Locksport

Tax Disc (1956)

Locksport is the practice of learning the skills and techniques of lock picking and other methods of bypassing locks in a recreational or competitive context. It is a hobby that combines elements of mechanical engineering, security engineering, and puzzle solving. Locksport enthusiasts often participate in events, share knowledge, and promote the ethical use of their skills.

History

Locksport has its roots in the ancient art of lock picking, which dates back to the invention of locks themselves. The modern locksport movement began to take shape in the late 20th century, with the advent of the internet allowing enthusiasts to share information and techniques more easily. The formation of organizations such as The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers (TOOOL) has helped to formalize the community and promote ethical guidelines.

Techniques

Locksport involves a variety of techniques, including:

• Single pin picking (SPP)
• Raking
• Bumping
• Impressioning
• Decoding

Each technique requires a different set of tools and skills, and practitioners often specialize in one or more methods.

Tools

Common tools used in locksport include:

• Lock picks
• Tension wrenches
• Bump keys
• Pick guns
• Impressioning files

These tools are often carried in a lock pick set.

Competitions

Locksport competitions, also known as lockpicking competitions, are events where participants compete to open locks in the shortest amount of time. These events are often held at hacker conferences and other gatherings. Competitions may include different categories based on the type of lock or the method of entry.

Ethics

The locksport community places a strong emphasis on ethical behavior. Practitioners are encouraged to follow a code of conduct that includes:

• Only picking locks that they own or have explicit permission to pick
• Not using their skills for illegal activities
• Sharing knowledge responsibly

Organizations

Several organizations support the locksport community, including:

• The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers (TOOOL)
• Locksport International
• Sportsfreunde der Sperrtechnik - Deutschland e.V. (SSDeV)

These organizations often provide resources, host events, and promote ethical guidelines.

See also

• Lock picking
• Physical security
• Security engineering
• Hacker conference