How to Earn Your Black Belt in Lockpicking
The Black Belt is the ninth and highest rank in the Lock Pickers United system. At this level you must prove mastery over extremely difficult locks and also complete a Tier 2 Epic Quest or equivalent project. This rank requires significant dedication, so read these instructions carefully. The official belt wiki is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/wiki/beltranking/
Non-Picking Requirement
Mentor at least two advanced pickers through the process of getting into a difficult lock.
Complete two of the Epic Quest Options listed below.
All previous non-picking requirements must have been fulfilled:
- Demonstrated your ability to gut locks and get them back together again. Green Belt Requirement.
- Demonstrated history of helping new pickers, either on the sub and or in the Discord channel. Blue Belt Requirement.
- Built a Challenge Lock and shared it with a fellow picker. Blue Belt Requirement.
- Complete a Project or Quest at Tier 1 level or above. Brown Belt Requirement.
Evidence Format
Pick and gut in a continuous video take without cuts, keeping the lock and components in frame. Your video should include a clear close-up of the pins from the lock. Note: videos must be in horizontal aspect ratio due to the detailed review that Black Belt evidence receives. Videos shot vertically will be rejected without review.
Epic Quest Options (all subject to approval)
- Complete a Master s Project at Tier 2 level or above. Project types and requirements details: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/wiki/beltranking/
- Select and pick two additional Black Belt level locks. Note that you can opt to submit a Black Belt request with a total of six Black Belt locks picked and gutted without completing a Master s Project.
Step 1: Film your proof videos
Requirements: SPP (single pin pick) and gut the required number of locks ranked as Black Belt. Locks must be from separate entries in the Black list on the wiki. Each pick + gut must be in one continuous wide format (landscape) video. Upload only to YouTube, set to Public or Unlisted. Shorts or vertical videos will be rejected.
What to include in each video: 1. Show the lock in the locked state, with a clear close-up of model markings. 2. Show your tools, including the exact pick profiles and tension tools. 3. Record the full SPP pick in one take, from first touch to open. 4. Gut the lock on camera. Keep all components in frame and show clear close-ups of pin stacks. 5. Show the open plug at the end. 6. State or display your Reddit username and “Black Belt Application.”
Step 2: Make a public Reddit post on r/lockpicking
Go to: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/
Post Title Example: Black Belt Application – ASSA Twin V-10 + EVVA 3KS + Tier 2 Epic Quest – u/YourRedditName
Post Content Template (copy paste and edit):
Hello everyone,
This is my application for the Black Belt.
Video proof Lock A: [YouTube URL]
Video proof Lock B: [YouTube URL]
Epic Quest documentation: [Link to project writeup, photos, or repository]
Lock models: [Lock A], [Lock B]
Picking method: SPP and gut for each
Gutting timestamps: Lock A mm:ss, Lock B mm:ss
Non-picking requirement completed: [Describe Tier 2 Epic Quest or equivalent project]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 with Expansion Kit profiles
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.
Thank you, u/YourRedditName
Step 3: Send modmail with your links
Go to: https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/lockpicking
Subject Example: Black Belt Application – u/YourRedditName
Modmail Message Template (copy paste and edit):
Hello moderators,
I would like to apply for Black Belt. Please review the details below.
Public post: [Reddit post URL]
Video proof Lock A: [YouTube URL]
Video proof Lock B: [YouTube URL]
Epic Quest documentation: [Link to project writeup or gallery]
Lock models: [Lock A], [Lock B]
Picking method: SPP and gut for each
Gutting timestamps: Lock A mm:ss, Lock B mm:ss
All previous non-picking requirements have been completed.
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 with Expansion Kit profiles
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.
Thank you, u/YourRedditName
Recommended Locks for Black Belt
From the Black list on the wiki (full list: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/wiki/beltranking/): Medeco biaxial or similar high security variants, EVVA 3KS, Abloy Disklock Pro, ASSA Twin V-10, BiLock high security cylinders.
Sourcing advice: Look for used or serviceable cores on eBay, locksmith auctions, or classifieds. Ask local locksport groups if you can borrow a lock to film your application. Avoid destructive entries unless the wiki specifically allows them.
Tooling recommendation
At this level you should be using the Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 https://lockpickpros.com/products/cf-special-2-0-pre-order and Expansion Kit profiles. These provide the narrow hooks and precise profiles required for restrictive keyways and advanced pinning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using two locks from the same entry in the list (they must be separate). Submitting edited videos. Forgetting to gut locks on camera. Failing to include your Epic Quest or project documentation. Sending multiple modmails instead of one with all links.
Social Bonus Rules
When your posts must be made:
Only social media posts created after the date that each belt is officially awarded on r/lockpicking will count toward the bonus. Older posts you made before your belt promotion are not eligible.
What qualifies: Posts must clearly tag @lockpick.pros (fb/ig/tiktok) @lockpick_pros (twitter/x) or @lockpickpros (youtube) in the caption, description, or video text. Posts must remain public and accessible. Platforms that count: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter).
How to earn bonuses:
-
Bonus Tier 1
At least 3 public posts tagging appropriate lockpick pros socials on that platform with Combined 5,000+ views within 30 days
→ Reward: free upgrade pick or accessory -
Bonus Tier 2 - Required for #blackbeltchallenge
At least 5 public posts tagging lockpick pros socials on that specific platform
Combined 10,000+ views within 30 days
→ Reward: two upgrade picks & black belt stage completion
Verification: Provide direct links to your posts in your reward email. View counts are based on the numbers shown on the platform at the time of review. Only posts created after your belt was awarded are eligible.
Claim Your Reward
Once your Black Belt is awarded, you can request your custom embroidered belt and special reward pick. If you completed the full bonus challenge for the #blackbeltchallenge then you might be due a reward! Submit through: https://lockpickpros.com/blogs/news/reward-submissions