Modern High-Security Locks: How To Open Them (Paperback)

~ Steven Hampton (Author) "A large percentage of the tools that we are about to discuss have been covered in my previous two lock-picking books, and over the years..." (more)
Key Phrases: tension wrench pressure, picking this lock, tumbler carrier, Feather Touch, Key Devices, White Crane (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Master locksmith Steven Hampton, author of the best-selling Secrets of Lock Picking, takes the art of picking locks one step further with Modern High-Security Locks. Here, he collects some of today's most popular pick-resistant locks and sets out to see which ones hold up to their claims. However complex a lock gets, it must be durable, dependable and user-friendly. It has to be tough enough to endure physical attack, but it can't be machined too tight or it will jam up with just a breath of dust. It must be simple and easy to lock and unlock with its key, or the customer will not pay the higher price for it. It is this delicate balance between security and utility that allows the locksmith to open this new generation of locks. Hampton shows locksmiths how each lock is picked and how long it will take. He details the tools of the trade and includes patterns and instructions for making your own picks and tension wrenches. He even includes ancient Tibetan Buddhist tantric visualization exercises to help locksmiths learn to "see" the inner workings of the lock within the mind's eye. Veteran locksmiths or those new to the trade will find Hampton's latest book an invaluable sourcebook. For academic study only.

About the Author

Steven Hampton became interested in locks and electronics at an early age. At 14 he acquired a set of U.S. Air Force electronic training manuals and began building various transistor circuits by scalping radios and junkyard TVs. At 17 he was making his own lockpicks and was considered a master lockpicker, and by the time he was 18 he'd invented the magnetic padlock, which is still on the market today. After a stint in the navy, he studied digital electronics and worked in many technical fields. He also became interested in the martial arts, studying Tibetan White Crane kung fu, jujitsu and wing chun.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581602952
• ISBN-13: 978-1581602951
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #72,037 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lockpicking 201, February 11, 2004

By	Virgil Brown (White Oak, Texas USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

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After one has learned the basics of lockpicking... how a lock is made and what are the basic tools for lockpicking... (from Steve Hampton's _Secrets of Lock Picking) one soon finds out that not every lock pops open in 30 seconds or less. Now it is time to progress to the next level of lockpicking. In this book the rea-der will learn some new tools such as a road runner rim tension wrench and a monkey twisted-wedge diamond pick. Then it's on to tackle multiple row pin tumbler locks, key disc tumbler locks, even electronic key locks.

To master all of the locks mentioned in this book will take tons of practice but Hampton will show the way. However this book is only the sophomore level. There is more to learn.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The author is brilliant, August 18, 2003

By	David No_marketing_info (LB, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Once I had the great pleasure to borrow this book from a friend. The author details how he defeated the security of the highest security locks currently in existance, including Medico, Everest, and a Primus (used extensively by the US government for high security areas). The author's long experience as a locksmith, as well as focus and clairity of mind gained through the use of meditation makes him among best alive today. The writing is clear and concise, but be forwarned - this book is not suitable for those who know nothing about picking locks.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really great, but not for the novice, November 6, 2004

By	Ghibli (Italy) - See all my reviews

A great book if you are interested in lockpicking, but is not intended for someone just starting to learn this craft. If you have already mastered the basics, this is a must follow-up. If this is your first time in picking locks, you should start with something more easy to follow (the easyer lock described in this book is the ABUS padlock, the toughest are some high security bank locks : almost unpickable, even for an expert).