If your bugging out learn to pick locks?

45reloader · 12-01-2011, 17:52

I just picked up a lock pick set. If the SHTF you might need to unlock empty buildings for shelter from extreme weather or as simple as picking a lock to use a bike left behind from someone who is not coming back. ( the situation around you will tell you who is staying and who is leaving).They might be helpful in getting supplies to keep you alive.

***Glockdude1*** · 12-01-2011, 17:55

I am too lazy to pick locks.

RED64CJ5 · 12-01-2011, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glockdude1

I am too lazy to pick locks.

Funny. That's won't attract unwanted attention.....

AK_Stick · 12-01-2011, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45reloader

I just picked up a lock pick set. If the SHTF you might need to unlock empty buildings for shelter from extreme weather or as simple as picking a lock to use a bike left behind from someone who is not coming back. ( the situation around you will tell you who is staying and who is leaving).They might be helpful in getting supplies to keep you alive.

We just had an indepth thread about this, if you look a little bit I'm sure you can find it.

If you decide to pick locks, be careful. In alot of places, carrying and/or concealing lock pick tools, without a job that uses them, can be enough intent for burglary charges.

Similarly, its a heck of alot easier to just cut or break a lock than to pick it in most cases.

steve581581 · 12-01-2011, 19:18

you can get through any locks with channel locks and needle nose pliers for the handle and a drill with a 3/8" drill bit for the deadbolt... most people dont lock the deadbolt and in a lot of cases the handle plunger can be popped with a screwdriver... if all else fails one good kick to just next to the handle/deadbolt on the door should do the trick... lock picks take too much time... i tried to make a bump key once but couldnt get it to work

ps. i do initial inspections on foreclosed homes so i have a lot of practice breaking into homes

45reloader · 12-01-2011, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RED64CJ5

Funny. That's won't attract unwanted attention.....

That what I keep thinking. Sometimes you just have to be quite and can't carry heavy tools around.

NorthernAlpine · 12-01-2011, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45reloader

I just picked up a lock pick set. If the SHTF you might need to unlock empty buildings for shelter from extreme weather or as simple as picking a lock to use a bike left behind from someone who is not coming back. ( the situation around you will tell you who is staying and who is leaving).They might be helpful in getting supplies to keep you alive.

AK_Stick brings up a good point. As heavy as they might be, a short set of bolt cutters can solve a majority of problems in a PAW/BOB situation.

**kirgi08** · 12-01-2011, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glockdude1

I am too lazy to pick locks.

FatBoy · 12-02-2011, 04:45

I have a small set, but it is legal in my home state. I mostly bought them just to see if it was really as easy as it seems to be. Guess what, it is after a little practise. I don't really see a need in a SHTF world.

FB

TangoFoxtrot · 12-02-2011, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45reloader

I just picked up a lock pick set. If the SHTF you might need to unlock empty buildings for shelter from extreme weather or as simple as picking a lock to use a bike left behind from someone who is not coming back. ( the situation around you will tell you who is staying and who is leaving).They might be helpful in getting supplies to keep you alive.

I agree! It is absolutely a good skill set to have. But! I would keep it low profile amongst people you trust!

Raiden · 12-02-2011, 16:59

I have a few modest sets of locksport tools, snap picks and a few bump keys which I've practiced with on and off for the past few years... And, I'd REALLY hate to have to rely on picking a lock, under any more stress than a running stopwatch. A lookout might be in order, in a hairy situation. But, in such a hairy situation, I'd be more apt to find a way to force my way in. With some practice, and a modest pry bar, many homes and some commercial buildings are fairly easy to breach without too much commotion.

dredglock · 12-02-2011, 21:08

Lock picking is not as easy as it sound . I picked up a modest set at a gunshow
for work ( tenets are always putting low cost pad locks on things and moving away )
but it is fun.

Akita · 12-03-2011, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by dredglock

Lock picking is not as easy as it sound . I picked up a modest set at a gunshow
for work ( tenets are always putting low cost pad locks on things and moving away )
but it is fun.

This is it. I have piddled with lockpicking over several decades and have found it is difficult (not counting warded and other cheap locks). I have done all the How2's (MIT guide, pro courses, etc) and still cant do it reliably. I have above average dexterity, patience, and deetermination fwiw.

note: the people at the show demonstrating how easy it is are doing it on altered/wornout locks.

Its a skill, and as such, worthwhile to gain imo. But its gonna take a bunch of practice.

lawman800 · 12-03-2011, 17:04

If you practice a bit and have some modicum of knowledge of how it works, you can get it. The reason why I would want to pick a lock instead of forcing my way in is if I am using it as a shelter and want to lock it behind me. Don't need to leave myself exposed in an unlocked place.

UneasyRider · 12-03-2011, 19:13

Take a look on youtube for the lock of your choice (except Medeco) and you will see lots of kids picking them for fun, or the one guy who puts a large screwdriver in the keyhole and turns it opening the door.

I just installed one of these on my steel door, no key backup:

And a 4 foot strike plate with Tapcons through my wood and into the block.

Cali-Glock · 12-03-2011, 20:48

Lock picking is a skill that you loose. There was a time when I practiced regularly - I used to travel with both my "regular" lock kit, my "car kit" and my "try-out" keys".

Fords were great - in the 1990s I could get into and start a Ford with my "wigglers" (an ignition pick) and a person right there would not know I did not have the keys. Used to have fun making bets with folks.

Today, I don't even know where my picks are.

One of my closest friends (and & S&Per) is a locksmith, I used to hang out in his shop a lot, and see him quite a bit, but I work in a different city now and these days I only see him every couple of months. I miss hanging out in his shop picking locks, learning tricks of the trade, etc.