The lock picking belt ranking (from r/lockpicking) grades locks from white belt to black belt. This page sorts our practice locks by belt level so you always know which lock to buy next. Open your current belt's lock consistently, then move up one.
Guide
Belt Ranking Locks
The locksport community ranks locks by the skill needed to single pin pick them. You earn a belt by opening a lock of that level (and, in the community, posting proof). The ranks are white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red and black. We explain the full system on the belt ranking page; this collection is the shopping list that goes with it.
Any pin tumbler with standard pins: transparent padlocks, basic brass padlocks, 2–4 pin progressive locks. First belt for everyone.
5–6 pin locks with standard pins and tighter tolerances: cutaway padlocks, basic Euro cylinders, 6-pin progressive locks.
Locks with one or two security pins: spool-pin practice locks, entry-level branded padlocks with a spool.
Several security pins, restrictive keyways: re-pinned cylinders with 3+ spools/serrated, better European padlocks.
Quality locks with mixed security pins, plus other mechanisms: disc detainer and dimple locks. From here the belts are earned on branded locks that you will find at your local locksmith — our role is to get you there.
Skipping levels is the most common reason people quit. A lock that is too hard gives no feedback; you cannot learn from silence. One belt at a time, every session ends with an open, and the skill compounds. Most people reach blue belt in two to four months of short daily sessions.
Our bundles package white-to-orange (Learn) and white-to-blue (Progress) with a pick set and the guide. Building your own challenge locks with a repinning kit is the green-belt tradition.
Hobby lock picking is legal in nearly all of Europe when you pick your own locks (legality by country). White belts start here: how to pick a lock for beginners.
