Any exceptions to the rules?

[MrManson]

So,

having read the rules, it is clear that you should not pick locks which are in use, or talk about that here. While I generally agree with this, I think in extenuating circumstances there are times where it may be reasonable or the best thing you can do, and in those cases exceptions should be reasonable.

For example, as I s aid in my intro post, I had a time a couple years back, where I locked my bike, with a bike lock, and it wasn't a chain, it was a solid steel U loop, and it was also locked around a thick metal railing. I thought I had lost my key and couldn't find it anywhere, it took me over an hour to find it. Of course, if I never found the key, in a case like that, I'd have rather picked the lock and be possibly/probably able to use it again, than cut through the thick metal loop and surely destroy it, and having to spend a decent chunk of money for a new lock.

So are there exceptions in terms of cases like these here, if not, what is the reasoning for not having exceptions like that?

[GWiens2001]

The problem (using your example) is that we don't know you, nor do we know your bicycle. We do not want to be a training ground for criminals, nor do we wish to promote breaking into things that don't belong to you.

The other part, not picking locks in use, is because we can point to numerous examples of people here picking their door lock, car lock, etcetera, and the lock breaks. Now they can't even lock their home so they can go out and buy a replacement lock.

So, no, we do not do exceptions to the rules.

GWiens2001
Admin

[MrManson]

The other part, not picking locks in use, is because we can point to numerous examples of people here picking their door lock, car lock, etcetera, and the lock breaks. Now they can't even lock their home so they can go out and buy a replacement lock.



GWiens2001
Admin

Of course, that part I understand and was not questioning. I was thinking of times where it's either down to pick, or cut/break. in circumstances like that, It's better to pick first and have a slight chance of breaking, than immediately go to cutting/breaking and surely 100% destroying your lock.

However yes, I understand from an administration perspective, you don't know the vast majority of posters here, or what is or is not their lock, or their property, or their circumstances, and you want to play it safe. After all, from your perspective someone could be lying about all those.

Having said that, even just with knowledge of lock picking in general, people can still turn that knowledge for malicious purposes, like any knowledge or tools, they can be used for good or evil. I'm a gun owner, and I think in the gun community for example, there is a tacit understanding that "we can teach and help you use your firearm and shoot better, but if you use that for malicious purposes, we are not responsible, and it's all on you - personal responsibility". Of course, I am not trying to argue to change your position, but rather just commenting on where the responsibility of the "teacher" imparting knowledge ends, and where the "student's" responsibility for using that knowledge for evil begins.

[GWiens2001]

It also comes down to the issue of possible liability.

Now as to pick-or-destroy the lock, most of us come across that decision, and our choice would be rather obvious. But picking a lock that is in use and risking damaging the lock in use simply so you can practice is a bad idea. If nothing else, people can go to a thrift store and pick one up for under a buck.

Gordon