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I've just recently begun urban exploration, and I was wondering what sort of tools people generally carried with them. I think it might be fun if we got a thread going where everybody posted what they generally bring along!
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Gear
What gear to bring:
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=115444
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=113527
http://www.uer.ca/...asp?threadid=85956
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=106004
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=102979
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=72744
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=114171 (gloves)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=87995 (gloves)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=107605 (boots)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=65741 (boots)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=109755 (backpacks)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=107604 (backpacks)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=107476 (gloves and GPS)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=106956 (winter gear)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=86714 (winter clothing)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=104858 (inflatable rafts)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=79557 (self defense)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=115831 (draining gear)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=89841 (waders)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=99227 (headlamps)
[02:33:56] <Valkyre> Astro your whole life is ruled by the sentence ' life is better without clothes on'
[22:16:00] <DSomms> it was normal until astro got here
Astro: Patron Saint of Drains | |
I'll start:
Pliers (for untwisting fence links and the occasional bolt)
Variable head screwdriver (barely ever use this one, but I figure it might come in handy for moving past the better designed fences and doors)
Pocket knife (cutting lines and zip ties obscuring the way, as well as a safety precaution in case of running into any scary individuals)
Climbing gloves (climbing, duh)
M1 masterlock bump key (my personal favorite, as most places I've come across are secured with masterlocks)
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Oh wow, I didn't realize there was already so much content on the subject, sorry for any redundancy!
I still think it would be interesting to see what each individual prefers to bring along with them, though.
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I usually don't need more than my camera gear and a flashlight. If it's a longer explore or I'm doing multiple locations, I'll bring water and a snack. Usually I wear jeans, a t-shirt, and steel-toed boots. I would be real careful if you're bringing things like pliers and lock picks because that's how a trespassing citation turns into B&E.
https://www.flickr...tos/131085384@N06/ | |
Posted by Infrared
I'll start:
Pliers (for untwisting fence links and the occasional bolt)
Variable head screwdriver (barely ever use this one, but I figure it might come in handy for moving past the better designed fences and doors)
M1 masterlock bump key (my personal favorite, as most places I've come across are secured with masterlocks)
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You are aware carrying all of those will likely land you in deep shit if you get caught. Escalating a simple trespass offence into what will more than likely involve some kind of burglary/breaking and entering charge.
The vast majority of explorers don't use or need stuff like that.
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Posted by KD20
I usually don't need more than my camera gear and a flashlight. If it's a longer explore or I'm doing multiple locations, I'll bring water and a snack. Usually I wear jeans, a t-shirt, and steel-toed boots. I would be real careful if you're bringing things like pliers and lock picks because that's how a trespassing citation turns into B&E.
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This plus 2...I always go by the motto of "Take only photographs, leave only footprints". Carrying shit like this will only land you more in trouble should you get stopped and questioned by LEO's.
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yes it's highly advisable to NOT carry bump keys or other tools that could very quickly escalate a simple trespassing charge to one of burglary or breaking & entering. Moreso, those tools (other than the gloves & pocket knife) aren't really even necessary for the overwhelming majority of locations you're likely to encounter. I've explored hundreds of locations and have never once required the services of a bump key. If you're having to pick locks you're doing it wrong.
Fences should be climbed or bypassed through an existing opening or where they abut a building. Again, if you're having to take them apart link by link, you're doing it wrong, and just asking for trouble.
$0.02
www.tohellandback.net | |
Don't listen to all of these negative Nancy's. If you're going to carry cutters, pliers, a ratchet set, sledgehammer, etc just don't get caught with it. Either bring it back to the car before you go in, or ditch it somewhere before you leave. Nobody to blame but yourself if you do get caught with something. Most locations you don't need any tools, but there are possibilities you can run into some that need to be opened if you live in a city. If you do choose to use tools, good luck and be careful!
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I'm just disappointed that nobody has posted that UER SRS BSNS video yet. Also disappointed that I can't find it. It should probably be linked from the FAQ.
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Posted by Rinzler
Don't listen to all of these negative Nancy's. If you're going to carry cutters, pliers, a ratchet set, sledgehammer, etc just don't get caught with it. Either bring it back to the car before you go in, or ditch it somewhere before you leave. Nobody to blame but yourself if you do get caught with something. Most locations you don't need any tools, but there are possibilities you can run into some that need to be opened if you live in a city. If you do choose to use tools, good luck and be careful!
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Agreed, but obviously it's not for everyone. I tend to scout a location without any tools, then if I find out it takes a little more effort to get in (which is rare), I only bring what is necessary and I am VERY cautious when using them. I also have a nice hidden pocket in my bag for such items (also easily accessible in case I need to ditch). It's not 100%, but it makes me slightly more comfortably carrying stuff.
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Greetings,
Tools?
Well, I like things you can easily explain.
Graph paper and a pencil. I like maps...
Flashlight - small LED that fits in pocket - non threatening. DO NOT take the 6 D Cell Maglight. I know someone in highschool that was using one of those and run in with police considered it a deadly weapon.
Paracord - Cheap, easy, strong, and small cord that can be used for many things. Never been questioned for having it. Better to have and not need than need an emergency rope/binding and not have.
Leatherman/Gerber multi-tool. In most areas they meet legal blade length and if you have it in your pocket/leather pouch, let the officer know it is there BEFORE they search you. ONLY give them that information that it is on you if the conversation seems to be going that direction. If they find it without you telling them, you can get in serious trouble though. But it can always be easily explained away as a simple tool if you explain/tell them at the correct time.
Leather gloves - no brainer - explained usually by "I do a lot of walking in the woods. You ever get stuck in thorns/thistles?"
Jeans - Protect your skin
Long sleeve/jacket - protect skin
Good comfortable boots WITH some ankle support - Protect feet and reduce risk of injury to ankles.
Strong leather belt able to hold your weight - Style doesn't matter, utility does. A hardware store belt that can support your weight can mean the difference between that spot that looks out of reach and that amazing new find.
Tic Tacs - biodegradable brightly colored bread crumbs if you are in a larger place. They are also good for marking safe/unsafe areas. Etc. And popping a few in your mouth before the police get there helps...
Cigarette Lighter - Cauterize ends of paracord so it doesn't fray. And you never know when it helps.
Cell phone with mapping/gps/geocaching apps.
Camera - pictures of nature and birds in primary memory, exploration on SD card. So when they look at what you were photographing it is exterior shots, birds, plants, wildlife, etc. Makes it look like you are an aspiring photog.
The only thing above that is in the "grey area" I have found was the leatherman/gerber. But have never had one confiscated. And I have used them to pick locks in the past... A multi-tool is a lot easier to explain than a full set of pliers and wrenches. You carry too many tools and they will assume you were trying to scrap the place.
In the vehicle:
Tools, and rock climbing gear. All IN THE TRUNK.
Also, jerky/dried fruit and liquid INCLUDING PLAIN WATER to wash out cuts/eyes/etc if need be. Iodine for wound care/etc. Small first aide kit. All in passenger compartment.
My feeling is:
Take nothing in that looks like you are a looter/vandal/thief. - reduces likelihood of severe consequences if caught.
Do no harm.
If you need to "break in" and need anything that can't be easily explained, return it to vehicle/stash someplace before you progress. Carrying that entry gear can change a slap on the wrist to heavy fines/court.
Seriously, B&E tools, pliers, bolt cutters, etc turn you from Urban Explorer to criminal REALLY quick. You are trespassing, and that usually can be talked out of. But carrying those things can turn it into other charges fast that do not easily go away.
You can make a decent set of picks from hacksaw blades. Organizations like FOOLS http://www.bloomingtonfools.org/ are there for helping you learn lock sporting. And seriously, hacksaw blade picks are an easy throw away. But most of the places you go you will not need them. If you find that door that is locked. Come back and do it later when you have a lay of the land and do those locked areas first on your next visit. But again, RARELY will you need to do this if the building is really abandoned.
Just my two cents.
Have fun,
Hugh
I never was good at learning things. I did just enough work to pass. In my opinion it would have been wrong to do more than was just sufficient, so I worked as little as possible. Manfred von Richthofen | |
I have a crowbar made of titanium. For lightness.
All information and details given in good faith but not guaranteed! | |
Posted by Tupsumato
I have a crowbar made of titanium. For lightness.
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My favourite pry bar is made of rhodium
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Posted by Rinzler
Don't listen to all of these negative Nancy's. If you're going to carry cutters, pliers, a ratchet set, sledgehammer, etc just don't get caught with it. Either bring it back to the car before you go in, or ditch it somewhere before you leave. Nobody to blame but yourself if you do get caught with something. Most locations you don't need any tools, but there are possibilities you can run into some that need to be opened if you live in a city. If you do choose to use tools, good luck and be careful!
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If you are opening doors any other way you are wasting time. 
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sigh; flashlights, crowbars, bump keys etc. etc.
this is better off in the tutorial if not the rookie section
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Posted by Infrared
I'll start:
Pliers (for untwisting fence links and the occasional bolt)
Variable head screwdriver (barely ever use this one, but I figure it might come in handy for moving past the better designed fences and doors)
Pocket knife (cutting lines and zip ties obscuring the way, as well as a safety precaution in case of running into any scary individuals)
Climbing gloves (climbing, duh)
M1 masterlock bump key (my personal favorite, as most places I've come across are secured with masterlocks)
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So, you openly advocate breaking and entering? Wow, glad no police ever come on to this site.
Just celebrated the birth of my third girl, an exploration all in its self. | |
on second thought
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