Challenge Locks: The Lockpicking Game Among Friends

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Do you know what I find really cool about the lockpicking community? They focus not only on opening locks but also on the creativity with which we challenge each other. Today, I’m diving into the world of Challenge Locks, locks that we use to challenge one another. If you think regular locks are already tricky, just wait until you see what lockpickers come up with!

What exactly are Challenge Locks?

A Challenge Lock is a fun gift you can give to a fellow lockpicker. It’s a lock that you have modified with all sorts of nasty tricks to make it as difficult as possible. Think of the difference between a puzzle from the store and a puzzle that someone has specially made for you. When you make them yourself, you add extra traps and surprises.

I made my first Challenge Lock years ago, and I must admit: it was more addictive than I expected. You start with a simple lock from, for example, Abus or another brand, and then you get to work replacing the pins. Standard pins are replaced with security pins like spools, serrated pins, or even homemade Frankenstein creations.

Making a Challenge Lock in action

I found this video where you can see exactly how an experienced maker assembles a Challenge Lock. Pay special attention to how he selects and combines the pins:

HVLogic shows how he uses a drill (and safety glasses!) to create special “Strike” pins.

Why the whole community loves them

The popularity of Challenge Locks has exploded in recent years, and there are good reasons for that. First of all, it’s a social activity because you make something for someone else, and they make something for you. The locks are also incredibly educational for lockpickers

Another great thing about the challenges is that you learn a lot from making them. You have to think about what makes a lock difficult, how different pins work together, and what kind of false feedback you can create.

On Discord servers like Lockpickers United, I see photos of new Challenge Locks being shared daily. People are proud of them, and rightly so! It’s a work of art, a puzzle, and a challenge all in one.

How to make your first Challenge Lock

Okay, you’re excited and want to get started. Here’s my step-by-step approach:

Time needed: 45-60 minutesChoose your base lockcylinder lockAbus E50Gather your security pinsLockpickings has reload kitsspool pins and serrated pinsDisassemble the locklockpick tweezersMix and match your pinsTest your creationMake it personal

The craziest security pins explained

Let’s get a bit nerdy about the different types of pins you can use:

What I find fascinating: some makers combine different pin types in one chamber. Imagine – a serrated spool pin. Yes, that exists, and yes, it’s just as nasty as it sounds.

The unwritten rules of the game

In the Challenge Lock community, a few unwritten rules have emerged that everyone respects:

It’s about the challenge, not frustration. I once received a Challenge Lock where the maker had put “thread locker” on one pin. Technically pickable, but it felt more like cheating than a fair challenge.

The international Challenge Lock circuit

There is a particularly active Challenge Lock scene. At LPU, Challenge Locks are regularly exchanged. The nice thing is that the world is relatively small – so you can easily send a Challenge Lock to someone, and it arrives quickly too.

On the website LPUbelts.com you’ll find a special section about Challenge Locks. Check it out for inspiration if you’re new. You can also look for a good challenge if you’re ready for that. If you want to share your challenge with others, you can do that too!

Pro tip: Start by exchanging within your local group. On the LPU Discord, you can easily find people who love to exchange Challenge Locks. Start small, build your reputation!

Getting started with Challenge Locks

If you want to start with Challenge Locks, here’s my advice:

For making:

Start with a beginner practice lock that you can modify. The Sparrows Reload Kit gives you all the pins you need for your first 10 Challenge Locks.

For picking:

Make sure you have a good hook pick set. Challenge Locks require precision, so single pin picking is a must. A set of different tension wrenches is also essential – different Challenge Locks require different tension techniques.

The psychology behind Challenge Locks

What makes Challenge Locks so addictive is the combination of creativity and competition. You’re not just solving a puzzle – you’re in dialogue with the maker. Every pin placement, every security pin choice tells something about their approach.

I still remember my first Challenge Lock from the Dutch DeSlotenKraker. Five chambers, all different security pins, and an evil bitting that constantly confused my picks. It took me three evenings to get it open. When I finally heard that last click and turned the cylinder… pure euphoria!

Community showcases and competitions

On Reddit, you regularly see “Challenge Lock of the Month” competitions. People vote for the most creative, beautiful, or mean locks. The winner gets eternal fame and usually a nice lockpick set from sponsors.

Dutch makers are doing excellently in these competitions. We have a reputation for technically advanced but fair Challenge Locks. No cheap tricks, just smart engineering.

The Future of Challenge Locks

The Challenge Lock scene is constantly evolving. I see more and more electronic components, magnets, and even 3D-printed parts in modern Challenge Locks. The boundary between mechanical and electronic is blurring.

But the core remains the same: it’s about the community, the challenge, and the joy of creating and solving puzzles. Whether you’re making a simple 4-pin with two spools or a monster with 7 chambers full of exotic pins – each Challenge Lock tells a story.

Final Thoughts

Challenge Locks are more than just custom locks – they are a form of communication within our community. They challenge, teach, sometimes frustrate, but above all, they connect lockpickers worldwide.

My advice? Start simple. Make your first Challenge Lock, share it with someone, and wait for their feedback. Before you know it, you’ll be addicted to creating increasingly complex challenges. And who knows – maybe your Challenge Lock will end up on my workbench. I look forward to trying it!

Do you have questions about Challenge Locks or want to share tips? Leave a comment or join the discussion on our Discord!