Lock-Pick sets...... just curious

[The Annoyed Man]

I was browsing MassDrop.com earlier today, and a category of products that kept coming up were variations on lock-picking tool sets. I believe that in California, unless one is a licensed locksmith or possibly an LEO, having something like this in your possession constitutes being in possession of burglary tools, or something like that, and it can get you into hot water.

I'm just curious.... does Texas have laws like this? I have no need or desire to break into places where I have no business, but I can see how it might be useful to have such a thing in my glovebox or EDC kit just in case I lose my house keys or they are stolen or something. But I wouldn't want to have one in possession of it represents a legal liability of any kind.

What say ye worthies?

[KD5NRH]

I'm just curious.... does Texas have laws like this? I have no need or desire to break into places where I have no business, but I can see how it might be useful to have such a thing in my glovebox or EDC kit just in case I lose my house keys or they are stolen or something.

Another key is cheaper and easier to use, FYI.

If you must use a pick, this is a lot faster on most residential doors than those little pocket sets:
http://www.cometsupply.com/mp/JACKSON+P ... aQodziAAtQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PBR]

I use to work with a locksmith many many years ago and at that time as far as I know there wan't any laws regarding having those types of tools. Times have changed a lot now though with having to be licensed among other things so not so sure if laws have changed also but I don't think so really cause I see such type tools for sell at regular stores. I myself still carry a slim jim and lock out kit along with some lockpics in my vehicle, cause always coming across someone that has locked their keys in the car at stores and business's.

[cb1000rider]

Cliffs notes: Picks are legal by statute, state must prove criminal intent


Details:

UNLAWFUL USE OF CRIMINAL INSTRUMENT OR MECHANICAL SECURITY DEVICE. (a) A person commits an offense if:

(1) the person possesses a criminal instrument or mechanical security device with the intent to use the instrument or device in the commission of an offense; or

(2) with knowledge of its character and with the intent to use a criminal instrument or mechanical security device or aid or permit another to use the instrument or device in the commission of an offense, the person manufactures, adapts, sells, installs, or sets up the instrument or device.

(b) For the purpose of this section:

(1) "Criminal instrument" means anything, the possession, manufacture, or sale of which is not otherwise an offense, that is specially designed, made, or adapted for use in the commission of an offense.

(2) "Mechanical security device" means a device designed or manufactured for use by a locksmith to perform services for a customer who seeks entry to a structure, motor vehicle, or other property.

It appears to be non-trivial to become a licensed locksmith in Texas:
https://www.texaslocksmiths.org/index.p ... h-in-texas" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[WildBill]

TAM - you are correct about the California laws, but I don't know about Texas.
I bought a lockbox like realtors use when they are showing a house.
It is hanging on the knob of the backdoor and contains an extra set of keys, in case I lock myself out of the house.
I have only had to use it once.

[cheezit]

Google bump key

[jimlongley]

I carried a lock pick set with me almost the whole time I worked at TSA and I was a whiz at getting into most people's luggage without having to break in to it. A supervisor saw me picking a bag one day and told me I was violating some obscure federal law. I told her to prove it. She never did.

[carlson1]

My Assistant Pastor is a locksmith for Irving ISD. The tools he uses at the church and at work are not in a very small kit (like you see on TV). I don't believe they are against the law, but if you get arrested I will come bail you out.

[tomtexan]

Another key is cheaper and easier to use, FYI.

Good answer!

[maintenanceguy]

I've been picking locks as a hobby for 30 years - I've even competed. Yes, there are competitions.

In most jurisdictions, lock picks are perfectly legal. You can be charged with something similar to "possession of burglar tools" but only if there is intent to commit a burglary.

Details on laws in various places can be found here: https://learnlockpicking.com/are-lock-picks-legal/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Javier730]

I believe possessing them is only illegal if you are committing a crime. I practice picking locks as a hobby and because my boss has a habit of losing keys to locks that he has not yet given me a copy.

[psijac]

You can get lock picking stuff on amazon. most of it comes from china

http://www.amazon.com/BESTOPE%C2%AE-Pro ... ck+trainer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MadMonkey]

I usually have a small pick-set with me - it's a useful skill.

Yes it is

[The Annoyed Man]

Another key is cheaper and easier to use, FYI.

Good answer!

Of course it is. But if it likely to be either on my keychain or in the house, and I lose my keys, then I'm back at square one. I'm thinking more along the lines of "what if I had no access to a key?"

Honestly, this isn't a huge concern for me. I was just curious, and I thought it could be a handy little thing that I might never actually need, but would be really glad to have when I did need it.