How to Earn Your Yellow Belt in Lockpicking

The Yellow Belt is the second step in the Lock Pickers United belt ranking system. It shows that you can reliably open slightly more challenging locks and provide proper proof to the community. At this stage you are beginning to encounter light security features and must demonstrate more control with tension and pick placement.

Requirements

• No prereqs exist for yellow belt but to maintain the order for the #blackbeltchallenge you must complete the white belt first or have to start all over

Evidence format

• Photos or vídeos, showing turned core.

Step 1: Make a public post on r/lockpicking

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

Post Title Example:
ABUS 55/40 with Lockpick Pros Trainee 2.0

Post Content Template:
Hello everyone,
Lock model: Master Lock No. 3
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Short Hook from the Trainee 2.0
Thank you,
u/YourRedditName

Photo Or Video: can be a photo of turned core or video 

Step 2: Send a modmail with your post link

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

Subject Example:
Yellow Belt Application – u/YourRedditName

Message Template:
Hello moderators,
I have posted my Yellow Belt application on r/lockpicking. Please review.
Link to my Reddit post: [paste full URL here]
Lock model: [exact model name]
Tools used: Lockpick Pros Trainee 2.0
I confirm this is my own proof and no bypass methods were used.
Thank you,
u/YourRedditName

Recommended Locks for Yellow Belt (common options)

Master Lock 140
ABUS 55/40 or 55/50
American Lock 1100
Brinks 40mm brass padlock
Wilson Bohannan 50 series padlock

The Right Tools for Yellow Belt

At this stage, the Lockpick Pros Trainee 2.0 is still the perfect choice. It has the hooks and rakes needed for locks with simple security pins, plus tension tools that help you refine control and consistency.

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send an empty modmail. Always include a link to your public post and your image proof.
Do not post a thread that simply asks for a belt without attaching the proof photo. These will be excluded.
Do not use bypass methods. Reviewers will request clarification if they suspect bypassing.

Claim Your Reward

Once your Yellow 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 orange belt, head here.