Lock picking?

[cobrajoe]

Is there anyone here that practices the art of lock picking? I have always been interested in the ability to bypass a device made to keep people out. Just something about the implied "no you can't" that makes me want to try

Anyways, I understand the theory behind lock picking, but I have never needed to practice based on the fact that everyplace I wanted to get into I had access to the key.

That was true, until monday... After I got to work I went inside and realized that I locked my keys in my car . After putting in a couple hours, I went out with a coat hanger trying anything that could possibly unlock a door, I thought again to trying picking the lock. And hey, after about 5 min, I found the right combination and managed to unlock the door.

Then stupid me, I locked my keys in again just yesterday, but knowing what to do, I managed to break in to my own car in less than 30 seconds. It is a fairly useful skill

(Disclaimer: I am not a thief )

[Big footed nick]

Awesome! Who needs On-Star right?

[Jordan]

Dude, buy a slimjim.

[Th232]

Yeah, indulge in a bit from time to time. Doesn't mean I'm any good at it though. Picks + padlock = fun.

[Michael Cook]

I've got some books from Loomponics. The big thing I learned is that any lock can be gotten around and are there for mostly talismanic comfort value to the owner and lazy thief who's not really inclined to steal. Tap a dead bolt with a sledge.maul and it blows open, elapsed time < 1 second. Need it quieter? Put a car jack against the door frame and jack it until the door just pops open.

[tonydahose]

Dude, buy a slimjim.

...where's he gonna keep it? probably in the locked car..lol. we dont use them anymore on the FD... too many power swithces/windows getting messed up. just pull the door back and hit the power lock button or pull the lock up/door handle open.

[fellyjr]

If all else fails my personal favorite is dynamite!!

[David Lowry]

I pick locks a bit myself. I can get into easy ones so far and I'm working my way up. Master locks, and most door locks are no problem. Same with desk drawers, and file cabinets. I'm waiting on a new "kit". I just enjoy doing it. I don't do it for bad reasons. I use my skills only for good.

[tonydahose]

i am also really good at getting into combination locks...it helps when you have the secret phone number, you read off the serial number and they give you the code.

[snuffaluff]

Or you could just make a bump key and do it like this....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...85287713677821

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwTVBWCijEQ

[Civilian]

Very interesting video there. Wonder if it works with the round opening type locks?

[tonydahose]

tried it...works very very infrequently. i actually bought a whole set for the truck i am on (the city doesnt pay for anything new and innovative, even when the product DOES work). we tried a bunch of locks and it just doesnt work or so infrequently that it is a waste of time (i never got one to work) i talked to another fireman who is a locksmith (some 20 years experience). he said those videos could have just one or two pins working only or that the person doing it has got that key perfected to just that lock, to make it look simple. i have a whole set , 26 keys i think that is only good for some weights on a fishing string. thankfully i used my CC thru paypal and got my cash back.

[cobrajoe]

Huh, I've never heard of using a bump key before. They do seem to be fairly specialized for the lock and appear to use the same "rattle" technique that many quick lock picking devices seem to use. I actually did a fairly similar technique with the paperclip, although it was more of the "raking" action.

[cobrajoe]

If all else fails my personal favorite is dynamite!!

But that would scratch my paint!

Oh, wait, it's already scratched

[Lostification]

I was going to suggest the bump key aswell. It supposedly works extremely well.

I wouldn't suggest using a clothes hanger too much. You may ruin your lock.

[David Lowry]

There's just nothing like unlocking your car with a nice stick of dynamite.

It works surprisingly well. It's like Colt 45...."works every time".

[tonydahose]

I was going to suggest the bump key aswell. It supposedly works extremely well.

I wouldn't suggest using a clothes hanger too much. You may ruin your lock.

from my personal experience they don't work....just my opinion

[Spyderwings]

Thats one thing i like about my old chevy. I locked the keys in one day and had to improvise as i was blocking a garage. I happened to be at my school and got a welding rod in through the weather stripping on top the window and pulled the lock open. Now i keep that welding rod inside my bumper in case i ever need it.

[zeus]

I picked up a neat little tool called a Kwick Pick that I carried at work. It was great on file cabinets, car doors, tool boxes, etc... Not so good on Schlage locks or something complicated.

After two occasions locking my keys in the car and using the Kwick Pick, I just decided to get a magnetic Hide-a-key locker and stash it under the fender.

I had my pick in a case with some other small instrument tools at work and someone STOLE the whole kit!

Here is a photo:

https://www.gun-room.com/online/inde...&productId=153

I have rekeyed my own lock cylinders and modified the pins to fit a particular key.
Repaired loose handsets and extracted broken keys. Taken apart combo locks to re-zero the dial and bolted them back together.

Guess you could call that backyard locksmithing.....