@mikemearls @JeremyECrawford Could I get some clarity on thieves tools and lockpicking. Do you need the tools? Do you need proficiency?
— William McMahan (@wax_eagle) November 14, 2014
@wax_eagle @JeremyECrawford anyone can use tools, prof bonus adds if proficient. No tools, DM can say no check or disadvantage.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) November 14, 2014
The specific always overrides the general.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) November 28, 2017