I’m amazed at how much influence the Tribe has on the quality of lock pick kits and equipment hitting the marketplace!  Over the past year manufacturers have introduced new gear at an incredible rate.  More importantly, following our reviews (and YOUR hundreds of comments) of the “junk” we found on Amazon, the sellers disappeared (or at least re-named themselves).  Likewise, companies producing high quality, reasonably priced gear are rewarded with more (Tribal) business than they can handle.  Several of them have left message along the lines of “SWAMPED by the TRIBE!!  Thank You!!”.  Yes, YOU have THAT kind of power.

The manufacturers are also responding to your comments and requests for new and unique items.  The most active seem to be PickPals (with their “Intro” and “Expansion” kits) and Sparrows (with an ever-expanding menu of new items).  Most importantly, many of them are now offering pick thicknesses in 0.015”, 0.018”, 0.020, as well as the usual 0.025”.  This is TREMENDOUS progress over what we had just one year ago – all because of the power of the Tribe and the influence you have as a group.

This was always the objective of the reviews but the Tribe made this transition faster than we could have hoped.  Like you, I was tired of buying stuff, only to discover that it was overpriced crap.  By sharing information and publically posting reviews, the tribe’s commitment and vocal nature is a powerful force on the marketplace.  Keep up your comments when you see something you like or dislike.  Believe me, the manufacturers are READING them!  YOU hold the power!

Ongoing Reviews
While I always appreciate your support at any level, the donations to the LockLab have dropped off significantly over the past few months.  The average is $1.13 per donation.  While they are plentiful and I am grateful for everyone of them, it simply doesn’t add up very fast.  The Patreons have really kept the reviews alive, each of them pledging a small donation for each video I produce.  This is my added incentive to keep producing videos at a regular rate.  The Patreon donations added up to $512 last month, covering all of the postage for sending out the free giveaways, plus some extra for review gear.  Thank you!

Giveaways
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday I’ve been giving away gear in free drawings.  We started doing this several months ago with a small amount of stuff donated by manufacturers.  That initial pile of gear is long gone and hopefully in the hands of newbies.  I’ve asked for more giveaway items but none of the companies have been very forthcoming.  Fortunately, the LockLab website has a few paying advertisers and I’ve been using those proceeds to pay for the giveaway items.  I intend to continue doing this as long as I can afford it.  If you know of any potential advertisers….please point them in my direction!

Lock Picking Stories
Many of you are lock picking HEROES!  I didn’t realize that until my “stories” folder started filling up and I re-read them.  Too many people believe that lock picking is only for criminals, and your stories directly contradict that.  I’ve created a new website page where we can all benefit and enjoy your stories.  Check it out here: https://locklab.com/lock-picking-stories/