As you can see, I have more “surprise tools” than the first post might have suggested. At the top you can see the Sparrows Tuxedo, and below that are some warded pick and some wafer picks.
Like you’ll hear me suggest on other topics, the best resource prior to running out and buying cool gear is to invest in some training and education. All of my lock education has been self-taught either hands-on or by means of YouTube. LockpickingLawyer is one excellent resource, as is Deviant Ollam. As I mentioned before, TOOOL is another great source of information, and I’ll duplicate their code of ethics again here for reference.
Never pick or manipulate with the aim of opening any lock that does not belong to you, unless you have been granted explicit permission by the lock’s rightful owner.
Never disseminate knowledge or tools of lockpicking to individuals whom you know or whom have reason to suspect would seek to employ such skills or equipment in a criminal manner.
Be mindful of the relevant laws concerning lockpicks and related equipment in any country, state, or municipality where you seek to engage in hobbyist lockpicking or recreational locksporting.
TOOOL U.S.
So again, I know this is a primary gear blog, but don’t forget the importance of knowing what the hell you’re doing first and getting the gear second. These tools, along with some bypass tools (a few of which I’ll profile next) and other miscellaneous useful items travel with me in my backpack regularly.
Due to my primary employment, it can be useful to get in to places people aren’t traditionally allowed in without a key (of course while following applicable laws and rules) – while I’m not sitting there picking locks on the regular, locksport has provided an excellent foundation of skills and knowledge to draw from when looking to make entry.
I’d strongly encourage anyone in public safety to acquire some base competency with locksport and common bypass methods – you’ll find your skills called upon sooner than later, I promise!
-T