UK Locksport

Introducing myself as a new member. Was a self taught locksmith as a youngster, mainly bench work. Worked assembling and master keying Assa/Ruko cylinders and padlocks (wish I had saved some old style assa driver pins). Getting back into the sport side and struggling with Abus padlock, will post pick and description later.

Welcome @Nickpicks

welcome and you picked a good one

@NicksPicks Hi

Have a read of the rules and a good look around.

You've come to the right place for all things Locksport.

Lots of friendly folk to help you along your journey.

Ask loads of questions and post loads of pics.

Hi @Nickpicks and

I wish I had a "welcome template" like some of the others here, saying to read the rules etc. Just do as they say!

There's a wealth of information on this forum and if you can't find what you're after just ask. The only stupid question is one that isn't asked!

Don't be afraid of posting photos of locks you pick on the way as we all like pictures, no matter how easy they are to open. Everybody started somewhere and like seeing other people progress. You don't have to pick a Medico [sic] to get a +1! In fact there's a whole thread on What you didn't pick today

"Solomon's uber-detailed guide to picking pin tumbler locks" is a good place to start: viewtopic.php?f=41&t=423

Here's a good thread on buying a starter kit:
viewtopic.php?f=63&t=17583

Here's a good thread on getting locks:
viewtopic.php?f=63&t=10217

How to post pictures:
viewtopic.php?p=281751#p281751

More than anything, have fun and keep it legal!

PS Just to let you know..... give it time. The learning curve varies greatly from clear acrylic locks to a real lock, then onto security pins where it will flatten off again etc.... you NEED to be patient! A halfway decent set of picks will help as opposed to cheap Chinesium ones but try not to go overboard and buy everything (as we all did!) as you never end up using half of them. Law Lock Tools is good if you're UK based.


I think I've just written my first "welcome template"