For no other reason than that I’ve always wondered how it’s done, I was fascinated to discover, via Boing Boing, a comic-book guide to lock-picking.
Well, once having had to pay an emergency locksmith £150 (and this was over 10 years ago) for five minutes’ work getting into my my flat in London one night after I’d lost my keys got me thinking it’s a useful skill to have, too.
From the Introduction:
The Credo of the Lock Picker: You may only pick locks that you own, or those to which you’ve been given explicit permission to pick by the rightful owner.
Locksport is an honest, ethical, and legitimate hobby. Unfortunately, the whole world hasn’t figured that out yet (though we’re working on it!). Because the lay person has a tendency to perceive what we do as somehow nefarious, it is extra important that we commit to following a strict code of ethics. For this reason, the above credo is non-negotiable in the locksport community. Lock picking should never, ever be used to illegal or even questionable purposes. Please do not misuse this information. We assume no responsibility for your actions, and in no way condone immoral activity. Help keep locksport fun for all by following strictly the one rule.
Update: I’ve been getting complaints that the link to the instruction manual isn’t clear (it’s on the Makezine page). For the benefit of people who’re locked out and in too much of a hurry to look for it, here it is.
Technorati tag: Lockpicking
Not Saussure 
Ha! You’re soon to be a very rich man.
Comment by jameshigham — November 8, 2006 @ 9:35 pm
Certainly no need for emergency locksmiths to turn their talents to crime.
The really galling thing was that it was a very expensive security lock and door — we’d been advised to lodge keys with the fire brigade in case there was a fire and they had to pull us out.
Comment by notsaussure — November 8, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
Thanks – I’ve updated the post to reflect your update. As for no need for crime – absolutely, of course.
Comment by jameshigham — November 8, 2006 @ 10:33 pm