The mission of the Open Organisation Of Lockpickers is to advance the general public knowledge about locks and lock picking. By examining locks, safes, and other such hardware and by publicly discussing our findings we hope to strip away the mystery with which so many of these products are imbued.
The more that people know about lock technology, the better they are capable of understanding how and where certain weaknesses are present. This makes them well-equipped to participate in sportpicking endeavors and also helps them simply be better consumers in the marketplace, making decisions based on sound fact and research.
The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers, or TOOOL, is an international group of lock picking enthusiasts originating in the Netherlands with presence in the United States and the UK.
TOOOL in the United States is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to advancing the general public knowledge about locks and lock picking through teaching, research, and competition. We are a volunteer-led organization with many chapters in the states, including an affiliated Chapter in Canada.
TOOOL’s 990 filings are available through the IRS or by viewing our archive of filings.
How we pursue our mission
Teaching
Our volunteers teach how locks work, and how they fail, at free public chapter meetings, conferences, maker fairs, and our annual Lockfest. Hands-on learning builds engineering literacy and helps people choose security products wisely. Find a meeting.
Research
We study locks, safes, and security hardware to identify weaknesses and disclose them ethically, so manufacturers can build better products and consumers can make informed decisions. Read about our research.
Competition
Sportpicking competitions turn lock picking into a skill-based sport, encouraging people to learn in a safe, legal, and community-minded way.
Our code of ethics
Every TOOOL member agrees to follow our By-Laws, which set out three core rules:
- Never pick or manipulate a lock that does not belong to you, unless you have explicit permission from its rightful owner.
- Never share lockpicking knowledge or tools with anyone you know or suspect would use them for criminal purposes.
- Know and follow the laws on lockpicks and related equipment wherever you practice. Learn about lock picking laws.
We also maintain a Code of Conduct for all of our meetings and events.
Accountability
TOOOL US is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 27-5170594). Learn how your support is put to work on our Strategy and Programs page.