Description
Practical Lock Picking: A Physical Penetration Tester’s Training Guide, 2nd Edition
Practical Lock Picking, Second Edition, is an instructional manual that covers everything from straightforward lockpicking to quick-entry techniques such as shimming, bumping, and bypassing. Written by Deviant Ollam, one of the security industry’s best-known lockpicking teachers and winner of the Best Book Bejtlich Read in 2010 award, this book contains detailed photos that make learning as easy as picking a lock. Material is offered in easy-to-follow lessons that allow even beginners to acquire the knowledge very quickly. Whether the student will be hired at some point to penetrate security or simply trying to harden his or her own defenses, this book is essential.
This edition has been updated to reflect the changing landscape of tools and tactics which have emerged in recent years. It consists of 6 chapters that discuss topics such as:
- The fundamentals of pin tumbler and wafer locks
- The basics of picking, with emphasis on how to exploit weaknesses
- Tips for beginners on how to get very good and very fast in picking locks
- Advanced training
- Quick-entry tricks about shimming, bumping, and bypassing
- Pin tumblers in other configurations
This book is geared specifically toward penetration testers, security consultants, IT security professionals, and hackers.
Features:
- Detailed full-color photos make learning as easy as picking a lock
- Extensive appendix details tools and toolkits currently available for all your lock picking needs
English 
Spanish
Joshua Jordan –
I stumbled upon this book while browsing and decided to purchase it from mere curiosity. I have a part-time job at a hardware store and am constantly getting questions about what padlocks are the most secure or which deadbolt set should one go with. This book certainly opened my eyes, particularly to padlocks – I haven’t had much time to practice on any deadbolts yet, but the mechanics are basically the same.Along with this book, I also purchased a small pick set to see if what I was reading would actually have real world practicality. Since padlocks are relatively inexpensive, I began toying around with different models and discovered that many – the majority sold in the hardware store I work at – are easily overcome with a basic picking set; namely, all one really needs is a tension wrench and a rake pick (detailed in the book). The first padlock I purchased was a cheap Master Lock – after reading midway through this book, as a novice pick artist, I opened a Master Lock in less than five minutes. I have since refined my technique and Master Locks can be opened as if one had the key and not a wrench and rake.Since I was able to crack Master Lock brand padlocks so easily, I began trying different models and brands that my store sold. One-by-one, they all succumbed to the basic skills learned in this book. I can open every Master Lock our store sells, every Tru-Bolt, the few Brinks we sell, and the few Schlage we sell. All of these locks were fairly easily compromised except for one – that is the Schlage 994831:http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-994831-Padlock-2-5-Inch-Shackle/dp/B0043EVDAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358829492&sr=8-1&keywords=schlage+padlockThis thing is a beast and took days for me to finally crack. So the lesson learned about padlocks from this book is that one should seriously consider using the Schlage – despite its cost, it will be well worth it to thwart most, even very determined, thieves from taking whatever is valuable behind that lock. Like I said, the book was a real eye opener as to how vulnerable this common means of securing property really is.As for deadbolts and standard handle locks, I have not attempted to use the techniques described in this book on any; however, if they all follow the same general mechanism, which this book will illustrate in intricate detail, then there are certainly a lot of locks open to circumvention via lock picking. I have heard; however, that the Dexter locks (of higher quality) mirror the Schlage padlock in thwarting an attempted pick.Aside from these sorts of tumbler locks, there really isn’t much to step up to unless you want to spend a serious amount of cash. The most difficult, or intimidating lock, in my mind is the round key-lock. These require even more specialized tools to open, so the safety factor of these seems fairly high. There are also magnetic locks, electronically controlled, but I can only imagine the cost.Brands of locks aside, the book really does do a great job of explaining in detail the internal mechanics of all of these various locks (some are more refined and harder to crack) and the book turned out to be very difficult to put down. The book could easily be read in one session, but the desire to check out the techniques described will be strong.If the book has taught me anything other than a new, inexpensive hobby, it is that, rest assured, someone will be able to crack any lock you will likely find in a local hardware store, especially given the proper motivation. My motivation was from curiosity and to help customers select the correct product when asked. Those would be some of the more expensive locks, but if you value what you secure with a padlock, or door lock, or deadbolt, it should definitely be one built to thwart such an easy skill to acquire. Particularly when there is literature out there that can teach someone to pick effectively in a matter of hours.
davidthawaii –
While not at the graduate school level, this should perhaps be considered a Junior or Senior level reference textbook of lock picking for interested, self-taught students. When a book starts off by espousing the ethics of lock picking, you know this is a serious look at the topic. This is a basic enough introduction, though, that almost anyone can begin with this book. Others, that have been investigating lock picking for a while, will still find lots of tidbits here that they may not have known about before. The computer-done illustrations are somewhat bland in a book of this sort, but are absolutely clear and to the point; which is its intended purpose. The detailed, close-up photos of picks, locks, and tools are what generates genuine interest here; especially, if these things are a little unfamiliar to you. Some photos could have been clearer or better lit; but, just by studying the photos (and the text is usually very enlightening, too, of course), the reader can tease out interesting revelations about why certain locks are easier (or harder) to pick, and how and why specific tools can be used to do the picking. Which, of course, is the whole purpose of this book.Although in paperback form, the pages are printed on slick paper, which makes everything sharp and clear, and causes the photos and colored illustrations to pop from the page. It should last for a long while in your library, even after being referenced again and again.All in all, an enjoyable, interesting and well-done book by an interesting, well-known character in the lock picking world.
Waldo Unpaid Reviews –
This is the only book you will ever need in order to understand lock picking. Let me say there is nothing quite as exhilarating as the first time you feel that shackle release from picking!This book has awesome illustrations to help you understand the insides of a lock. Watch some of the authors YouTube videos too. He is actually very funny.A great book for beginners. A great reference book for intermediates. Maybe even the experts could learn a thing or two. Iām just glad there wasnāt a test :-). Although I am surprised Deviant didnāt put a centerfold of a Master Lock in this book.Anyway, buy this book. You wont regret it.
MetalGearFiskee –
I recently got into the hobby of Lock Picking. Itās a random hobby but a very practical one as long as itās done ethicality. This book is fantastic and much more in-depth than all of my college books Iāve had in the past and at a third of the price. The information presented in this book and illustrations are very informative. The index at the end is especially helpful for finding information on specific topics. Deviant Ollam and Shane Lawson both did a great job on this book. I Would give this 6 stars if I could!
Glenn a walter –
A very good book for introduction into lock picking. Does not mention core drilling ( two methods) of tubular locks or camera being inserted in lock and pictures of tumblers position . Use of decoder key, and making new key from decoded data. No mention of new portable methods to make keys.
A. Bishop –
I’m the proud child of two police officers and my number one hero growing up was Sherlock Holmes. Not saying those are exactly the reasons, but I’m pretty sure they helped. Reasons for what you say? Well I like to learn all kinds of random skills. Especially ones that circumvent physical or psychological barriers. For me it’s basically the continuation of taking things apart and putting them back together.I ordered this due to the above interest and the previous reviews posted here. I have to say the good reviews were spot on. In straight forward, simple language (‘layman’s terms), Ollam takes locks apart and puts them back together with excellent diagrams and explanations of techniques.Also covered are the legal ramifications and mindset when approaching this skill set that could very well lead to uncomfortable positions and spur of the moment explanations if misused. In addition terminology is also distilled to make it easier to talk about locks and techniques with other hobbyists and professionals.
Some Random Engineer –
I wish I had found this book first. Itās *by far* the best Iāve read. It has thorough, contains easy to understand explanations, instructions, and tips and tricks, as well as great pictures and illustrations. A fantastic book.
Bryan Evans –
This book is very well written and has about 2 color pictures per page. The pictures are very helpful when trying to visualize how to pick locks with certain tools. The book also talks in depth about all of the tools out there and which ones are better than others. I never write reviews but I highly recommend this book….
Hugh H. –
Excellent book unfortunately after purchase I discovered itās available for ten dollars less at some lock pick suppliers.
Deputy –
Ar first I thought this book was mainly aimed at novice lockpickers. The author made some recommendations that seemed like they were aimed at helping the user spend money wisely. Then came the section on tubular lock picking and it went off the rails. The first style of lockpicks were very basic and quite affordable as well as being effective. Then the author went on to endorse a lock-picking tool that cost well over $400 and that required different “tips” at $50 each. This tool was HUGE and awkward to use unless you were in a lock shop or at home on a workbench. Totally impractical for field use. The name of the tool is the “Peterson Pro-1 Tubular Lockpick” by Peterson Manufacturing. They have a website and you can view the lockpick and it’s accessories there.What the author totally ignored was the Deluxe ACE Tubular Lockpick. This item is sold in many stores and you can see it being used in the excellent video “Lock Picking for the New Millenium”. It cost much less at around $270 and no additional parts are necessary. It’s easier to use and is much more compact. Perfect for both the novice and the pro.There were other recommendations that I have found to be not that good, especially when it came to individual picks. The book is easy enough to read, but I would be careful about taking it’s recommendations. Makes me wonder if the author is getting some kind of kickback from certain lockpick tool makers.