A BIT OF LOCK PICKING HISTORY

[Lauren]

Back in the mid 1980's, China was flooding the market with cheap clones of MASTER style padlocks that used M1 keys. My interest in lock picking was really beginning to take off. I really struggled with the concept of picking locks and there certainly was no internet to build my confidence. The public library was the only source available for picking locks. I remember finding just one book on the subject. I must have been thirteen years old when I invented (not copied) my first lock pick. The design worked great for opening those Chinese laminated padlocks. I invented a pick that acted as a tension tool. The tool, as I see it now, was more of a modern day jiggler. The technique was a great form of "bitch picking". But in the eyes of a thirteen boy, it was skill. This morning morning I found my first lock pick.

[MBI]

Man, that's a real trip down memory lane, finding your first lockpick.

I found my first ones a few years back and despite how lousy they are, they quickly became my son's favorite picks.
And they are REALLY lousy.

Thanks for sharing the story.

[GWiens2001]

Don't have my first pics anymore. But it is interesting you designed that pick. Pretty interesting idea, and great work for a 13 year who had to figure it out for yourself.

Gordon

[davesnothere11]

Neat design, amazing you'd still have it.

[Oldfast]

Ha! Very cool indeed. Designing shit like that at the age of 13.
Hell, in the mid 80's I believe I was still pissin' my bed. lol
Thanks for sharing your historic find with us Lauren.