How To Start Making a Hobby Out of Lock Picking

Searching for a fun, challenging hobby that requires the use of both brain power and fine motor skills? Look no further than the craft of lock picking. Perfect for both general hobbyists and puzzle enthusiasts, lock picking allows you to conquer goals you set by constantly improving your practice and varying your skill will the use of different lock pick mechanisms.

While lock picking is a hobby that can be practiced by most anyone, be aware of local laws that could turn a fun challenge into a felony. Check to see that your state or municipality does not have express laws prohibiting the ownership of lock picking tools. Additionally, only pick locks that you own, or locks owned by others that you have permission to manipulate.

Getting Started

Before learning your craft, set realistic goals to accomplish in your practice and understand the commitment that lock picking as a hobby demands. This is not something that is mastered in a short period of study; lock picking requires you to constantly practice to both advance your skill level and maintain the lock picking basics. Understand that, before a lock pick is attempted, hours of study and preparation are needed.

Start by researching the anatomy of a lock and understanding the role that each piece plays in its proper function. Become acquainted with the commonly used terminology that surrounds lock picking. Research well-known experts in the field; their opinions, videos, and expertise lends informed suggestions on goal setting, proper choice of equipment, and useful practice techniques.

Set Your Goals

Setting goals and, subsequently, achieving them, are the foundation of any hobbyist’s practice, no matter their field. Set your goals before even purchasing your first round of lock picking equipment. With lock picking, it is best to begin with the goal of successfully picking a standard pin tumbler lock; this is a common starting place for both professionals and hobbyists alike. From there, expand your goals by determining other types of locks to pick, improving your picking time, or, if your interest in lock picking is strong enough, working toward professional certification in order to turn a hobby into a profession.

Pick Your Picks

Your first lock picking set should include both the best lock picks and complement the goals you have set. For beginners with aspirations to pick simple lock configurations, a rake and hook are required. A half diamond pick, as well as a tension wrench, are also necessary. To make the set organized and portable, a durable, appropriately sized case should also be purchased.

Find Your Locks

Reflect on your goals and conquer the standard pin tumbler lock using the knowledge gained from your research and helpful tutorial videos. After doing so, ensure you know the difficulty level of each subsequent lock. Attempting to pick a more difficult lock before gaining the ability to pick a simpler configuration leads to discouragement and a loss of interest. It is best to simply pick them in order of increasing difficulty. To ensure that you have the right set, use lock picking sets like sparrows lock picks for the best results.

Lock picking is a skill that can be maintained through regular study and practice. It not only gives you the satisfaction of solving each lock’s “puzzle”; it provides nearly endless opportunities for more challenging endeavors. Its practice also gives you a skill that can be used in the real world, inside the boundaries of your state or municipality’s laws.

Lock picking can go beyond a fun and challenging hobby. Lock picking competitions held worldwide give you the chance to both test your skills and see the world. These skills have the ability to translate into a professional career as a locksmith, making it possible to do something you love everyday.