I was wondering how many gents and ladies no the art of lockpicking and how many think it is a viable skill to know when the shtf or zhtf I know the basics of lock picking and can open some paddlocks. I am not advocating or incouaging anything illegal i am just curious if it is a useful skill
I spent 15 years as an investigator and security director. I used to pick locks all the time. LOL People kept locking them though.. go figure.
I'll give you the truth about locks. Locks deter HONEST people, not criminals. Its just a speedbump to a real thief. Most office and household locks can be picked with paperclips. (Yes, I know how and have done it many times. handcuffs can be picked with a paperclip too, no matter WHAT your cop friend tells you. lol)
Advanced locks require picks, which are very easy to use and require only practice to become very proficient. Lockpick sets are very cheap to purchase, but in many states, without a locksmith's permit, they are illegal to own. If caught with them you will be charged with possession of criminal tools. (but not in my State.)
Lockpicking is a vital skill that any true survivalist, soldier, or emergency worker should know, in my opinion. I first was introduced to it for a survival, SERE type class in the military because alot of european tangos were using handcuffs during kidnappings.
standard door with lock and deadbolt high powerd rifle to lock or 12g slug will take care of it...
This may not always be true. Unless the lock is punched out, the shank will remain in place. Thats why if you are using the right ammo in a shotgun, its recommended to shoot off the hinges instead of trying for the lock.
Mythbusters did a segment on this as well. Handguns and most rifles were ineffective against locks. The M1 Garand and 12 guage slug made quick work of it though.
standard door with lock and deadbolt high powerd rifle to lock or 12g slug will take care of it...
This may not always be true. Unless the lock is punched out, the shank will remain in place. Thats why if you are using the right ammo in a shotgun, its recommended to shoot off the hinges instead of trying for the lock.
Mythbusters did a segment on this as well. Handguns and most rifles were ineffective against most padlocks and deadbolt locks. The M1 Garand and 12 guage slug made quick work of it though.
Many padlocks are made of hardened steel, hardened steel shatters when pressure is applied back and forth (like trying to bend it) so many times one can just get some leverage on the shaft, especially if the shaft is long, and work it back and forth till it snaps.
My dad is a locksmith and taught me that some very "high tech" expensive locks actually shatter very easily because they are made of hardened steel
I do know how to pick locks, make keys, re-key locks by changing the pins in the cylinder .... I think all this could come in useful someday....but who knows.... its never bad to have many skills....
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gun owner or victim??? decisions, decisions!
This may not always be true. Unless the lock is punched out, the shank will remain in place. Thats why if you are using the right ammo in a shotgun, its recommended to shoot off the hinges instead of trying for the lock.
Mythbusters did a segment on this as well. Handguns and most rifles were ineffective against most padlocks and deadbolt locks. The M1 Garand and 12 guage slug made quick work of it though.
That was one of the better episodes too. What I wouldn't give to have a job like that! I would volunteer to be in charge of all firearms related myths. Like silly little buzzsawing bullets from the M16
While being able to pick locks in the right circumstances could have its advantages, in most possible cases where one could justify gaining unpermissed access to a locked structure, one could with relative ease find a way to force one's way in.
If we aren't talking about doing illegal or otherwise bad things, the only cases I could think of where one would need to pick a lock in order to "survive" (not loot or ambush) would be to silently gain access to a builing to hide from attackers. This would really only work in an Armageddon-type scenario where not many "good" people are left, yet you are effectively surrounded by enemies (zombies, heh).
Otherwise
As far as the ease in which one might be able to gain access to a locked sctructure or container, I saw a good example back in highschool. In the locker room a kid took off his shoe and proceeded to knock open several locks with the heel of it, just to show how easy it was (he was making a point not to keep valuables in a locker, even if locked). I was extremely surprised at how easy it seemed.
Definately a good justification to keep a pry bar around!
Now that I think of it, I might add one to my BOB! For a few bucks (Harbor Freight) an an extra pound or two, it might actually be pretty nice (especially since, like Max Brooks says, it could also be used as a melee weapon if necessary).
lock picking and key impreshing are very useful skills u can make use of locks with out keys and if it is your lock you might not want to destroy it or you door. knowing how to re key is all so usefull, your stuff might be compromezed if a key is lost . the gear you need is minamal ,it is worth it.
Just removed one them circular Master locks as it was all froze and the key was stuck & wouldent turn, 40" rebar cutters made short work of that lock (like a hot knife thru butter).
Locks keep the piddlers out but anyone equiped could go where ever they want
crow bars,chain saw,saw-z-all with carbide blade, demolishion saw's, loader tractor, hammer & chisel, the possibilitys are boundless in getting them stubborn blockages removed.
the Maginot line and the atlantic sea wall dident stop determined people.
years back the kids lost the key off the Honda, used a large screwdriver to turn on the switch,
I had seen where thieves bust into the freight depot attemting to steal booze outta the lock box (large Knak Box "large job site tool box") they beat the hell outta that box with hand sledge and prybars to try to open the lid, they were was un-sucessfull, if they woulda thought of it a little that 16ga sheetmetal woulda been easy to open useing a steel chisel.
local business have had safes stolen they used pry bars to rip out the lag bolts securing the safe to the floor and from the tracks a hand truck to haul them off, the safe's (4 of them) were never recoverd.
Last edited by Rex in OTZ; 01-14-2009 at 02:11 PM.
Apparently all you need is a pop can and a pair of scissors.
Go to razorg.com and watch the video on how simple it is to get into a combo lock.
And then go buy better locks for your own stuff!
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Work sucks, I'm going to the range...
I say locksmith training is a great skill to have. I have just finished a correspondence course on locksmithing. It is not just about picking locks.
What happens when SHTF and the locks you rely on to protect your family and survival cache, fail to work? If you understand how locks work, you can repair them. Also it is a trade that is thousands of years old and wont go away soon. When SHTF more people will become security conscience, and you will be able to barter your skills.
If you know how to pick a lock, you won't have to announce your presence, as everyone who recommends a firearm will do blowing the lock out.
