Selling a lockpick set - Is this illegal?

Factual Questions
1

Looking through a collection of stuff I’d like to auction off for extra cash, I have a 13 piece lockpick set, how-to book, and a 6 tumbler-pin cutaway lock with keys for practice. Only problem is, can I sell it? Yahoo, eBay, and a host of other auction sites say they will not allow you to sell lockpick supplies.

Obviously, they are worried about someone using the stuff to commit a burglary or other breaking-and-entering type crime.

Yet, typing in “lockpick” on any search engine will bring up a host of sites that sell these kits.

So are they illegal to sell? I presume not, but if not can someone suggest an auction site where I could get rid of this junk? I was interested a number of years ago in learning how to pick locks, but found I just didn’t have the patience to learn. Now I’d rather just have the money…

Please note: This is NOT an offer to sell them here, as I don’t want the Mods getting the wrong idea…

2

My understanding is that it is illegal for anyone other than a registered locksmith to possess those tools.

Haj

3

Sorry. I can’t find any reference, but I’ve always thought it was perfectly legal for anyone to purchase a lockpick set. I really can’t see why not. Maybe electronic pick guns would be barred, but a simple set? If you’re so inclined, you can easily make one yourself. I’ve gotten lock pick sets mail-ordered to me in the States, and I was assured it was ok.

4

It depends on your state/local laws. Some are very stringent and some don’t care at all. See, for example, section 3 of the alt.locksmithing FAQ.