The Ultimate Guide to Lock Picking Belt Rankings: Progress Your Skills and Tools for Every Level
The Lock Picking Belt Ranking System is not just a measure of skill—it’s a journey that allows you to learn, practice, and perfect your abilities at each stage. Every belt level offers unique challenges, teaches essential skills, and sets the foundation for advancement. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned picker, this guide will walk you through each belt, what you should learn, and the tools needed for success.
White Belt: Your Entry into Lock Picking
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick any lock with any tool.
- Provide photo or video evidence of your achievement showing the turned core.
What You’ll Learn:
At this stage, you’ll learn the basics of how locks function and develop a feel for tensioning. This belt level allows you to experiment with different picks and techniques without the pressure of security pins or complex mechanisms.
Recommended Tools:
- PXS-05L Set: This basic 5-piece kit is perfect for beginners, with essential picks and a tension wrench.
- Kick Start Set: Ideal for dimple and wafer locks, this set includes key picks for high-security locks.
Suggested Practice Locks:
- Clear Acrylic Locks: These transparent locks let you observe the internal pin movements as you pick, providing a visual understanding of the process
Yellow Belt: Delving into Security Pins
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick one Yellow Belt lock, which may include simple security pins.
- Show video or photo evidence with a turned core.
What You’ll Learn:
Yellow Belt teaches you to handle basic security pins, such as spools, that add false feedback. This level emphasizes control and introduces new techniques like rocking and raking.
Recommended Tools:
- MPXS-08 Set: With a wider variety of picks and two tension tools, this set helps you develop the versatility needed for locks with security pins.
Suggested Practice Locks:
- Master Lock 140/141: A straightforward lock with spool pins that offers a gentle but rewarding challenge.
Orange Belt: Advanced Pin Manipulation
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick an Orange Belt lock that includes advanced security features, such as serrated or multiple spool pins.
- Provide continuous video evidence, as false feedback increases the challenge.
What You’ll Learn:
At this level, you’ll develop precision through single-pin picking (SPP). You’ll also encounter false sets and learn to differentiate between pin types by feel, which is essential for handling more complex security pins.
Recommended Tools:
- MPXS-14 Set: This set includes nine picks and four tension tools, giving you the tools to manage various pin configurations and improve your SPP technique.
Suggested Practice Locks:
- Cutaway Locks with Spool and Serrated Pins: Cutaways let you see how different pin types interact with your picks, helping you refine your approach.
Green Belt: The Art of Gutting and Reassembly
Requirements to Progress:
- Successfully pick, gut, and reassemble a Green Belt lock.
- Provide video evidence, showcasing both the picking and gutting process in one continuous take.
What You’ll Learn:
Green Belt emphasizes understanding the inner workings of locks. You’ll need to disassemble locks to study their components and develop the ability to reassemble them correctly. It’s also essential to master tool control, as the locks at this level often have complex internals.
Recommended Tools:
- Resin Plug Follower: This double-duty tool makes gutting a breeze by holding the pins and springs in place as you remove the core. One end features a standard trap, while the other end has a star burst cap remover, perfect for reassembly.
- Plug Followers: This set includes four anodized aluminum followers in various sizes, making them suitable for different lock types and ideal for both hobbyists and professionals.
- Pinning Tweezers: These 99mm tweezers are specifically designed for precise handling of small lock components. Non-magnetic and pro-grade, they’re perfect for reassembling locks with ease.
- Mini Pinning Mats: These compact mats are designed to fit in a Sherman case, providing designated spaces for pins, springs, and other components, ensuring that your workspace stays organized during gutting and reassembly.
Suggested Practice Locks:
- American Lock 1100: With multiple spool pins, this lock requires attention to detail, making it perfect for honing gutting skills.
Blue Belt: Mastering High-Security Locks
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick and gut a Blue Belt lock with multiple security features like dead cores or intricate pins.
- Provide continuous video evidence of picking and gutting.
What You’ll Learn:
Blue Belt introduces you to high-security locks with dead cores and custom pin configurations. You’ll develop proficiency in SPP, pin manipulation, and use tools like plug followers to maintain control during gutting.
Recommended Tools:
- MPXS-20 Set: Designed for versatility, this set includes an extensive array of picks for tackling high-security challenges.
- Plug Followers: This set includes four anodized aluminum followers in various sizes, making them suitable for different lock types and ideal for both hobbyists and professionals.
- Pinning Tweezers: These 99mm tweezers are specifically designed for precise handling of small lock components. Non-magnetic and pro-grade, they’re perfect for reassembling locks with ease.
- Core Trainer: Practice various keyways with this kit, which includes common profiles like SC1, KW1, Y1, and WR5.
Purple Belt: Embracing Dual Mechanisms
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick two Purple Belt locks with dual mechanisms, such as dimple or wafer locks, in one continuous video take.
- Demonstrate advanced skills in using specialized tools and creating challenge locks for others.
What You’ll Learn:
Purple Belt expands your skills to include dimple locks and other advanced mechanisms. You’ll refine your ability to create challenge locks and start helping others in the community by sharing insights and techniques.
Recommended Tools:
- MPXS-20 Set: Designed for versatility, this set includes an extensive array of picks for tackling high-security challenges.
Brown Belt: Confronting Ultra High-Security Locks
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick and gut two different Brown Belt locks, which may include complex sidebar mechanisms.
- Create and publish a custom tool design or engage in the lock-picking community by mentoring others.
What You’ll Learn:
At this level, you’ll handle ultra high-security locks that require custom tools and advanced techniques. You’ll start making specialized tools and might even create your own custom plug followers for specific lock types.
Recommended Tools:
- Sparrows SHANK: An essential tool for working with file cabinets, padlocks, and other specific locks.
- Sparrows ULTRA Decoder: Perfect for combination locks, allowing for quick access to various high-security padlocks.
Red Belt: Mentorship and Advanced Techniques
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick and gut two Red Belt locks, documenting the process in one continuous take.
- Mentor other advanced pickers, publish a custom tool design, or complete a specialized project like a challenge lock.
What You’ll Learn:
Red Belt focuses on mentoring and developing advanced lock-picking techniques, including the creation of custom tools and handling high-security locks with multiple mechanisms.
Black Belt: World-Class Mastery
Requirements to Progress:
- Pick and gut two Black Belt locks and complete two Epic Quests, such as developing a specialized skill or completing a complex project.
- Mentor multiple pickers at advanced levels, publish your tool designs, and contribute to the lock-picking community.
What You’ll Learn:
As a Black Belt, you’ll be recognized as an expert, tackling the most challenging locks with multiple locking mechanisms. This level requires extensive knowledge, custom tool use, and community leadership
Each belt level in lock picking offers a new challenge and learning opportunity. With the right tools and dedication, you can progress through the ranks and develop mastery over a variety of locks. Ready to start your journey? Explore our range of lock pick sets and practice locks to find the perfect fit for your skill level. Unlock your potential today with the best tools for every step along the way!