From what I understand, there’s nothing illegal about lock-picking in and of itself, and disseminating information about it is definately covered by the first ammendment. Of course, it’s illegal to pick a lock on property you don’t own (breaking and entering). Picking the lock of your china cabinet, or talking to people about how to pick the lock, is fine. From what I’ve read, you can get hasseled by the cops for carrying lock-picking tools around with you, but that’s a bit different than what jellyblue is talking about.
My understanding of the law on this matter, at least here in Texas, is that possession of lockpicks is perfectly legal for anyone…but possession of lockpicks with the intent to use them in illegal activities is not. It’s basically an extra thing to charge you with when they catch you breaking and entering. I, personally, have never been hassled, although I don’t advertise the fact that I carry picks around.
Thanks so much for the suggestions from all you crimin- er, Dopers! The ebay keys are on the way so we’re going to see if any of them work (frankly, I’m not holding my breath. I’d probably just get bluer.) If that fails, we’ll definitely be checking out the links and instructions herein posted by all you - novel researchers and hobby lock-picking enthusiasts 
. Keep those lockpicks you’re toting undercover, Balance :eek: . (Where are you when I lock my damn keys in the car every other week?)