How to Earn Your Purple Belt in Lockpicking
The Purple Belt is the sixth step in the Lock Pickers United belt ranking system. It shows you can reliably pick locks with tight tolerances, multiple security pin types, and more complex binding orders. At this level you will face locks that demand fine control, precision feedback, and often gutting to confirm the pinning.
Picking Requirements
- SPP (single pin pick) and gut two different locks ranked as Purple Belt (locks have to be from separate entries in the list).
Non-Picking Requirements
- 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" or completed similar project. (Blue Belt Requirement)
Evidence Format
- Pick and gut in a continuous video take without cuts, keeping the lock in frame. Your video should include a clear close-up of the pins from the lock.
Step 1: Film your proof video
What the video must include
-
Show the lock in the locked state with visible model markings.
-
Show your tools and that you are using Lockpick Pros picks.
-
Record the entire pick from start to finish in one continuous take.
-
Gut the lock on camera if required by the wiki entry for that model.
-
End by showing the lock open and the plug turned.
-
Clearly state or display your Reddit username and “Purple Belt Application.”
-
Upload to YouTube. On YouTube, tag @lockpickpros in the description (on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook tag @lockpick.pros).
Step 2: Make a public Reddit post on r/lockpicking
Go to: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/
Post Title Example:
Purple Belt Application – ABUS 83/55 – u/YourRedditName
Post Content Template:
Hello everyone,
This is my application for the Purple Belt.
Video proof: [Paste YouTube or Streamable URL here]
Lock model: [Exact model name]
Picking method: [single pin picking, hybrid, etc.]
Gutting included: [Yes or No, include timestamp if yes]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 with Expansion Kit
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:
Purple Belt Application – u/YourRedditName
Modmail Message Template:
Hello moderators,
I have posted my Purple 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]
Lock model: [exact model name]
Picking method: [single pin picking, hybrid, etc.]
Gutting: [Yes or No, include timestamp if yes]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 with Expansion Kit
I confirm this is my own unedited footage and no bypass methods were used.
Thank you,
u/YourRedditName
Recommended Locks for Purple Belt
- ABUS 83/55 or 83/60 with serrated and spool stacks
- Yale pin tumbler locks with multiple spools and tight tolerances
- American Lock 700 series
- Paclock 100A series
- Other locks listed in the Purple Belt section of the belt ranking wiki
The Right Tools for Purple Belt
The Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 is highly recommended at Purple Belt. At this level you will often face restrictive keyways, so pairing Gen 2 with the Expansion Kit gives you the narrow hooks and fine profiles needed for deep, precise sets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting edited or cut videos instead of continuous footage.
- Failing to gut the lock when required.
- Not showing the locked state before beginning the pick.
- Forgetting to include your Reddit username in the video.
- Sending modmail without linking your public Reddit 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 Purple 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 brown belt, head here.