Introduction to Lock Picking
To a hobbyist or amateur lock picking means to manipulate or open a lock by using any tools they can find that simulate the action of a key. We've all seen movies and television shows where the actors can pick locks as quickly as a key can open them. On nearly every detective drama on television, the private investigators aka super-sleuths break into homes, apartments, even office buildings with high security locks within a matter of seconds. On every daytime soap-opera anyone that possesses a credit card has these same "magical powers". In real life, this is generally not the case at all. This is GOOD news to all the law-abiding, God-fearing citizens of the world! It's not unusual for a locksmith to spend five minutes picking a standard pin tumbler lock. Picking a high security lock can take much longer, anywhere from several hours to several days!
It is a generally accepted theory that any mechanical lock that is usually operated with a key can be picked. Ergo, lock picks are tools that are designed to work like keys.
This website will inform and educate you. It will answer hundreds of questions you may have about lock picking, lock picks, locksmith tools and locksmith training. When it is completed it will have the most comprehensive dictionary of locksmith "lingo" on the net. We hope it will inspire you and teach you about proper tools, equipment, training and terminology. We hope you will find it a valuable resource and return to it often. Refer your friends here whether they be hobbyists, apprentice locksmiths, security professionals or law enforcement personnel. There's something of value on these pages for everyone with an interest in lock picks and lock picking tools - as a hobby or trade.