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I have long been interested in locking mechanisms and am saving up for my first set of lock-picks and a couple of basic locks to experiment with.
What sort of time limit should I set myself for picking a basic lock, after a couple of practice runs? What sort of picks and locks are best for the total beginner?
As an aside, how long would it take a professional locksmith to pick a domestic house lock, for example- seconds or hours?
Please only answer if you have knowledge of locksmithing. Thanks!
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when I was " IN" there was a burglar who could pick a standard deadbolt under one minute and he was doing it for about 15 years…and going strong.
A cheesy door lock is about half the time.
For a newbie I’d think six minutes, after about two years you should be under two minutes.
Personally, I see this profession as a reflection of a "By-Gone-Era" because I am very sure in your lifetime you will see this entire field domanated about 85% in favor of electronic switches.
Ye ‘Ole Locksmith will become the modern day "Code Cracker."
In my experience if you go much over 3 to 5 minutes you get nervous and twitchy, your effectiveness goes down and it’s time to try something different.
I’m sure it depends upon the type of lock and your experience, but my understanding is that experienced lock pickers can pick a cylinder lock in seconds.
Excellent resource below with interactive graphics.
If you are an "expert" at least an hour plus call out and VAT. If you are a housebreaker 3 seconds flat,
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