I'm going to have to agree here to a point..metatron wrote:It's widely accepted as a prepping skill globally. Understanding how locks work, is like understanding how a car works, if not more important as you can live without a car, try living without locks. For example both locksmiths and mechanics, can and will rip you off, charging you for things that don't need to happen and using crappy parts.jansman wrote:Nice gear there. Regarding the lock picks, we all know they are available to buy, but can we steer away from that subject please ? As already mentioned, carrying them can create legal problems, as it can be seen ( quite rightly imo) as 'going equipped'. Let's keep it legal. Thanks.
Lockpicking as a skill will teach you how to remove a broken key out of your own locks and access your home, saving yourself hundreds of pounds, as locksmiths as a whole will try and use a key extractor, then drill or pull the lock out and charge you for a new cylinder and keys. Sure there are a few good locksmith around, but they are in the minority, its about getting the most amount of money from each job.
Other things you learn is how to repin a lock, which means you can reuse and repair your locks, which will save you a lot over your lifetime. This skill will also allow you to buy old locks without keys and repin it to suit a key you have, as well as using security pins, increasing its security.
Finally lockpicking will teach you how to buy locks. I see people talking about securing their homes and gardens, yet if you looked at their locks, you will likely see a own brand Wicks or B&Q, possibly even a Master Lock, knowing they are pieces of trash, that can be opened in under 2 seconds will allow you to better protect yourself, your family and your home, which are all major parts of prepping.
Lockpicking and lock sports are completely legal and a fun and useful hobby.
Picking guns work, but they're a waste of money as if you can use a picking gun to open a lock, you can use a rake quicker and cheaper. I've use bump keys but again I don't see the point in most situations, the only thing's that come in useful besides a basic set of picks is a set of shims for some padlocks, disk detainer picks and dimple picks/rakes.EMT wrote:I tried picking for a bit and was good fun and yeah like you used a basic set, really easy once you have a cutaway lock.
Any experience with pick guns or bump keys?
As an avid cyclist i was made aware via cycling forums as to the insecure insurance approved kryptonite new York bike locks that could be opened using a humble bic Biro.
So got in touch with the seller and they looped me to Kryptonite who replaced my lock FOC
I use bump keys and picks at work
Though last week drifting 2 hinge pins was a faster moe
As for most UK homes youtube euro cylinder lock snapping its been publicised on the media but its not well known but a common method used by thieves
Local plumber has had a run of bad luck.. All the best locks... They used a flag stone from his patio to shatter his sliding patio door glass to swipe his TV / iPad......
Then his caravan went caught on his CCTV they used oxygen and acetylene to chop the hitch locks and wheel clamps off
Many peoples edc of a multitool can be seen as enough for going equipped if you upset a police officer..
My car currently has a tool bag with a large ballpein hammer several crow bars screwdrivers punches and spanners / grips big braker bar sockets et all. I use them at work but it lives in my boot 24/7 but all of these could be seen as going equipped if plod wanted to
Taken in context a landlord / buildings and facility maintenance manager / builder would get away with the stuff above but a shelf stacker at Tesco wouldn't have a leg to limp on if caught with any of the above items on their person at any time...
Bit like a fixed blade knife on a camp site which no one would bat an eye at but a campsite is seen as a public place...
Bit like a toddlers cutlery set I saw today with a 18+ sticker on it
