newbie question about best tools for fast entry

by **housepricecrash** » 28 Oct 2007 11:53

Hi, just joined the forum today as I will soon be starting a job where I will be required to gain entry to property fairly fast.

I have had a basic set of 5 picks for some time and am able to pick (useing a raking technique) cyliner pull type locks ok. But cannot pick euro locks and wouldn't know where to start with mortice locks.

I have just ordered the mortice lock identification manuals from ebay and have also ordered bump keys and mica from a website.

I can use destructive entry and will have to on some if not most occasions as I will be pressed to get the door open quickly. I would prefer to use non destructive methods as often the keys for the locks will be inside the property and I may be able to use the lock on another property, also it will save me money on drill bits.

Apart the items I already have or have ordered can anybody suggest any other tools that will help me get through the door quickly without causing damage. ?

hpc

by **fuzz** » 28 Oct 2007 12:07

housepricecrash wrote: I would prefer to use non destructive methods as often the keys for the locks will be inside the property

If you can see them through the letterbox (keys) then a simple fish rod with a magnet on the end would do the trick to get the keys.

by **housepricecrash** » 28 Oct 2007 12:15

A simple idea, but one I had not considered, thanks.

by **NickBristol** » 28 Oct 2007 13:08

Getting in quickly non-destructively is something that needs training, the right tools and lots of practice. Raking is generally good for Euro's, especially with bogota's but single pin picking is the most reliable, and can be quick once you gain skills and experience.

Picking BS mortice locks is something that really needs to be learnt from someone with well developed skills as a locksmith and as a trainer. Quickest entry is via decoders and P&C's but these cost a lot of money and you still need to be able to accurately ID the lock in the door.

What job is it that you are starting? You do have to ask why the company you're being employed by isn't using a qualified trading fully-equipped locksmith for this work? It sounds a lot like warrant work to me.

by **chip** » 28 Oct 2007 13:36

it does NickBristol.

Thing is, a lot of warrant companies require non destructive, and that take a lot of time to get right.

If it's not Warrants, what is it, bailiffs, estates???..........burglary???

It would be good to know what the job is to be able to advise you better on best methods.

by **housepricecrash** » 28 Oct 2007 13:43

NickBristol wrote:
What job is it that you are starting? You do have to ask why the company you're being employed by isn't using a qualified trading fully-equipped locksmith for this work? It sounds a lot like warrant work to me.

Hi NB, it is mortgage reposession work. There is quite a bit more to it than just gaining entry and changing the locks such as draining water systems down and boarding up broken windows etc. I guess most locksmith firms wouldn't want to get that involved.

I am keen to learn more advanced skills in picking and don't doubt that once learnt it will be the quickest way in to a lot of locks and save the lock aswell. As I am being thrown in at the deep end I am trying to ensure that I have as many essential tools around me as possible just to ensure that I can actually get in. If I can't get through the door and the reposession has to be cancelled I don't get paid and get charged for baliff costs.

by **chip** » 28 Oct 2007 14:55

usually on repossesions, it's get in asap, anyway possible.

It doesn't really matter if you drill the lock as you need to change them anyway.

The chances of the keys being in the property is very slim, you can still use the part for rekeying a lock, if mortice, so long as on rleft as you only need drill case.

I must admit that i do try ad pick first, only for a couple of minutes as the agent usually gets the hump if you take much lnger. I'm quite lucky that I have had the years of practice to be a compitent picker, so most go quite quick.

as they're repossesions, you won't be frowned apon if you drill, most people do anyway.

by **parapilot** » 28 Oct 2007 15:12

Agree chip, its great to pick, but on a repo etc you are changing the locks anyway so why mess about. get them in asap. I to have a play but for no longer than a min.

lockouts etc are diffenent ball game. i will pick then everytime.

Im sure we have all been there, oh its only a era / bird / sterling, take the hand picks with a nice smile on your face, and the bugger wont go!! Had to drill a bird last month it wouldnt pick or spin in unlock direction, only lock, very embarrasing, but the night latch was bust so not my fault - honist ! :oops:

People knock it, but the locksmith that does not carry a drill will get stuck at some point.

by **chip** » 28 Oct 2007 15:29

Oh yeah, been stuck myself on many occasions.

Had a yale the just wouldn't go, out came the drill.

picking is always the first choice on a lockout, as it doesn't matter if it takes a little longer.

by **housepricecrash** » 28 Oct 2007 15:34

I know I will have to drill most of the time i'm just wondering if there are other tools or methods out there that can get you in as quick if not quicker than drilling and with the bonus of a potentialy useable lock and no snapped drill bits.

I saw a video on youtube earlier where the guy opened a thumbturn euro in seconds with some sort of pick that he basically just put in and turned. Don't know if you guys have seen that vid but it got me thinking that looks like a pretty handy tool, and I wondered if there were other equally useful tools out there that I dont know about.??

by **fuzz** » 28 Oct 2007 15:49

you got that vid?
check your history - you have me intrigued

by **taylorgdl** » 28 Oct 2007 15:58

This is getting a bit close to discussing bypass methods.

I know which video you refer to, and that is a bypass.

Do you not think that some professional training is in order?

by **parapilot** » 28 Oct 2007 15:58

Its a bypass tool. Only works on some thumbturns, and its not all to reliable. Fuzz, remind me next time i see you and ill show you.

but we are not to talk about such a tool in public. sorry, try a search.

by **fuzz** » 28 Oct 2007 15:59

Just use your common sense when your out doing the job, if it takes to long to pick, or its too hard, then try another method, go through the methods that you know, eventually you'll learn more and can then try them. . .

by **housepricecrash** » 28 Oct 2007 16:13

Sorry, Don't want to talk about things I shouldn't be. Thanks for all your replies. Can anyone recommend a cheap place to buy locks. Have looked on ebay and they don't seem that cheap the best prices I have found so far have been on screwfix but they don't seem so have much selection and i'm sure they aren't the cheapest out there.

I,m looking to get a stock of about 40 different size euro cylinders one of each of the most common mortice locks and 10 cylinder pulls.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I'm based in Maidstone, Kent by the way.

hpc

newbie question about best tools for fast entry

newbie question about best tools for fast entry

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