I like to lockpick, but I’m not that fast at it and sometimes just need to open a cabinet quick (looking at you, work… I just need to restart the computer, not call IT and wait 2 days for someone to press a button)
I also got a pedometer (I don’t have a smart watch) and a sling (think "David and Goliath). Just a few things I’ve had on my list for years, but never wanted to justify buying
“universal key” is what I call my Dremel
Just depends if I still need the lock to work after I’ve defeated it. If not, there are a plethora of “universal keys”
Reference? I might be interested in such things, having to deal with lost keys more often than I’d like.
What sort of furniture/doors can such keys be obtained for? I also have a lockpick learning kit that I bought a few years ago and haven’t gotten around to practicing with.
“Universal keys” from the bezos website, set of 19. Mostly for cabinets and small locks, not the set for construction equipment (though I am curious what else that set could unlock besides machinery. I have a feeling it’s labeled like that for reasons, but one of the sets comes with 109 keys)
Most locks are supposed to be a deterrent from opportunists, with varying levels of security. But when I lost my filing cabinet key, I didn’t blink because “I’ve got one that’ll work”. Paper towels are empty at work and I have to call someone to unlock it so I can refill it… never again
Worst case, I can try to pick it, but I’m not that good and picking is mostly just for fun
The tool that turns & vibrates the chambers seems pretty dang fast. First saw it on YT’s “Lock-picking Lawyer” channel.
That said, I’m not sure there is such a thing for
cylindertubular locks, like your left key in OP.Those vibrating tools are usually called electronic pick guns, and there are completely mechanical versions called snap guns.
The cylindrical locks/keys are tubular locks, and while I’ve never seen snap guns/electric picks for those, they are very quickly (almost as fast as using the key) and very easily (nearly no picking experience needed) picked using a self-impressioning tool. Most of the time, tubular locks are significantly less secure than regular pin-tumbler locks.
Well today I learned, thanks!
Thanks for adding on, and the correction.
I didn’t know about snap guns, but I’m just a neophyte. I started to educate myself on picking a couple decades ago, but sudden life changes kind of pulled me away from that. We’ll see if I can get that restarted, one of these days…
Thanks!
My personal favorite is the CH751 key. It unlocks the side cargo compartments of pretty much every travel trailer and RV on the market. That one key gets you into 95% of RVs, at least the cargo compartment. And the cargo compartments are often connected to the interior by just being underneath bed mattresses or couch cushions or the like.
Or, if you want to get really spicy with it, I hear that most municipal police departments use the same few keys for all of their cars – especially the old Crown Vic ones. (And that the same key is also shared with almost all Crown Vic taxis.)
The Ch751 is probably the one I use most. Mainly because it opens a cabinet that allows me to restart flubbering computers at work. But it does open a surprising amount of small locks. A lock is only good for honest thieves anyway, mostly just annoying for honest intentions. I got these because the other 4 I had couldn’t open a cabinet with my own stuff in it
Also, if you have the clear lock for learning lock picking, wrap it in painter’s tape to increase the challenge (if you start picking it too easily)
My kit I bought back then does in fact have a clear lock. Maybe soon when I can retire I’ll have more time for hobbies like this… :)
