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The MIT Lockpicking Guide

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Re: The MIT Lockpicking Guide

#5
On a legal note;

IANAL, but I did a little research before getting started in lock picking a while back. iirc, there are no federal laws against having picks. However, states often have laws against "possession of burglary tools". In my jurisdiction, if they can establish intent to burglarize -- ie, you're also carrying an empty duffel bag, a crowbar, and a map with the bank circled on it -- its a class II felony.

I repeat; I am not a lawyer.

Re: The MIT Lockpicking Guide

#6
A really invaluable skill. Picking locks has saved me on multiple occasions, to get into my own property. It has also made me rethink the way I secure my valuable goods. If only for this second reason, I think basic picking skills should be learned by everyone.

Re: The MIT Lockpicking Guide

#7
post #5

On a legal note; IANAL, but I did a little research before getting started in lock picking a while back. iirc, there are no federal laws against having picks. However, states often have laws against "possession of burglary tools". In my jurisdiction, if they can establish intent to burglarize -- ie, you're also carrying an empty duffel bag, a crowbar, and a map with the bank circled on it -- its a class II felony. I…

Presumably then the issue is more about carrying them with you when you're out and about rather than having them in a toolbox at home?

In the same way you can have a big knife at home but carrying it in your bag is a problem.

Re: The MIT Lockpicking Guide

#8
Funny thing but my only real life experience of lock picking and none of those techniques were used. It was a combination lock with 4 wheels and it was easy to figure out the combination with a little piece of plastic wedged between each wheel and the lock face.

Re: The MIT Lockpicking Guide

#10
post #9

Why does most of the world continue to use the pin tumbler locks, when the disc tumbler lock (invented in 1907) is almost impossible to pick? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin_tumbler_lock http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_tumbler_lock

Best guess? Pin tumbler locks are probably cheaper to produce.
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