“Knowing how to open locks without a key gave me the ability to escape from hostile detention, bypass enemy security, and gather intelligence during tactical site exploitation.”
Bottom Line Up Front
- Lockpicking Could Save Your Life
- Gain Security Insights by Learning How Locks Work
- Locksport is a Fun and Inexpensive Hobby
- The Locksport Community Offers Endless Networking Opportunities.
Why You Need to Learn Lockpicking Now
Why Would Anyone Want to Learn Lockpicking?
Uh… Because it’s cool, of course. I would say that I am kidding about this, but this lures many people to discover the world of “locksport.” As a kid, I didn’t know much about what the requirements were to be a secret agent, but I was sure that being able to pick a lock was one of them. I can vividly remember crafting my own “lockpicks” from odds and ends found on my dad’s workbench and attempting (usually unsuccessfully) to pick any lock I could find.
To the general public, there is an aura of mystery surrounding the dark art of lockpicking, almost as if the skill is some sort of magic. Years ago, information about locks and lockpicking wasn’t easily accessible, nor were lockpicking tools. Today, with the speed at which information is shared on the internet, this once-secret knowledge is available for just about anyone who would like to learn.
Many years after I tried to learn lockpicking at my dad’s workbench, I was formally taught while serving in the military. Knowing how to open locks without a key gave me the ability to escape from hostile detention, bypass enemy security, and gather intelligence during tactical site exploitation. These use cases are not something that the general public may ever encounter, but the skill of lockpicking is useful in so many other situations besides these.
But Wait, Isn’t Picking Locks Something Criminals Do?
Yes, some criminals do pick locks. However, lockpicking as a method of unlawful entry is exceedingly rare. Most crime databases list lockpicking to account for only 2-4% of illegal entry incidents. After all, its usually much easier to break a window or kick in a door than it is to pick a lock.
Isn’t it illegal to own lockpicks?
In the United States, locksmithing tools are legal for anyone to possess in most jurisdictions. In North Carolina, for example, there is no law against simply possessing lockpicks. However, you must be licensed if you wish to provide locksmithing services for a fee. Check the laws in your state with this page created by The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers
Keep Your Lockpicking Legal
In his book, Practical Lock Picking: A Physical Penetration Tester’s Training Guide, world famous lockpicking educator, Deviant Ollam, explains his two golden rules for staying legal while lockpicking.
- “Do not pick locks you do not own, except with express permission by the owner of the lock.”
- “Do not pick locks on which you rely, except when risks of damage are fully considered.”
If you keep these rules in mind, you should have no problem keeping your lockpicking legal.
Now onto the reasons you need to learn lockpicking now…
There is a real chance that you may die of exposure…
#1- Lockpicking Could Save Your Life
Have you ever been locked out of your home? It’s probably happened to all of us at least once. Usually, getting locked out is an annoyance that sets back your day quite a bit. Maybe you have to have a friend bring you the spare key you left them, or you have to call a locksmith. Either way, it can ruin your day.
Imagine you are locked out of your house, but the conditions are less than favorable. Its 2AM on a cold winter night, your phone is dead, and the only way to get someone to help you is to trek through the snow for several miles. Oh, and your thickest layer of clothing is a light windbreaker. There is a real chance that you may die of exposure if you are not able to get into your house.
The good news is, you learned how to pick locks a few months ago and are able to pick the lock on the back door of your house and get inside. Lockpicking just saved your life.
#2- Become Your Own Red Cell
In the military we would frequently conduct wargaming exercises where we designated a group of individuals as the “Red Cell.” Members of the red cell would pretend as if they were part of the opposing force in a scenario, making decisions about how they would respond to our “Blue Cell” actions on the battlefield.
Placing yourself in the shoes of the opposing force can often encourage you to see things differently, and makes weaknesses and vulnerabilities far more obvious. People that know nothing about the locks which protect their homes, businesses, etc. often have to make important security decisions based on product packaging. Do you think a lock manufacturer is going to write on the package of their cheapest lock that it is pickable in seconds? Probably not.
It is impossible to learn lockpicking without learning the vulnerabilities of the locks you are picking. By learning about the production, function, and weaknesses of various locks, you will become acutely aware of how to select locks that will best protect your home, business, and belongings.
Placing yourself in the shoes of the opposing force can often encourage you to see things differently and makes weaknesses and vulnerabilities far more obvious.
The feeling of accomplishment when you pick open your first lock is something that most people will never forget…
#3- It’s A Lot of Fun
Lockpicking or locksport is probably not the first activity that comes to mind if you ask people to name some hobbies they have heard of, but it is becoming increasingly popular every day. It isn’t very expensive to start (less than $50 will be more than enough to purchase everything you need initially), and it is tons of fun.
Besides being fun, its very satisfying to know that the hobby you enjoy is providing you with a very useful skill and, potentially, might even save your life! If you enjoy solving puzzles of any type, you will, without a doubt, enjoy lockpicking.
The feeling of accomplishment when you pick open your first lock is something that most people will never forget and is what keeps them involved in the hobby of locksport. And with lock manufacturers continuously producing newer and more challenging locks, you will be hard-pressed to run out of challenges, no matter how skilled you become.
#4- Networking
The lockpicking/locksport community is constantly growing with people of all different backgrounds. Around the world you will find groups of people who meet and share their knowledge and love of locksport. From online communities to local groups to international conferences, there are many ways to get involved and meet many great people you might have never known otherwise.
One of the most prominent locksport organizations is TOOOL. TOOOL has many local chapters worldwide, and may even have a chapter near you. You can view a map of all their official and unofficial chapters here.
Around the world you will find groups of people who meet and share their knowledge and love of locksport.
As you can see, there are many reasons why it is of great benefit for you to learn lockpicking, and I have only listed a few! Adding lockpicking to your skillset increases your capability to survive exponentially, and you get to have fun doing it. Just remember that it is your responsibility to know the laws regarding lockpicking tools in your area and for you to use your skills legally and responsibly. As long as you can do that, you can expect a fun and exciting road ahead. So get out there and give it a try; you’ll be very happy you did.
