# Selling a lockpick set - Is this illegal?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-a-lockpick-set-is-this-illegal/139465
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 29, 2002, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-a-lockpick-set-is-this-illegal/139465 "2002-11-29T06:07:26Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2002, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-a-lockpick-set-is-this-illegal/139465/1 "2002-11-29T06:07:26Z")
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…
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### Author:  [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2002, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-a-lockpick-set-is-this-illegal/139465/2 "2002-11-29T06:09:29Z")
My understanding is that it is illegal for anyone other than a registered locksmith to possess those tools.
Haj
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### Author:  [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2002, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-a-lockpick-set-is-this-illegal/139465/3 "2002-11-29T13:55:53Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)
#### Post date: [November 29, 2002, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-a-lockpick-set-is-this-illegal/139465/4 "2002-11-29T14:32:18Z")
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.](http://www.indra.com/archives/alt-locksmithing/)