Interesting

011/100 How Cylinder Locks Work: Mechanism, Security, and Weak Points

2025-03-23T13:33:58+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

HOW CYLINDER LOCKS WORK: Mechanism, Security, and Weak Points Cylinder locks are among the most widely used locking mechanisms for securing homes, offices, and industrial facilities. While they may seem simple at first glance, their internal mechanics hide fascinating technical solutions designed to ensure security against unauthorized access. This article will explore their operating principles, security features, and weaknesses that can be exploited by experienced lockpickers or criminals. 1. The Mechanism of a Cylinder LockA cylinder lock operates on a relatively simple yet effective principle, consisting of several essential components:Lock body (cylinder housing) – the stationary part that houses [...]

010/100 The Secrets of Locksmith Guilds: The Legacy of Masters Who Guarded the World’s Security

2025-03-23T13:33:42+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

THE SECRETS OF LOCKSMITH GUILDS: The Legacy of Masters Who Guarded the World’s Security Since the dawn of civilization, people have sought to protect their possessions and ensure safety for themselves and their loved ones. This effort led to the development of the first locks and, subsequently, the first masters of the trade—locksmiths. As their skills evolved, they began to organize into exclusive societies known as guilds. These organizations played a crucial role not only in the advancement of locksmithing but also in shaping security standards that continue to influence the modern world. These were mysterious societies with strict [...]

009/100 How 3D Printing Technology Influences the Production of Locks and Keys

2025-03-23T13:33:13+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

How 3D Printing Technology Influences the Production of Locks and Keys 3D printing technology has revolutionized many industries, including the production of locks and keys. This innovation allows for the rapid creation of replacement keys and the development of new types of locks with unique security features. However, it also presents security challenges, as it enables unauthorized duplication of keys. In this article, we will explore various aspects of this issue, from the materials used in 3D printing to real-world examples of printed keys. 1. Layering Materials in 3D Printing and Their Application in Lock and Key Manufacturing The [...]

008/100 The Most Famous Lockpicking Competitions: Where the Masters of Locks Compete

2025-03-23T13:32:52+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

THE MOST FAMOUS LOCKPICKING COMPETITIONS: Where the Masters of Locks Compete Lockpicking, once seen as a secretive skill of thieves and locksmiths, has now become a recognized sport with clear rules, competitions, and a community of enthusiasts worldwide. The best lockpickers regularly gather at prestigious international competitions to test their skills in various disciplines. In this article, we will explore the largest and most well-known lockpicking tournaments and highlight the Czech championship, which has earned its place among respected competitions in Europe. 1. The Importance of Lockpicking Competitions Lockpicking competitions are not just about speed and dexterity—they are [...]

007/100 How Security Systems Resist Modern Burglary Methods?

2025-03-23T13:32:35+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

How Security Systems Resist Modern Burglary Methods? Security technologies are constantly evolving to keep pace with new threats. While burglars still rely on traditional methods like brute force or lockpicking, they are increasingly using sophisticated techniques such as social engineering and cyberattacks. This article explores the most common ways criminals attempt to bypass security measures and the innovations and strategies used to counter them. Brute Force Attacks: Physical Force as the Most Common Method Despite technological advancements, physical force remains one of the most frequently used methods burglars employ to bypass security. Home invasions often involve [...]

006/100 LOCKSPORT: When Lock Picking Becomes a Sport

2025-03-23T13:32:20+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

LOCKSPORT: When Lock Picking Becomes a Sport Introduction to Locksport Locksport is a fascinating hobby and competitive discipline that involves opening locks without using the original key but only through non-destructive methods. Although it might seem like an activity associated with illegal practices, the reality is quite the opposite. Locksport focuses on studying security mechanisms and their vulnerabilities to improve skills, understand the mechanics of locks, and ultimately help enhance security standards. The history of locksport dates back to the 19th century when locksmiths publicly demonstrated their ability to defeat locks to showcase their quality or highlight their weaknesses. [...]

005/100 Ethics in Lockpicking: Why Honesty Matters and How to Maintain a Good Reputation

2025-03-23T13:31:08+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

ETHICS IN LOCKPICKING: Why Honesty Matters and How to Maintain a Good Reputation Introduction: Lockpicking is Not About Crime – It’s a Challenge and an Art Lockpicking is often viewed as something secretive and illegal. Many people imagine burglars in black gloves sneaking into houses under the cover of darkness. However, this stereotype is far from reality. The lockpicking community is built around curiosity, technical skills, and ethical responsibility. In reality, lockpicking is a fascinating discipline that blends problem-solving, technical knowledge, and fine motor skills. It’s a way for people to train their minds, develop patience, and refine [...]

004/100 The Most Common Types of Locks and Their Weaknesses

2025-03-23T13:30:54+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

The Most Common Types of Locks and Their Weaknesses Locks are an essential part of our daily lives, protecting our homes, cars, offices, and valuables. While they may seem like impenetrable barriers, the truth is that every lock has its weaknesses. Criminals, security professionals, and lockpickers alike study how locks function to uncover vulnerabilities, improve security, and create better protection systems. Understanding these weaknesses can help us make informed decisions about the locks we use and ensure that our belongings remain safe. This article explores different types of locks, how they work, the methods used to bypass them, and [...]

003/100 The Basics of Lockpicking: How to Get Started with This Fascinating Hobby

2025-03-23T13:30:49+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

THE BASICS OF LOCKPICKING: How to Get Started with This Fascinating Hobby Lockpicking is not just a practical skill—it is an art, a science, and even a sport. Although it is often associated with illegal activities, it is actually a legitimate hobby and an essential tool for testing security systems. Lockpicking requires patience, fine motor skills, and analytical thinking, making it both a challenge and an excellent form of mental exercise. Enthusiasts around the world study lock mechanics to better understand security systems and help improve lock designs. What Is Lockpicking? Lockpicking is [...]

002/100 The History of Lockpicking Through Prominent Figures: Ten Masters Who Changed the World of Locks

2025-03-23T13:30:29+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

THE HISTORY OF LOCKPICKING THROUGH PROMINENT FIGURES: Ten Masters Who Changed the World of Locks Lockpicking, the fascinating art of opening locks, has a rich history shaped by exceptionally talented and inventive individuals. Here, we introduce ten influential figures whose inventions, discoveries, or skills have significantly impacted the world of locksmithing and security. Theophilus Presbyter (circa 1070 – circa 1125) Theophilus Presbyter was a Benedictine monk best known for his work De diversis artibus, one of the oldest surviving manuals on locksmithing techniques. While his work did not focus directly on lockpicking, it described advanced [...]

001/100 From Ancient Locks to Modern Masterpieces: The Evolution of Locksmithing Through the Centuries

2025-03-23T13:29:50+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, TOP 100 Blog news 2025|Tags: , , , |

FROM ANCIENT LOCKS TO MODERN MASTERPIECES: The Evolution of Locksmithing Through the Centuries Lockpicking—the art of opening locks without the original key—has a long and fascinating history. This skill, often shrouded in mystery, reflects the constant battle between the human desire to protect valuables and the ingenuity of those seeking ways to bypass security. From the earliest wooden locks in ancient Egypt to the complex mechanical systems of medieval Europe, locks have evolved alongside technological advancements and increasing security needs. As locks became more sophisticated, so did the skills and techniques of those attempting to open them. In modern [...]

100 Key Topics on Lockpicking and Security

2025-03-23T13:51:37+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, News and events|Tags: , , , |

100 Key Topics on Lockpicking and Security Throughout 2025, we’re bringing you a unique blog series exploring the world of locks, security, and non-destructive entry. Every Monday and Thursday, a new article dives into a timeless, engaging, and practically focused topic. From the history of locksmithing to modern technologies, from security psychology to everyday risks – this blog is for lockpicking enthusiasts and anyone wanting to better understand what protects them. Below you’ll find all the articles published so far. Welcome to a world where a lock is not an obstacle, but a story waiting to be unlocked. [...]

15 Years of ACL: Looking Back at Our History and Looking Ahead to the Future 🔐🎉

2025-03-22T08:58:56+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, News and events|

15 YEARS OF THE CZECH LOCKPICKERS ASSOCIATION | LOOKING BACK AT OUR HISTORY AND LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE 🔐🎉 This year, we celebrate 15 years of the Czech Lockpickers Association (ACL) on both the Czech and international scene. Since our founding in 2010, we have made great strides in raising awareness about lockpicking as a sport while actively contributing to education and security testing. The pioneer and founder of ACL, Evžen Ivanov, played a key role in establishing the association and laying its solid foundation. Thanks to him, ACL has become a respected organization that brings together lockpicking [...]

SURVEY – Lockpicking and Me

2025-03-21T20:11:03+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting|Tags: , , , |

Census of Lockpickers 2021 – Results of the “Lockpicking and Me” Survey The survey has been successfully completed! In 2021, following the national census of population, houses, and apartments in the Czech Republic, we decided to conduct the first historical census of lockpickers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The aim of the survey was to find out who is involved in lockpicking, what their experience is, and what they enjoy most about this hobby. Based on the responses, we gained a unique insight into the Czech and Slovak lockpicking community. Below is a summary of the results. Basic [...]

Looking Back at 2020 – What Happened and What Didn’t?

2025-03-21T20:12:03+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, News and events|Tags: , , , , , , |

2020 IS BEHIND US?! WHAT HAPPENED & WHAT DIDN’T? Exactly a year ago, we counted down, “three, two, one… and soon it will be 2020,” stepping into the new year with excitement and big plans. However, none of us could have predicted what would happen in the spring… Despite everything, those 366 days flew by. We can now divide 2020 into the pre-COVID era and the COVID era. What We Accomplished At the beginning of the year, our chairwoman Nikol Ivanovová and the Czech Republic’s 2nd vice-champion in lockpicking, Karel Burian, appeared on the TV Seznam show Rozstřel. [...]

Lockpicking in the Czech online world (COVID-19 pandemic 2020)

2025-03-21T20:12:39+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting|Tags: , , , , , , , |

WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW? LOCKPICKING GOES VIRTUAL As we all know, we’ve had to retreat into the virtual world for a while. But there’s a silver lining—our community is growing stronger! Lockpickers are training more, and thanks to online platforms, we’ve made even more friends. This article highlights the achievements of lockpickers during the COVID era in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Lockpicking in the Digital Space We share photos and videos in our Facebook group “Lockpicking nás baví”, which now has nearly 200 members. Some are newcomers who have only been practicing lockpicking for a year but [...]

Mladá fronta DNES – Special Edition (February 26, 2020)

2025-03-21T20:13:41+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, News and events|Tags: , , , , , |

The DOMA magazine issue, which is included every Wednesday in Mladá fronta DNES, was published on February 26, 2020, and is available only in the Czech language. You can find the full magazine issue here.

“All Locks Can Be Opened,” Say Lockpickers in Rozstřel

2025-03-21T20:13:53+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, News and events|Tags: , , , , , |

“ALL LOCKS CAN BE OPENED,” SAY LOCKPICKERS IN ROZSTŘEL Nikol Ivanovová, the chairwoman of the Association of Czech Lockpickers, sees lockpicking as a competitive sport. She was joined in Monday’s Rozstřel interview by Karel Burian, the second vice-champion of the Czech Republic in lockpicking. Lockpicking is the art of opening a lock without damage and without using a key. “I come from a family of locksmiths, so my father taught me the basics, and it felt natural to me,” Ivanovová explained. Together with Burian, she discussed who is legally authorized to open a home lock. The answer? Either [...]

Home Security – What Should We Do?!

2025-03-21T20:14:09+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting|Tags: , , |

PROTECT YOUR OWN PROPERTY – AND YOUR NEIGHBOR’S TOO! Last year, 6,500 homes, apartments, and cottages were burglarized. Recently, the media has reported about a highly organized gang operating in Central Bohemia, and authorities have yet to catch them. In today’s world, good mechanical security alone is no longer enough – it needs to be combined with electronic security systems. Saying, “It will never happen to me, I don’t have anything valuable at home!” is the wrong approach. Even if a burglar enters your home and steals nothing, the psychological impact of knowing that someone invaded your personal [...]

A reminder of 2019 or what happened and did not happen

2025-03-21T20:14:50+01:00By |Categories: All posts, Interesting, News and events|Tags: , , , , , , |

YEAR 2019 IS OVER?! WHAT HAPPENED AND DIDN'T HAPPEN?! Three two one .. and in less than a minute the year 2020 is here. The previous 365 days have gone so fast and the same thing awaits us in 2020, but one more day?! Funny, but again there is a leap year with us. Before we fine-tune and debug our annual report of the Association of Czech Lockpickers, let's recall 2019 what made it special and what we did. An important change was that we organized regular lockpicking trainings where the public could participate. In the total number [...]