June 21, 2021

26: How do you pick a lock?

18 minutes

Linh wonders how to pick a lock, and our special guest, Fernando Olivares, and Dimitri try their best to explain it… slowly…

Follow Fernando Olivares on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fromjrtosr

References:

https://isccompanies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Keyway-and-Key-Size-Dimensions.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_picking

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combination_lock

https://sophieh.itch.io/sophies-safecracking-simulator

https://xkcd.com/538/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locksport

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Open_Organisation_Of_Lockpickers

https://locksmithingschool.com/how-to-become-a-locksmith-in-california/

Errata:

There is no one standard thickness, it all depends on the key. Most of my keys are about 1.75 mm thickness.

According to Wikipedia, possession of lock picks is legal in states like: Arizona, California, Utah, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Washington State, and New York. (Do double check the laws before you decide to purchase a lock picking set.)

Lock picking can be considered as a sport if done without malicious intent.

There is no one specific lock picker organization where all lock pickers become to. Those who want to become a locksmith will need to have a locksmith contractor license, specifically in California. (You will need to check with your own state laws.)

The Open Organization of Lockpickers (TOOOL) is an organization that host lock picking competitions as a sport.

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