Anybody into hobby of lockpicking?

[usmcveteran]

Just realized I lost some of my keys on the caribiner which so happened to be for my apartment....... Going to keep looking until tomorrow or so then get new ones made but until then I got my handy lock picks to get in and lock up.

Its been a while since I have used them and am practicing some now because you lose the "feel" you need when you don't use it.

How many of you also have a set of picks?

Any of you even consider that they could come in handy for some type of disaster or SHTF type scenario where maybe you don't want to smash your way in?

Getting a set and practicing makes you learn pretty quick that you probably don't want the standard pins in your lock lol.

[Gunner57]

Oh sure, thanks for being an enabler. I know you're just trying to keep me distracted from the "other" thread!

[Calculon]

Any recos on a starter kit? ITS Tactical has a lot of stuff including how to videos but not sure what is most useful.

[Gunner57]

This^

[RayKnobs]

My other hobby is burglary in the 3rd.

[24Pink14Stink]

On the list. After I get my ham ticket.

[24Pink14Stink]

My other hobby is burglary in the 3rd.

You spelled "turd" wrong.

[usmcveteran]

This would be a real solid beginner set http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html . Doesn't have to be this one but I highly recommend getting a cutaway lock like this one http://www.amazon.com/SouthOrd-Visib...=cut+away+lock . That way you can actually see whats going on inside the lock so you can learn what you are feeling better. After you pick it while looking at what is going on you can always cover it in tape or something and try to do it without seeing whats going on.

At first easiest thing to learn is rake technique .

In the set I linked above I use the longest jagged looking one instead of one shown in video here.

A lot of the easy locks can be picked real quick with that method. The other pics are used more for picking one pin at a time which is what you have to learn for the tougher locks.

[usmcveteran]

I have the 20 piece version of kit I linked above. I was just able to lock myself out and get back in when I ran to the store. Iearned that I will need to cut one of my tension tools shorter so I dont have to bend it because of door jam location. Just being able to get in and out without key until I find or replace it has the value of what my kit cost IMO.

I just saw this and thought it looked very cool http://www.lockpickshop.com/ACCESS-CARD.html . Not sure how good it actually is but really like the idea.

[masterswimmer]

Is lock a secret code for nose? I am an expert.

[GUNSICK]

Last time someone asked me that I wound up standing in the bank with a ski mask on!

[phritz]

I've got a cheap set. I can't say I'm very good with it, but I've managed to open a few locks. Need some more practice.

[Jackalope]

I learned when I was back in college. Most of my tools are hand-made. I should probably pick up a modern set of tools. Bump keys can be handy too. Then there's the master key for most padlocks...a big set of bolt cutters!

[Smurfette]

I used to, I don't know what happened to my set. but I know if I am calling if I ever get locked out of my place.

[Jackalope]

There's also the ultimate locking picker... A Mossberg 500 with a breach barrel. That'll remove most locks and hinges. It's crude, but effective.