FAQs
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
How can I attend a meetup?
We love to meet new people interested in locks, keys and lock picking! However, TOOOL does not condone the opening of locks that you do not have permission to open. If you're a burglar or have other illegal interests in opening locks, chances are that your coming to a TOOOL gathering will disappoint both you and us.
You will be disappointed because opening locks is an art that takes much more time and effort to learn than you think and because we don't feel like teaching you. We'll be disappointed because we really do not want to be associated with you.
If you're still interested you are welcome to attend one of the four TOOOL public meetups held once a quarter to get to meet existing members, if you have missed the public meetup but know an existing member you are welcome to accompany them to a private meetup!
How do I become a member?
Membership in TOOOL is open to all who agree to follow our Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct as well as act in a safe and responsible manner. Simply introduce yourself to your local chapter and learn more about joining us at a meeting.
If there is no local meeting of TOOOL currently taking place near you, we still welcome your interest and enthusiasm.
You can fill out our current chapter expression of interest form, and we'll keep your details on file and happily contact you if others in your area also express a desire to gather.
If you're ready to join, you can purchase your membership over at our store, once you have payment is processed we'll send you your membership card and stickers (standard postage)!
​
To help keep costs low, we process cards quarterly, or in batches of 25. Our quarterly processing periods are:
January - March
April - June
July - September
October - November
Our last quarter is shorter to account for the holiday period which generally causes postal delays.
​
Keep in mind that your membership is valid from the date you pay and not from the day you receive your membership card -- so you can still enjoy all the benefits of your membership!
Are there any chapters near me?
We currently have four chapters in Australia located in Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
We are always looking to start chapters in other capital cities and regional towns.
​
You can express your interest in attending, or running a chapter in our chapter expression of interest form.
​
You can also signup to our mailing list or participate in the LockSport Slack to keep yourself apprised of what's happening.
How can I start a TOOOL Chapter?
Get in touch to let us know that you're out there and to give us an idea of where you are located. We currently maintain an expression of interest form to identify people wishing to attend a meetup and those who wish to run a meetup.
​
Once we have identified someone wishing to run a chapter, and a few people who are interested in attending meetups -- we can help organise and communicate the meetup.
​
If a standing, monthly meeting becomes established and is attended by five to ten people with regularity TOOOL will invite you to officially start a chapter in your area.
It should be noted that when a chapter reaches this point -- before things can proceed much further TOOOL will need to know the names of those who are involved in a developing chapter.
We do not run criminal background checks through any law enforcement channels, nor do we maintain lists for purposes of marketing or sales. However, we are committed to being fully above-board and fostering an air of openness as opposed to an "underground" mentality.
Many of our members are established in the hacker/techy scene and consequently are known by casual nicknames. This is totally acceptable, but the TOOOL leadership does maintain a private database detailing each member's true name and valid contact info.
​
Each chapter MUST host at least four public meetups a year (one per quarter) and the remaining meetups CAN BE closed to only TOOOL members (and their guests).
​
In addition, chapter heads should read, and will be asked to adhere to, the following roles and responsibilities.
Additional workshops and meetups can be arranged at the chapter heads discretion.
Help! My Membership Card Hasn't Arrived!
To help keep costs low, we process cards quarterly, or in batches of 25. Our quarterly processing periods are:
January - March
April - June
July - September
October - November
Our last quarter is shorter to account for the holiday period which generally causes postal delays.
​
Keep in mind that your membership is valid from the date you pay and not from the day you receive your membership card -- so you can still enjoy all the benefits of your membership!