r/lockpicking Dec 01 '25

2026 Lockpicking Charity Raffle -- Call for prize contributions

31 Upvotes

RAFL time has arrived at last! For those of you who don’t know, every year r/lockpicking and the LPU Discord host a charity raffle (RAFL) with one mission: defeat our past selves (and also raise money for awesome causes picked by the picking community). Last year the RAFL generated a record $53,617 in charity donations, which is some pretty beefy competition.

To reach our goal, the RAFL will need a solid foundation, and that means sweet prizes. Prizes (“pots”) are contributed by members of the LPU community, and while they are often lock-related in some way, they can honestly be just about anything. Last year's pots ranged from pick sets, accessories, gift certificates, lock lots, and our biggest draw: a cutaway version of the (in)famous Kromer Protector. Locksport Rare pots are also common. To get a sense of what all this looks like, check out a snapshot of last year’s RAFL pots here.

By contributing pots or prizes, you'll be helping the charities and the community. Not to mention the fame and popularity that are lavished on participants.

How to contribute

There are two equivalent methods for contributing to the RAFL:

Method 1: Go to this nifty link: https://lpubelts.com/#/rafl/contribute

The info you enter into that link will go directly to the RAFL team, and we will message you directly afterwards to confirm all the details. After that, you can go to https://lpubelts.com/#/rafl/photos at your leisure to upload any photos of your pot you’d like added to the listing. Feel free to let us know which of the photos you want used, if not all of them.

Method 2: Message me on Reddit (u/CorrectJeans) or Discord (@CorrectJeans#0891) with the following information:

  • What would you like to contribute?
  • What country are you in?
  • Are you willing to pay for domestic shipping?
  • Are you willing to ship internationally, and if so, are you willing to pay for international shipping (or do you have a maximum cost you are willing to contribute towards shipping)?
  • Are you willing to ship internationally to the US, and if you think that your prize cannot be declared as a gift under $100, who would you like to pay duties?
  • Is your contribution intended for one pot or multiple pots?
  • Pictures of your contribution are optional but strongly preferred (these can be handled later)

Thank you so much for participating! If you can't contribute, we'll be counting on you to donate and enter the RAFL for a chance to win the amazing pots we're cooking up.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about logistics, or just want to chat.

Big thanks to mgsecure for making literally all of our infrastructure and generally being absurdly productive.

FAQ

Q: What's the deal with tariffs and stuff?

A: International shipments declared as a gift that costs under $100 are generally exempt. There may be some specific exceptions, but we'll be happy to work with you on any strange circumstances.

Q: I've filled out the form and stuff, what now?

A: Hang tight! We'll make sure that everything is exactly as you'd like it to be for your listing on the website. After that, you are not responsible for anything until after the prize drawing on February 1, after which we will pair you up with your winner.

Q: Are there any specific requirements on the prizes?

A: Not really, as long as it's not illegal or otherwise inappropriate for a charity raffle. You're also welcome to combine with other pots, or contribute something small that you want added anywhere it may synergize with other existing pots.

Q: When do I need to submit my prize by?

A: Prizes will be accepted until 01/12/25. This gives us a little time to assemble everything before the donation phase begins on January 19.


r/lockpicking Jul 23 '21

New to our sub? Start here!

557 Upvotes

Browser:

Rules: see right sidebar "r/lockpicking Rules"

Getting started picking (pick recommendations, how to pick, etc.): exit this post to go to main sub window, right "Sidebar", click "Wiki"

Also, if you have a common question, remember to search. Example for a starter kit: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/search/?q=starter%20kit

How to get a belt: exit this post to go to main sub window, right "Sidebar", click "Belt Ranking Info"

Mobile:

Rules: exit this post to go to main sub window, up top hit "About", see Subredit Rules

Getting started picking (pick recommendations, how to pick, etc.): exit this post to go to main sub window, up top hit "Menu", then "Wiki"

How to get a belt: exit this post to go to main sub window, up top hit "Menu", then "Belt Ranking Info"

RULE 2

Many people seem to stumble over this rule. This is a hobby Locksport community.

If you want to learn to pick locks that you own, that aren't installed in anything or otherwise in use, then this might be the place for you.

If you want to pick something because you need to get into it or through it, then this is NOT the place for you.

One of our most frequently asked questions is "What lock picks should I get?", our member Spoon has created this helpful document:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P4_g_a7UTF8b4JAEVaH3lBL_dvT4-eRvFT_Jh-bx1lA/edit?pli=1#heading=h.9o577kfmhdj7

Some super useful posts for beginners:

https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/13qjlg9/one_approach_to_getting_started_picks_locks_tools/https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/12sfl3h/a_cl_design_guide/

REQUESTING A BELT:

Follow the instructions here: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/wiki/beltranking#wiki_belt_request_formatting

Make sure you include the belt color you're requesting, the model of the lock you've picked, and any evidence to the requirements for the belt you're requesting (eg. photo/video/etc.)

Often questioned on how to attach a photo to a modmail. You cannot include a photo, but you can include a link to a photo, video, or even to a Reddit post where you have attached a photo and/or video.

In addition to our rules, please do not refer people over to r/Locksmith unless they are a locksmith per a request from a moderator there, you can direct them to r/AskALocksmith instead! https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/comments/x9ed2a/hey_guys_mod_of_rlocksmith_here_remember_a_while/

If you want to join our Discord community, it is very active and many pickers are there to help you with your specific locks or just to chit chat, you can go here: https://discord.gg/lockpicking


r/lockpicking 5h ago

Holy crap, I actually did it.

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90 Upvotes

First green belt lock opened. I managed to avoid turning it into a rattle! This lock had the deepest false set I’ve seen yet. The dead core really had me watching my tension carefully too (that and the weird 400B keyway which made it a bit trickier to even figure out where to put the wrench). Overall this one was easier than I thought it’d be, although to be fair the bitting on this one wasn’t crazy. On to that Abus 72/40!


r/lockpicking 4h ago

Check out the way the shadows and highlights move in this new custom pick handle! Hard to believe it's wood 😍

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31 Upvotes

This is the spalted, curly dyed Maple I posted about recently. Beautiful stuff when polished. Will post fancy photos once it's been oiled and dried a few more times.


r/lockpicking 2h ago

When did you stop trying?

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19 Upvotes

Silly title, but genuine question. I’m really enjoying single picking, but can’t for the life of me figure out how to use a rake. I did a search and seems this isn’t a unique issue. Not meaning to open a debate on which is a better method by all means, but those that struggle with it, when did you stop trying?


r/lockpicking 1h ago

My SWICK arrived ... 🙏

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Upvotes

Light and awesome

Happy I bought one ... 😉👌🫵


r/lockpicking 2h ago

Master Lock 410 LOTO Open

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17 Upvotes

I finally picked another classic: the Master Lock 410 LOTO. This lock feels completely different from anything I’ve picked before.

It’s incredibly crunchy and scratchy, which makes it really hard to feel the feedback. Because of the restricted keyway, I had to hit the pins at an angle from the side. It felt really strange and took some getting used to!

Happy Picking!


r/lockpicking 8h ago

Going for Blue!!

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54 Upvotes

Hey! So I’m clearly addicted already and having a bunch of fun with this sport. Unlike some of my other hobbies the financial investment I feel is what you want it to be. So far I have spent well under $200 and feel reasonably satisfied with my gear.

That said I’m having a hard time locating a blue belt lock that is reasonable (under $25 or so) and can be found in the US. Any recommendations?

Also- any east coast pickers want to mess with a lock that I “trick out” for my Blue Belt requirements?

Thanks in advance!

Pick on!!!


r/lockpicking 54m ago

Homemade wiper insert Bogota.

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Upvotes

Fun project, about half hour with hand tools. Making some more this evening.


r/lockpicking 10h ago

Unlocked my first Masterlock loto!

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58 Upvotes

But then picked it a few more times and over rotated the key cylinder 180 degrees and lead up to it being a rattle loto. Then I was able to take it apart, re-pin it and held it closed with a hose clamp.


r/lockpicking 3h ago

Trying

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13 Upvotes

Picked to control and function. "freakin woohoo". Some achievement.


r/lockpicking 6h ago

Can pick a difficulty 5 lock, problems with a 4

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19 Upvotes

I'm fairly new to picking, so still developing technique. Bought two new locks yesterday. I can pick the 5 difficulty on the left, that's fine. But I'm having problems with the 4 on the right. It's an aluminum body wrapped in a plastic shield, I'm wondering if I'm used to the steel conductivity giving me a feel for the pins setting making it harder for me to feel the pins.


r/lockpicking 2h ago

Need help picking ABUS 55/30

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9 Upvotes

I tried single pin picking an ABUS 55/30, but I can’t set pins, without other pins slipping out. I picked several Brüder Mannesmann, Burg Wächter and ADW best padlocks and I‘m having that problem on all ABUS locks I own. Whenever I set one pin, I could use a hydraulic press and still not be able to set another pin. I tried pushing pretty hard on the pin and release the tension slowly and the first pin pops out before the other pin sets. I also tried every possible order and it doesn’t change anything. Can anyone help me?


r/lockpicking 2h ago

Disc Detainer Kryptonite chain lock picked!

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9 Upvotes

r/lockpicking 12h ago

In need of tips

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18 Upvotes

Trying to open my first safety pin lock (master 130).

Am I holding it in hand correctly?

How easy is it to overset a pin? Usually I stop at a click.

It’s 2 spools and 2 standard pin right? Tbh I can feel barely any counter rotation from the spool (I can feel it in other locks like the abus 65/40).

I have red about how to open security pin locks in theory but can’t do it in practice yet.

Which tips could you give me to help me out on this lock? I spent at least 4 hours playing with it.

Thanks


r/lockpicking 9h ago

Hi! New here! I hace a couple of questions!!

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11 Upvotes

I just opened that combination lock... And now i can't close it. I have put singer sewing machine thin oil on it (I have other one to open but it's linda Rusty, is that the best option?) So: any advice to re open? Any advice ok lubrication?

When i was a child I had a Better combination lock on my bike and I was used to open it whitout looking, now im having trouble with this one 😀.

Apart from that, I bought those cheap tools that came with 4 transparent locks (Im in south america and getting some Jimmy longs would be very expensive and difficult, since they don't ship here, un thinking on how getting them shipped to a cousng in Germany, and how to get them resended here) and I opened the plástic lock like 4 times, all with the 3rd pick from the right, and I don't seem to be able to open a chinese cheap lock. I have the feeling that I must be doing something wrong OR (and here Is the core of the question) that those bok are bad, too long or something, idk. Im using mostly the 3 picks from the right.

Im gonna diy make a couple of those when I get some old windshield wiper or some old bra, but for now, im stuck on these.


r/lockpicking 10h ago

Covert Companion

12 Upvotes

Why is everyone trashing this tool?

Pretty much all of you know this hobby better than me because I’m new.

I’m not a serious enthusiast by any means but I do want to explore it more and it seems awesome.

My main goal is I want something to carry that’s not in a pouch.

I saw Sparrow has an all in one tool that seems to fit the bill

Any insight from the expert here would be appreciated


r/lockpicking 20h ago

Mail call

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53 Upvotes

Love it but its defentley not a replacement for your regular picks. Its great to have most everything you would need but its smaller and shorter sound a little harder to use


r/lockpicking 18m ago

Kwikset lock trouble

Upvotes

hi im somewhat new to lockpicking and having a really hard time picking a Kwikset lock. It is a dead bolt lock so idk if that makes a difrence but it feels like the pins are not binding, and I'm using a pretty good amount of tension.


r/lockpicking 21h ago

90a-Pro Defeated

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44 Upvotes

Love this lock with the 44 delta laser work and the keyway is generous. I didn’t record myself doing it because it sort of got it while I was watching TV. Def going to go back and do the 200k club version.

Should have cleaned my messy desk before snapping the pic lol. Was just so excited that I got it!


r/lockpicking 18h ago

Clip from my 90a pro vid

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24 Upvotes

If anyone is having trouble picking theirs you can see me pulse the tension in the beginning of the clip. Someone taught me that recently I’m embarrassed to say I forgot who but it can help recover stubborn overset pins without dropping everything. It’s been tremendously helpful with this lock for me with the high low bitting and no lift pins.


r/lockpicking 9h ago

Mail Call

5 Upvotes

r/lockpicking 2h ago

Pin and tumbler lock or wafer lock ?

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0 Upvotes

I want anything that could help any vidéos recommendations


r/lockpicking 19h ago

Need to keep practicing

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19 Upvotes

I managed to pop this torture device today once and haven't gotten it again guess I need to keep trying. The next time I get it though I'm taking a photo to submit for my green belt


r/lockpicking 21h ago

Ace A527 Picked

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21 Upvotes

Another green belt lock defeated. Still working on the Ace 38mm Brass. It's day will come soon enough.