about that AOL commercial, hehe.)

[Druis2264]

Lol, thanks man. But I was interested in one of the n00bie sets offered on the "Lock Tools for Sale" part of this website, some Europeon set with a book and stuff, it's pretty cheap and would fit me right dandy. Hyulck.

Oh and thanks, I live in Massachusetts, and the cops around here wouldn't give a hoot now that you've put it into perspective. Thanks!

If you have AIM, MSN, Yahoo etc, post please, I'd like to talk to ya!

[stick]

Well, the Just Picks set will cost about $19, and includes 7 Peterson picks (all you'll ever need as a hobbyists), an extractor, and a plastic tube. With the U-bend-it, you'll be able to make any tension tools you'll ever need. I've used Southords and Petersons, and I'm telling you, there's such a huge difference, I'm not touching my Southords again until I sell them off. The book is probably Easy Pickings, which I got with my Southord set ... I'm telling you, you'll feel dumber after you read the book, I had to go grab my printed copy of the MIT guide and read it a few times after I looked at that book.

The Southord slimlines are slimmer, but personally, I highly recommend the Just Picks set. I can take a few pictures of the Just Picks sets, both plastic and rubber, compared to standard Southords if you'd like. The slimlines I had I've given away. Petersons are so good, it doesn't matter if they're kinda fatter.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what you want. All I can say is, Southord, although a decent brand, has nothing on Peterson. And good luck catching me on AIM nowadays, I only sign on when I need to talk to someone specific about something important and the phone is too far away.

[Druis2264]

K, lol, thanks man. I'll get that shiz you're talkin about. Thanks thanks!

[zeke79]

Illinois also fits in with DC and NY...... It is one of those states where it is actually illegal whether or not intent is proven.....

[cracksman]

Here, here Stick I agree completely.
Druis fill in your profile, it helps as you can
see, location is important.

Lockpicking has become a sport:
http://locksport.com/,
If you are an unsportsmanly person, then I suppose
it is not for you If on the other hand,
you like a challenge, and believe in healthy
competition, it is your right, no, your duty,
not only to contribute to this site, but to become
a card carrying member of LSI.

Viva La Revolucion de LSI!!!!! (did I just mix up
Spanish and French here?)

p.s. -don't sweat it, the people here are so honest,
it borders on obsessive. I would suggest ordering,
at least a small pick set, just so you know how they
feel, and what you should expect when making your
own. The tools are really nothing, it's the hands
that hold them. Also, I don't believe that possesion
of lockpicks, within ones own home, is a violation
of any law in any state or district (D.C.). In other
words...If someone was to make a search of your
home, they need a warrant, if they have a warrant,
well, a set of lockpicks is the least of your worries

[stick]

Within your home is most likely okay, but it's always fun to pick while driving in rush hour (man, traffic in LA... any day, any time, even Sunday evening, you guys get some crazy traffic), boring classes, or just wherever you might be. I used to be in the habit of carrying around a hook, half diamond, and tension wrench everywhere I went, with a random lock, usually something like the Master 140 (ZOMFG SO HARD ) and pick in any situation I could. I'd start carrying my homemade Falle knockoff tension wrenches but they're pokey in different directions.

Off topic, does anyone want a short video or something of how to make a Falle knockoff double pronged wrench? I'm really bored.

[sublime progie]

sure stick i am always up for a new video to watch

[wtf|pickproof?]

sure stick i am always up for a new video to watch

So am I. Keep the good stuff coming