Have you guys ever used a lockpick? And do any of you use and carry lockpick sets during explores? I was curious if you encountered a locked door with no other way inside

So generally lockpicks are not "approved" by most explorers, unless it comes in handy for them.

Discussing lockpicking methods on the forums in the past have lead to a shit-show. (let's see if we can prevent that this time?)

I will admit that I carry a set on me at almost all times, BEFORE entering a location. This weekend I went exploring and the option was either to pick a super simple lock or to climb a 16 ft gate. I voted to pick the lock. I picked it in relatively short amount of time. Went back to my vehicle, put all of my picks (except the one I needed to open this particular lock) into my truck and then went inside. Typically I wouldn't even suggest you keep the picks on you at all, but since this one only required a single tool and I planned to put the lock back on once we were inside (so it didn't look suspicious) I went ahead and brought the pick and immediately hid it. I hid it right out of the way near the entrance, so if I was caught inside...I wouldn't be caught with burglary tools. That IS a thing and they WILL charge you for it.

Long story short: I use picks. I make sure I don't get caught with them.

To me, it's along the same lines of "leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures". I leave no indication I was there and let them assume their security is working flawlessly.

I just received my set off Amazon the other day! I haven't used it yet, but i'm looking forward to teaching myself. I'm sure it'll come in handy down the line.

I have just started to use lock picks. So far I have had good amount of success. Hibestly, I don't seem many uses for them for exploring abandoned places. I use them for active places. Find a nice place to hide them if you gonna carry them.

I've had one or two friends with lockpicks, but never gotten any use out of them, as they either fail to open locks or we find an easier way.

I had a gun with a Master trigger lock on it. Somewhere along the line the key got lost. I looked up lock picking online, bent a couple of paper clips, and opened it right up. I was stunned how easy it was. Then I tried a padlock. Never did get that sucker to open...

Guess I was lucky when I needed it!

Abby

For those who haven't sorted this out or had it graphically demonstrated to them by LEOs, if you're arrested for trespassing they can impound and search your vehicle. Trespassing with a lock pick set in your possession shows intent which can lead to felony charges.

It takes months, if not years, of regular training before using them becomes practical; it really depends on your dexterity, and coordination. A short hook and tension wrench will open nearly any lock you'll encounter. Both cost just over a dollar, and are practically disposable.

Although they can occasionally get you into some places you couldn't get otherwise, I've found that it's not worth the risk of having them on me, since it's usually possible to bypass the lock entirely. (Also if I can't get in by bypassing the lock, it's often a lock way past my skill level.)

I presume in most places the police would have a problem if you were caught with lock picks, thinking you were using them to break & enter.

In some states and local jurisdictions, even possession of lock picking tools is illegal unless you are a certified lock smith. I would be extremely careful about being out and about with lock picking tools.

Joanne

http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=121789

also, I usually carry picks but it's very rare I need them unless there's a padlock on something - even then a shim is usually easier

As those above have said carrying lock picks exploring instantly boosts the charge from simple trespass to possession of burglars tools. In all practicality lock picking is basically impossible if you're trying to get in a place with medium or higher security (i.e. Medecos). To ou benefit the fire code in most places means that it's legally required a door be openable from the inside. You can use this to your advantage and find ways bypass the lock, frequently with just a credit card or some wire, which is a HELL of a lot more inconspicuous than lock picks.

The greatest explore of my life was made possible only through lock picking. Why? Because most the places that haven't been trashed are locked up tight, and This building was BULLET PROOF in regards to physically security. That building hosted weeks and weeks of exploring and even a meetup.

I've never been caught with them while exploring, because i throw them away and then later retrieve them if i even think i'm about to be caught. Or like Astro said, you can stash em or put em away once the deed is done. I have however, been caught with them in my car several times, and there was always a talk on the legality and how it makes me look suspicious with the officer, and then i was let on my way.... but I just chalk that up to my charming character

I've taken some incredible risks in my life. Carrying lockpicks won't be one of them. If I can't find another way in, I'll move on.

I have a set of lockpicks but I've never used them and they're actually still sealed in their original packaging. I've always gotten lucky and found an open door or another way to bypass the door, like climbing a pipe from a public balcony or using a credit card to key the door

I'm obviously not against using lockpicks, but if you decide to carry one on you be extremely careful. Getting caught with a lockpick will instantly make the situation worse. If you have to use one I'd recommend hiding it as soon as you open the lock and retrieving it later when you're about to make your escape

Lock picks are fun. I've never gotten to use them while exploring, since not much is locked, but...

Get some, if nothing more as a hobby.

There are two common ways to pick a lock. Rake method, and manual picking.

Most lock pick sets come with a ton of picks and i can't even imagine what most of them are for.

To do the rake method, you need the pick that has teeth almost like a key. First step is to insert the torsion wrench (a Z shaped metal bar with a flat end that fits in the lock) and apply slight pressure in the direction the lock will turn. Not too hard, not too light. Slide the rake in and out slowly against the pins, and if the lock isn't terribly well made (most aren't) and your torsion wrench pressure is correct, they will all set and you'll be able to turn the lock to the open position.

For the harder locks, you'll need the manual pick. That's the hook shaped one. These take more practice. Do the same thing as the rake method with the torsion wrench, that goes in first as far toward the floor of the lock as possible, gentle pressure. Then you need to insert the pick and feel around for the pins. It's subtle, and this method requires a lot of practice to get right. You will manually set each pin. I find that if i'm having a lot of trouble picking a lock, resetting it (releasing torsion pressure) and starting over by picking in the opposite direction (such as starting with the front pin instead of the back, or vice versa) that seems to get it undone.

If nothing more, learning to pick locks will just go to show you how little security you really have.

Yep.
That.

Posted by Steed ... or we find an easier way ...

Posted by AdventureDan The greatest explore of my life was made possible only through lock picking. Why? Because most the places that haven't been trashed are locked up tight, and This building was BULLET PROOF in regards to physically security. That building hosted weeks and weeks of exploring and even a meetup. I've never been caught with them while exploring, because i throw them away and then later retrieve them if i even think i'm about to be caught. Or like Astro said, you can stash em or put em away once the deed is done. I have however, been caught with them in my car several times, and there was always a talk on the legality and how it makes me look suspicious with the officer, and then i was let on my way.... but I just chalk that up to my charming character

I really miss that place. It'll always have a fond place in my heart.

Posted by Richard Davies I presume in most places the police would have a problem if you were caught with lock picks, thinking you were using them to break & enter.

Well, I think in most places you are breaking and entering if you are picking a lock. I have been casually interested and I suggest watching bosnianbill on youtube, he has some good overviews and what seem like good tips for beginners. Like others have said it seems like it takes a lot of practice to reliably pick even basic locks, forget about something even a bit more complex like a BEST