How to Earn Your Red Belt in Lockpicking
The Red Belt is one of the most respected achievements in the Lock Pickers United belt ranking system. At this level you must prove your skill on some of the most advanced locks available and also complete a non-picking requirement. Red Belt is a serious commitment but there are ways to approach it that minimize time, effort, and cost.
According to the official belt ranking wiki:
Picking Requirements
SPP (single pin pick) and gut two different locks ranked as Red Belt. Locks have to be from separate entries in the list.
Non-Picking Requirements
Complete one of the following:
- Mentor a more advanced picker through the process of getting into a difficult lock.
- Complete a Project/Quest at Tier 1 level or above.
- Pick two additional locks ranked at Red Belt or above. (All four locks have to be from separate entries in the list.)
All previous non-picking requirements must also have been fulfilled:
- Demonstrated your ability to gut locks and reassemble them (Green Belt requirement).
- Demonstrated history of helping new pickers on the subreddit (Blue Belt requirement).
- Built a challenge lock or completed a similar project (Blue 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. Videos must be filmed in wide format (landscape) and uploaded to YouTube as Public or Unlisted. Vertical Shorts will be rejected.
Step 1: Film your proof videos
What you must show
- Two different Red Belt locks being picked by single pin picking (SPP).
- Each lock gutted on camera in a continuous take, with clear close-ups of the pins.
- Show the locked state at the start and the final open with the plug turned at the end.
- State or display your Reddit username and “Red Belt Application.”
- Upload both videos to YouTube in wide format (landscape).
Practical tip: To save money and time, choose Red locks that can be serviced non-destructively and are commonly available second-hand. The LPU Belt Explorer can help you identify locks that are easier to source.
Step 2: Make a public Reddit post on r/lockpicking
Go to: https://www.reddit.com/r/lockpicking/
Post Title Example
Red Belt Application – ASSA 600 + Corbin Russwin Emhart – u/YourRedditName
Post Content Template
Hello everyone,
This is my application for the Red Belt.
Video proof 1: [YouTube URL for Lock A]
Video proof 2: [YouTube URL for Lock B]
Non-picking requirement: [Mentoring / Project / Extra picks, describe briefly]
Lock models: [Lock A model name] and [Lock B model name]
Picking method: SPP for both
Gutting included: Yes (timestamps mm:ss and mm:ss)
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
Red Belt Application – u/YourRedditName
Modmail Message Template
Hello moderators,
I have posted my Red Belt application on r/lockpicking. Please review.
Link to my Reddit post: [paste full URL here]
Video proof 1: [YouTube URL for Lock A]
Video proof 2: [YouTube URL for Lock B]
Non-picking requirement: [Mentoring / Project / Extra picks, describe briefly]
Lock models: [Lock A and Lock B]
Picking method: SPP for both
Gutting: Yes (timestamps mm:ss and mm:ss)
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 Red Belt
From the Red Belt list on the wiki:
- ASSA 600
- Corbin Russwin Emhart
- EVVA 3KS
- Abloy Disklock
- BiLock
- DOM RS8
(See the official Red list for the full set of approved locks.)
Time and cost saving tip: Look for ASSA 600 or Corbin Russwin Emhart on the used market. They are often cheaper and serviceable compared to more exotic options like EVVA or BiLock.
The Right Tools for Red Belt
At Red Belt the Lockpick Pros Carbon Fiber Special Gen 2 is essential. For many Red locks you will need the narrowest hooks and most precise profiles from the Expansion Kit. These tools give you the fine control needed for SPP on extremely tight tolerances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting edited or spliced video instead of a continuous wide-format take.
- Failing to gut both locks on camera.
- Choosing two locks from the same entry in the Red list (they must be from separate entries).
- Forgetting to show a clear close-up of the pins after gutting.
- Not including your non-picking requirement (mentoring, project, or two extra locks).
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 Red Belt is awarded, you can request your reward pick if you completed the bonuses.. Follow the instructions here:
https://lockpickpros.com/blogs/news/reward-submissions
Your Next Belt Awaits...
Congrats! If you earned your belt, it's only going to get more fun from here. If you are ready for your next and final belt. The black belt, head here.