If you’re part of the locksport community on Instagram or YouTube, chances are you’ve come across Trucking Lock – lock picker, challenge lock builder, content creator, and all-around lock enthusiast based in Franklin, Pennsylvania, USA.
But what sets Trucking Lock apart isn’t just his skill with a pick – it’s his passion, story, and the fact that most of his lock picking is done from the cab of a truck – yes, he’s a truckie!
How did it all Begin?
Trucker’s journey into locksport started in 2021 with a fire safety box that refused to open. Trucker told us “My girlfriend knew there were important papers in it and asked me to try. I hit YouTube, found the Lock Picking Lawyer’s video on the same box, bought a pick set, and followed along. When I got it open, that rush of achievement hit me hard – I was hooked.” From that moment on, solving mechanical puzzles became more than a pastime.
Growing up Trucker was always hands-on. His dad was a millwright, and Trucker followed in his footsteps, working in heavy industry – mechanics, welding, fabrication, and machining for 15 years. These days, he drives a Semi truck across the country, often on the road for two weeks at a time with only two days home. “I live in my truck. I take a bag of locks and picks with me, and I pick from wherever I park.”
But Trucker’s ambition doesn’t stop there. He’s currently setting up his own machine shop, with plans to take on prototype manufacturing and machining parts and components. A few companies have already expressed interest in outsourcing work to him.
Locksport Community
Through his locksport journey, Trucker found a community – and even a kindred spirit. “LadyLocks and I always joke we’re siblings separated at birth,” he laughs. Through her, he discovered Lock Pickers United, and worked his way up to achieving the elusive black belt. “It’s not just about opening locks. It’s about understanding them, testing yourself, learning something new, and pushing your limits.”
Hands-on Approach
Trucker’s approach is deeply hands-on. He’s especially drawn to key impressioning, where he files a key by hand from a blank until it works. “I don’t use a key cutter – those are for locksmiths who have to cut a lot of keys. I’m a traditionalist. This is about skill, not speed.”
What’s Coming Up Soon?
He’s also busy designing a brand-new tensioning tool set in collaboration with a company, aiming to bring innovation to one of the most crucial aspects of picking -control. “I’m breaking it down to the basics and building a whole series on tensioning. This will be something nobody’s seen before.”
And there’s more on the horizon. He’s part of an ambitious collaborative community project building an entirely new kind of Lock. Digby Lock and Tool has organised the “Nameless Lock Project”. Every aspect of the lock from the body to the mechanisms will be up for vote by the people who are part of the project. To be part of the project just visit his website at Digby Lock and tool.
Custom Building
Trucker also builds custom challenge locks for other pickers, five of which are currently enroute to the UK. “I’ve made great friends in the locksport scene there. I haven’t visited yet, I almost did when my sister lived in Lakenheath, Suffolk, her husband is in the United States Air Force but they moved before I had chance. I hope to visit the UK one day, hopefully through locksport.”
The Toughest Lock I’ve Picked so Far
He’s amassed a collection of over 200 locks, constantly chasing harder challenges. “The Goal Z is the toughest I’ve picked so far. I’ve got a Goal Grand V lined up, but I’m waiting until I sharpen my skills a bit more.”
Distinction Between Hobbyists & Professionals
Despite his success, Trucker emphasises the distinction between hobbyists and professionals: “To locksmiths, I say this – locksporters aren’t trying to take your work. We don’t do real-world lockouts or security installs. This is a hobby, a challenge, a passion. We still call the pros when it matters.”
While people may laugh at his obsession with locks, Trucker continues to find meaning, challenge, and community in every turn of the key. Whether you’re into locksport or locksmithing, he’s someone worth following and learning from. Check out his channels below:
YouTube: youtube.com/@truckinglock
Instagram: www.instagram.com/truckinglock
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/14ki5Sph7t/