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UER Forum > Archived UE Tutorials, Lessons, and Useful Info > Lockpicking (Viewed 11134 times)
Harlan 


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Lockpicking
< on 1/3/2011 8:31 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
So in the past two months I've been starting to dip my toes into urban exploration a bit. I've really enjoyed the few places I've been so far and can see how this could become an extremely addictive hobby.

Many of the areas I've tried, however, have seemingly inaccessible internal areas that are locked up. This seems like a pretty much depressingly impossible obstacle to cool places that I want to be and I've been disappointed repeatedly by this.

So I've been toying with the idea of lockpicking. Is lockpicking ever used for urbex? Is it excessively difficult to learn? And does it violate any sort of godly ethical rule about tampering with a place?

Thanks. Like I've said, I'm new to this, so I hope this isn't common knowledge.

I guess I should probably write something down here.
AnAppleSnail 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 1 on 1/3/2011 8:45 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Harlan
So I've been toying with the idea of lockpicking. Is lockpicking ever used for urbex? Is it excessively difficult to learn? And does it violate any sort of godly ethical rule about tampering with a place?

Thanks. Like I've said, I'm new to this, so I hope this isn't common knowledge.


Gosh and Begorrah, clandestine unauthorized access to places, is it like a magic wand? No. Lockpicking is somewhat useful, but you should look into what happens if you are found with lockpicks. Generally, insta-ticket or arrest. I suggest you spend about $20 to $30 on a set of picks, start collecting locks to practice on, and practice. After you think those locks are easy, toss them in the rain for a week and try again. And cry. Because you got used to your few locks and now your locks are different. And hard again.

Seriously, practice on a PILE of different locks, preferably ones that are neglected like you'll find in real buildings. It helps to scout some out-of-the-way deadbolts and door locks to practice on. Lockpicking is a pain, tends to be slow until you're pretty good, but is useful in the few situations where there isn't another way. There's usually faster ways to bypass a lock.

Don't get caught with picks.
Practice more.
Yes, it's useful, sometimes, but no, not the best thing as often as you'd like after you practice almost enough.

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AnAppleSnail 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 2 on 1/3/2011 8:45 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
UER double posted me, so... bah. Have more content.

The beginner one is a good set

Seriously, practice more. Some locks are specifically easy to open, like the Master Lock 175. Google that, it's kind of funny. Learn those tricks like a crack whore learning which corners are best, it'll come in handy. Read about how locks work or you're fucked.
[last edit 1/3/2011 8:47 AM by AnAppleSnail - edited 1 times]

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vov35 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 3 on 1/3/2011 12:45 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
... acquire a set of bump keys. don't practice. have access to a good variety of areas... you need what, 5 for all padlocks you're likely to come across?

Yes, I understand picking. No, I don't think it's worth the time in these cases.

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yokes 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 4 on 1/3/2011 1:56 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
And if you do it, don't talk about it on UER

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ZenCanadian 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 5 on 1/3/2011 6:21 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Also remember that if you get caught with picks they are considered bne tools so ticket no, arrest yes.

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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 6 on 1/3/2011 6:50 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Even with bump keys, you have to practice. It is easy enough to find instructions on how to pick locks on most torrent search engines. this information will normally include the instructions for regular picking and bump keys. Either way, it takes alot of practice.

I personally don't care for bump keys. Though when they do work, it is sometimes easier. All in all, I don't consider it worth it. With the amount of time you have to put into practicing and then the trouble you can get into for it, it just ends up not being worth it to me. your call though!

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Harvestman 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 7 on 1/3/2011 8:39 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
If you must get past a locked door, carding is the most highly recommended method. The success rate isn't terribly high, but it'll get you past some stuff (glass-paned, metal-framed double doors are a good bet).

On a side note, has ANYONE found a way to bypass one of those locks inside the ball-shaped door handles without a pick?

Oh good, my slow clap processor made it into this thing.
Opheliaism 

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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 8 on 1/3/2011 8:43 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
This thread has been moved from Main. Full members can see it as well as any other new members that posted in it. UER does not condone illegal activities such as lock picking. (*snicker, snicker)

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AnAppleSnail 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 9 on 1/3/2011 9:13 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Opheliaism
This thread has been moved from Main. Full members can see it as well as any other new members that posted in it. UER does not condone illegal activities such as lock picking. (*snicker, snicker)


In the past people have lost the ability to see threads they post once the thread gets moved. Anyway...

Locksport is a fun hobby, but clearly only a fool would ever get caught while trying to pick locks he or she doesn't own.

Bump keys work sometimes, like magic when they do, but getting the blanks can take some work. Carding rarely works on interesting doors. I can usually only get it to work on residential-type ones or interior office doors. Picking often takes so long that your audience while you're showing off on locks you own is likely to get bored. Although the feeling of the core suddenly turning is a nice one.

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unlisted 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 10 on 1/3/2011 11:52 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by HarvestmanMan
On a side note, has ANYONE found a way to bypass one of those locks inside the ball-shaped door handles without a pick?

Do you mean one of these?


Its called a big hammer or blunt object to "remove" said handle from the doorframe. Or the card trick as already mentioned...

But than again, we don't talk about b&e here.
[last edit 1/3/2011 11:53 PM by unlisted - edited 1 times]

Harlan 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 11 on 1/4/2011 12:31 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Thanks a lot for the input and I'm sorry if the subject isn't appropriate for this forum.

I guess I should probably write something down here.
vov35 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 12 on 1/4/2011 1:32 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by unlisted

Do you mean one of these?
http://krygier.owu...1_gr/door-knob.jpg

Its called a big hammer or blunt object to "remove" said handle from the doorframe. Or the card trick as already mentioned...

But than again, we don't talk about b&e here.



... the lock core is different, makes means of bypass through there varied... I'm sure piano wire would work on the cheap ones.

also I second removing the handle. those realtor keyboxes they lock around handles work like levers btw... such a failiure... /me sighs

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MindHacker 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 13 on 1/4/2011 3:30 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Lockpicking is not illegal! I mean, on the practice locks, which we've established you're going to buy. Also ask friends for locks, once people hear you're a hobbyist everyone has a few locks they lost the keys to at one point or another that you can have. And it's not quite as bad as AAS made it out to be. Some of the locks are rusty or gritty, but more of them are well worn, which makes them easier.

Not a fan of bump keys... you still have to get tension - the hard part of picking - set right, and you can't tell whats happening inside the lock as you do it.

I only ever take a few picks with me anywhere, that way I don't feel bad about ditching them if worst comes to worst. And after you practice and play around, you'll figure out that there's only one or two you ever use, anyway.

And the ball-headed locks... on some of the kwiksets you could shape a key like ===|/=) so that it would catch the pins, and then the whole cylinder would pull out with a strong force on the key. But, if you did it wrong, you destroyed the door or got a f8cked up key stuck in it... so I'd shy away from that, especially 'cause kwiksets are super-easy to pick.

Finally, if you ever get caught, "It wasn't latched all the way, I just pushed and the door opened."


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Harvestman 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 14 on 1/4/2011 4:29 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by unlisted

Do you mean one of these?
http://krygier.owu...1_gr/door-knob.jpg

Its called a big hammer or blunt object to "remove" said handle from the doorframe. Or the card trick as already mentioned...

But than again, we don't talk about b&e here.


Yup, those. I just got back from trying to get up a staircase to the roof of the Marriott in Jacksonville. Know what was holding me back? One of those S.O.B.s.

Do bobby pins work for anything anymore? I haven't had any luck, but maybe on older locks...

Oh good, my slow clap processor made it into this thing.
AnAppleSnail 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 15 on 1/4/2011 6:00 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by

Do bobby pins work for anything anymore? I haven't had any luck, but maybe on older locks...


Kinda. You have to get the bead off the straight end and use it like a torsion wrench, then another for a pick. Compare a bobby pin to a pick to see why they suck. You can kinda rake with then on shitty locks in your collection.

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The Anti-Paradigm 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 16 on 1/7/2011 3:09 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Got a lock pick set I use here and there (on locks i own!...?. ;]) it is the type that closes up like a pocket knife set. Pretty useful. Has gotten me into [my house] and [only my house] when i needed it. Youtube the technique. it is a little different for each lock, but once you get how each of the type of lock's tumblers move you can do it.

It takes a lot of patience, but is definitely a bucket list thing to learn how to do. Good luck and happy picking.

[EDIT] Also how many tumblers each kind of lock has is important... I personally use a rake pick for almost anything. with about three or four tries i can make it in.
[last edit 1/7/2011 3:11 PM by The Anti-Paradigm - edited 2 times]

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unlisted 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 17 on 1/8/2011 7:04 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
If you are going to purchase lockpicks I would recommend a real set VS those all in one jackknife sets... The longer (individual) picks work much better for feedback... ;)



Harlan 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 18 on 1/9/2011 4:05 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I've just ordered an M1 Bump Key for now. I mostly want to be able to open simple padlocks so I think I'll see what I can do with this. I've been reading about picking and while it sounds like a good skill, I want something with more instant gratification. I'm lazy and easily distracted.

I guess I should probably write something down here.
unlisted 


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Re: Lockpicking
<Reply # 19 on 1/9/2011 7:37 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Harlan
I've just ordered an M1 Bump Key for now. I mostly want to be able to open simple padlocks so I think I'll see what I can do with this. I've been reading about picking and while it sounds like a good skill, I want something with more instant gratification. I'm lazy and easily distracted.


Heh, bumping is not instant gratification.. you have to learn with those as well. (not as hard as lockpicking, but its not as simple as it looks on youtube)

Remember the key you purchased will only work in one type (keyway) of padlock, not in a range of them. You also gotta get the timings dead on.. and for that reason I prefer picking over bumping..



UER Forum > Archived UE Tutorials, Lessons, and Useful Info > Lockpicking (Viewed 11134 times)
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