What we’re about
Oak City Locksport is the original Raleigh area lockpicking group, founded in 2010 by Katie (aka "sq33k"), and led today by Patrick (aka "unregistered436"). While we are not a TOOOL chapter, we were fostered by the TOOOL US president Deviant Ollam, and we remain friends to this day. We meet once a month to pick locks, share interesting locks or projects, and have a beer with friends.
Check out our YouTube Channel!
We're focused on fun and education! We welcome newcomers to this hobby, and are more than willing to teach the basics to get you started. There are no startup costs or membership fees, though we won't refuse the occasional donation to replace damaged items or expand the collection. We have some "community" locks and picks so there is no need to bring anything to your first meetups, but most people end up buying their own picks once they're hooked! Most people pick up this hobby because locks are like little metal puzzles. It's useful to learn about the relative security (or insecurity) of the locks we use in everyday life. There are many different variations of the saying, but "Locks are for honest people". A real criminal is more likely to break a window, use bolt cutters, or crash through a door.
Besides our Meetups you might also find us running the Lockpick Village at regional security conferences such as CackalackyCon or BSidesRDU.
Is learning to pick locks and possessing lock picks legal in the state of North Carolina? You bet! BUT, you've got to make sure to follow a few simple rules: \
• Do not pick a lock you rely upon. The lock may be damaged in your practice and stop functioning. \
• Do not pick a lock you do not own unless given explicit permission. Always warn the owner that it's possible damage may occur. \
• Do not offer services or receive compensation for picking a lock unless you are licensed as a Locksmith in the state of North Carolina (NC GS 74F). \
• Use your powers for good, not evil. Do not share your skills with those you suspect will lockpick to commit a crime. Also note that possession of lock picks with intent to break into a home or business is escalated up to a Class I Felony (NC GS 14-55).
See our Wiki for lockpicking references and information on the lock library that members have access to (https://oakcitylocksport.com/)
We can also be found on Twitter at @oakcitylocks.
Note: While this is a public Meetup, we reserve the right to ask participants to leave if they are disrespectful, disruptive, disreputable. Yeah, we'll "dis" you.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- CackalackyCon Lockpick VillageNeeds location
Oak City Locksport will be running a Lockpick Village Friday through Sunday May 17th-May 19th at the CackalackyCon conference!
If you've never picked a lock and want to learn this is the place to start. If you're an intermediate or advanced picker and want to try something new, ask the Village staff because not everything we have may be out!
OCL will have picking contests and games, and our store with locks, picks and picking gear, swag, etc. will be open!
If you would like to attend the Lockpick Village you must either purchase a badge in advance or day-of at the CackalackyCon registration desk.
https://events.eventzilla.net/e/cackalackycon-2024-2138605949The Village hours will be published on the CackalackyCon website, and event schedules will be available in the village.
- OCL May MeetingSammy's Tap & Grill, Raleigh, NC
This meeting will be the weekend following CackalackyCon to pick up any of those new pickers who wanted a follow-up!
As always, newbies with no experience are welcome. We have practice locks and picks for you. Feel free to bring friends, family, etc. We're a family friendly event, though younger kids might not grasp the mechanical concepts. You make the call on whether yours can "get it".If you've never picked a lock before, try checking out this video before you attend so you'll have a head start on the basic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTZddvAws9M
Other info: https://oakcitylocksport.com/
