How to Earn Your Blue Belt in Lockpicking

The Blue Belt is the fifth step in the Lock Pickers United belt ranking system. It proves that you can pick advanced security-pinned locks and also contribute to the community with a project. According to the official belt ranking wiki, Blue Belt requires unedited video proof of qualifying locks plus a public project post.

Step 1: Film your proof video

What the video must include

1. Show the lock in the locked state with clear markings.
2. Show your tools and that you are using Lockpick Pros picks.
3. Record the full pick from start to finish in one continuous take.
4. Gut the lock on camera if the wiki lists it as required for that model.
5. End by showing the lock open and the plug turned.
6. Clearly state or display your Reddit username and “Blue Belt Application.”
7. Upload to YouTube *not shorts. Optional for bonus points on YouTube, tag @lockpickpros in the description (on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook tagg @lockpick.pros).

Step 2: Make a public Reddit post on r/lockpicking

Go to: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/

Post Title Example:
American 1100 + Challenge Lock Build – Short Hook Gen 2

Post Content Template:

Video proof of picking: [Paste YouTube or Streamable URL here]
Lock model: [Exact model name]
Picking method: [You must SPP]
Gutting included: [Yes or No, include timestamp if yes]
Project description: [Brief explanation of your project]
Project media: [Photo or video links of your project]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 Short Hook
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.

Thank you,
u/YourRedditName

Step 3: Send modmail with link to your post

Go here: https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/lockpicking

Subject Example:
Blue Belt Application – u/YourRedditName

Modmail Message Template:
Hello moderators,
I have posted my Blue Belt application on r/lockpicking. Please review.

Link to my Reddit post: [paste full URL here]
Direct video link: [paste YouTube or Streamable URL here]
Project details included in post.

Lock model: [exact model name]
Picking method: [single pin picking, raking, hybrid etc.]
Gutting: [Yes or No, include timestamp if yes]

Tools used: Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.

Thank you,
u/YourRedditName

Recommended Projects for Blue Belt

• Challenge lock build and share with the community: Modify a lock by adding security pins or other features, post about it, and share it with a fellow picker.
• Cutaway lock for teaching and practice: Expose the locking mechanisms of an existing lock. The lock should be completely functional with a working key.
• Custom tool build (pick, tension wrench, practice stand): Design and build a functional tension tool for lockpicking - note this needs to be a useful item for long-term use. #NoPaperclips.
• Challenge Lock (CL): Modify a lock by adding security pins or other features, post about it, and share it with a fellow picker.
• Other contributions of lasting value listed in the belt ranking wiki

Recommended Locks for Blue Belt

• American Lock 1100 with full serrated/spool stacks
• ABUS 83/55 with high-security pins
• Paclock 95A with serrated pins
• Yale and similar locks with multiple spools and serrations
• Other locks listed in the Blue Belt section of the wiki

The Right Tools for Blue Belt

The Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 is strongly recommended for Blue Belt. Its slim profiles allow navigation of narrow, restrictive keyways common in Blue Belt locks. For especially tough models, the Expansion Kit offers additional profiles designed for deep sets and awkward binding orders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting that a project is required. Without one, your submission will not be accepted.
• Submitting only a photo. Blue requires full unedited video proof.
• Leaving out the locked state, tools, or final open in your video.
• Omitting gutting when it is required for that lock.
• Not providing enough detail or media about your project in the public post.

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 Blue Belt is awarded, you may request bonus rewards by following our rewards process: https://lockpickpros.com/blogs/news/reward-submissions

Your Next Belt Awaits...

Congrats! If you earned your belt, its only going to get more fun from here. If you are ready for your purple belt, head here.