How to Earn Your Orange Belt in Lockpicking
The Orange Belt is the third step in the Lock Pickers United belt ranking system. It shows that you can handle locks with more security pins and slightly tighter tolerances. At this stage you will begin to face spool pins, serrated pins, and deeper keyways that require greater finesse.
Step 1 Film your proof video
What the video must include
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Start by showing the locked state clearly so reviewers can see the lock face and any model markings.
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Show your tools and that you are using Lockpick Pros picks. A quick shot of the pickset or case at the start is enough.
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Show the keyway close up so viewers can confirm the lock family.
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Record the full pick in one continuous take if possible. If you must splice multiple clips, include timestamps and explain edits in your post.
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If gutting is required for that lock model, gut the lock on camera so the pin stacks are visible. If you are not asked for gutting, do not remove internal parts unless requested.
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End the clip showing the open lock and a clear view of the plug or turned core.
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Keep audio or captions that state your Reddit name and which belt you are applying for.
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Prefer a public host like YouTube or Streamable. Upload unlisted or public on YouTube so you can link to it. Title the upload clearly and tag Lockpick Pros in the description for social proof.
YouTube suggestion
Upload to YouTube wide format, not shorts. In the video description include "Applied for Orange Belt on r/lockpicking" and optionally tag @lockpickpros (if you want bonus rewards or black belt challenge) in the description or pinned comment & list the products used in the description
Step 2 Make a public Reddit post on r/lockpicking
Go to: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/
Post Title Example
[Lock Model] picked using [insert tool name]
Post Content Template (copy paste and edit)
Hello everyone,
Lock model: [Exact model name]
Picking method: [single pin picking, raking, hybrid etc.]
Gutting included: [Yes or No. If yes, list timestamp mm:ss where gutting begins]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Trainee 2.0 or Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 as shown
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.
Thank you,
u/YourRedditName
Photo or Video: Upload your photo of the turned core for locks that cannot be disassembled, or a video showing the lock picked and disassembled if it can be.
Step 3 Send modmail with link to your post
Go here: https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/lockpicking
Subject Example
Orange Belt Application – u/YourRedditName
Modmail Message Template (copy paste and edit)
Hello moderators,
I have posted my Orange Belt application on r/lockpicking. Please review.
Link to my Reddit post: [Paste full URL here]
Lock model: [Exact model name]
Picking method: [single pin picking, raking, hybrid etc.]
Gutting: [Yes or No. If yes include timestamp mm:ss]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Trainee 2.0 or Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 as shown
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.
Thank you,
u/YourRedditName
Orange Belt specifics and quick rules
• Evidence type Required: unedited video showing full pick. Photos alone will not be accepted.
• Gutting Some lock models will require gutting on camera. If the wiki or LPU explorer lists gutting for a lock, include that footage.
• Account requirement Your Reddit account must meet the community standards for age and prior activity.
• Reusing locks You may reuse the same lock model for higher belts provided your new evidence meets the higher belt requirements and shows distinct qualifying proof.
• Tools recommendation Trainee 2.0 is acceptable for many Orange locks. If you want more comfort and finer profiles consider Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2. State the exact set you used in your post and modmail.
Recommended Orange Belt locks (common examples)
Master Lock 570 or 575 with security pins
ABUS 64TI or ABUS 83/45 variants with security pins
American Lock variants with serrated pins
Yale Y110 series where applicable
Paclock 90A family or equivalent
The Right Tools for Orange Belt
The Lockpick Pros Trainee 2.0 is still a solid choice at Orange. For more comfort and thinner profiles, the Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 can make a difference when tackling spools or tight keyways.
Common mistakes to avoid
• Uploading edited or heavily spliced video without clear timestamps and notes.
• Failing to show the locked state, tools, or the final open.
• Omitting gutting when required by the lock list.
• Sending modmail with no link to 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:
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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 Orange Belt is awarded, you can request your physical embroidered belt or reward pick. Follow the instructions here: 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 green belt, head here.