Getting started in lockpicking
This past weekend at DefCon, I had the opportunity to hang out with a couple people at the Lockpicking Village. I first met Deviant Ollam and Mouse and the crew back at ShmooCon. It was a lot of fun; I learned to break out of a pair of handcuffs in just a few seconds. Since then, I have been compiling a list of resources and guides on the fine art of lockpicking.
First paper that I read and would recommend to anyone else is the original, MIT Guide to Lockpicking [pdf]. You can also read it in HTML format. This paper goes over all the basics of the locksmith trade, and you'll understand how locks work, how a key opens a lock, and the methods for picking a lock.
TOOOL (The Open Organization Of Lockpickers) is a great resource for all things lockpicking, and they actually run the Lockpicking Village at DefCon/ShmooCon. Deviant Ollam also has his own page up with links to an overwhelming amount of information. Each page has animated GIF's, pictures, and write-ups on everything from lock & pick theory to bump keys to lubricants to gun locks. Definitely a page you'll want to add to your bookmarks.
A popular forum with frequent activity related to the trade is Lock Picking 101. There are a ton of threads, posts, and members that have all asked and answered most every question you might have starting out and as you become more advanced. Don't forget to read the law, twice.
That's it for now... Buy some locks, a pick set (or make your own; we made some out of street sweeper bristles before), sit down and read and practice. I'll post about this subject intermittently -- I'm still getting the hang of it. It's been a fun little hobby :)
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