Lock Picking 101 Forum
A community dedicated to the fun and ethical hobby of lock picking.
       

Lock Picking 101 Home
Login
Profile
Members
Forum Rules
Frequent Forum Questions
SEARCH
View New Posts
View Active Topics


Live Chat on Discord
LP101 Forum Chat
Keypicking Forum Chat
Reddit r/lockpicking Chat



Learn How to Pick Locks
FAQs & General Questions
Got Beginner Questions?
Pick-Fu [Intermediate Level]


Ask a Locksmith
This Old Lock
This Old Safe
What Lock Should I Buy?



Hardware
Locks
Lock Patents
Lock Picks
Lock Bumping
Lock Impressioning
Lock Pick Guns, Snappers
European Locks & Picks
The Machine Shop
The Open Source Lock
Handcuffs


Member Spotlight
Member Introductions
Member Lock Collections
Member Social Media


Off Topic
General Chatter
Other Puzzles


Locksmith Business Info
Training & Licensing
Running a Business
Keyways & Key Blanks
Key Machines
Master Keyed Systems
Closers and Crash Bars
Life Safety Compliance
Electronic Locks & Access
Locksmith Supplies
Locksmith Lounge


Buy Sell Trade
Buy - Sell - Trade
It came from Ebay!


Advanced Topics
Membership Information
Special Access Required:
High Security Locks
Vending Locks
Advanced Lock Pick Tools
Bypass Techniques
Safes & Safe Locks
Automotive Entry & Tools
Advanced Buy/Sell/Trade


Locksport Groups
Locksport Local
Chapter President's Office
Locksport Board Room
 

Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Tool recommendations, information on your favorite automatic and/or mechanical lockpicking devices for those with less skills, or looking to make their own.

Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby vmars » 7 Jul 2012 0:46

Hello

After frequently locking myself out of my house (due to the style of the front door auto-locking), I've decided to invest in a lock-pick. I'm not interested in the art or sport of lockpicking, I would just like to be able to easily get in whenever I lock myself out. The neighbourhood I live in isn't exactly secure, so I can't leave a window open or an extra key (people have broken into my car previously and stolen my extra key).

Anyway, I'm looking at choosing a lockpick from this website - http://www.gadgetsdirect.com.au/index.p ... &cPath=160. I'm wondering whether to get an automatic lockpick or a manual one. Which one is more effective and last longer? Which one will be easier? I know there will be some learning, but I'll only learn as much as necessary, as I have no other reason to use the skills.

Thanks
vmars
 
Posts: 3
Joined: 7 Jul 2012 0:38

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby Squelchtone » 7 Jul 2012 2:35

So you forget your keys a lot and get locked out, but you're suddenly going to remember to always have a lock pick set on you? We've seen this type of flawed logic here from dozens of people who have visited here over the years. Carry a key around your neck on dog tags if you get locked out so much, or carry a spare key in your wallet or purse, or get friendly with at least 1 trust worthy neighbor who can keep a spare key for you. Or get a GE Supra /AccessPoint key safe that mounts next to your door frame and uses a push button code to open a metal door where you keep a spare key.

and another thing.. extra key in your car and someone knew it was there and broke it and took it? I hope you had your locks rekeyed/replaced after that happened. So. you're locked out, don't have house keys but have the car keys to go get the spare house key locked in the car? I'm suddenly not buying your story.

sorry.. something isn't adding up here...

Squelchtone
Image
User avatar
Squelchtone
Site Admin
 
Posts: 11307
Joined: 11 May 2006 0:41
Location: right behind you.

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby vmars » 7 Jul 2012 3:00

I don't like what you think you are presuming. I'm not going to be carrying the lock-picking device around, its going to be stored outside the house in my tool shed, as I'm sure it looks much more like a tool than a key. Considering the shed doesn't have a door, I don't think its going to be a problem getting the 'tool'. For some reason I've never had a tool stolen even though it can be accessed easily in my backyard. Maybe that's because people to prefer items of value instead of tools...

Anyway I don't know why I bothered, I don't need to explain myself to you. All I want is some advice.
vmars
 
Posts: 3
Joined: 7 Jul 2012 0:38

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby O_OBruce » 7 Jul 2012 3:29

You could try a few things before you go out and spend a lot of time and money to solve a problem  after the fact. 

1. Get an extra key. Give 1 to a neighbor,
2. Put a key on a string and wear it. 
3. Get a key hook that clips to your belt get in the habit of
wearing it

4.Change your lock so it does not auto lock. 
5. Take a class on improving your memory,reducing stress in your life or analyzing why you keep locking yourself out.
6.Buy a gift card from locksmith, that way you will be a prepaid customer. 
Learning how to pick your front 
Lock won't help you if your picks are locked inside. 
Pm me for a free interior design consultation. Bay Area preferred but willing to travel.
O_OBruce
 
Posts: 12
Joined: 18 Jan 2012 21:46
Location: San Francisco, Ca.

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby vmars » 7 Jul 2012 3:32

Alright, number 4 seems like a good idea. How much do you think it would cost to change a lock?
vmars
 
Posts: 3
Joined: 7 Jul 2012 0:38

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby MBI » 7 Jul 2012 3:34

vmars wrote:I don't like what you think you are presuming. I'm not going to be carrying the lock-picking device around, its going to be stored outside the house in my tool shed, as I'm sure it looks much more like a tool than a key. Considering the shed doesn't have a door, I don't think its going to be a problem getting the 'tool'. For some reason I've never had a tool stolen even though it can be accessed easily in my backyard. Maybe that's because people to prefer items of value instead of tools...

Anyway I don't know why I bothered, I don't need to explain myself to you. All I want is some advice.

Squelchtone gave you some advice, which I'll reiterate. Buy a spare key and a locking combination key box which you can bolt somewhere secure, maybe under a shelf or workbench in your shed. You'll pay about the same for that as you would for the lockpick sets you've linked, and it'll be MUCH easier to use.

Learning to pick takes some practice and effort. It's also a perishable skill; if you don't practice it, your skills will get rusty. From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like you're interested in investing much time in developing and maintaining the skill you'll need to "easily get in" whenever you lock yourself out.

Does seem a bit odd, you say you don't live in a secure area, yet you have a shed with no door and you've never had a tool stolen.
MBI
Moderator Emeritus
 
Posts: 1346
Joined: 9 Oct 2007 2:29
Location: Utah, USA

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby keysman » 7 Jul 2012 3:39

vmars wrote:Anyway I don't know why I bothered, I don't need to explain myself to you. All I want is some advice.

You should buy at least 1 of each of the picks / electric pick guns ... that way when you lock yourself out AGAIN.. you know what tools you should have...



Well... you got your FREE advise, YOUR WELCOME.. we don't know why you bothered either.
Everyone who eats potatoes eventually dies. Therefore potatoes are poisonous.
keysman
Moderator Emeritus
 
Posts: 1174
Joined: 29 Dec 2004 5:09
Location: Las Vegas,Nv.USA

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby averagejoe » 7 Jul 2012 3:51

Here is a great idea. You could thread a spare key into your shoelaces and you will never forget it. Unless you frequently go without shoes.

You could also try getting your hands on one of these devices. http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55337
User avatar
averagejoe
 
Posts: 488
Joined: 17 Jul 2011 6:12
Location: Canada

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby Legion303 » 7 Jul 2012 3:58

vmars wrote:I'm not interested in the art or sport of lockpicking, I would just like to be able to easily get in whenever I lock myself out.


Your best bet is a lockpick shaped just like your door key, well-hidden in your unlocked shed.

Or you could make a habit of making sure your keys are on you before you lock the door.

-steve
User avatar
Legion303
 
Posts: 2343
Joined: 6 May 2006 6:52
Location: Denver, CO

epoxy solution

Postby atticRR » 7 Jul 2012 9:56

open door. fill hole that the door latches into with clear epoxy, cover with clear tape so it doesnt run down the jamb. After it cures your door will shut and feel locked but it wont be! everyone will be fooled!
I punched punctuation right in the face!
atticRR
 
Posts: 312
Joined: 8 Jun 2012 22:56
Location: mother lode/Jackson, CA

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby Darkness1569 » 7 Jul 2012 10:04

Don’t most of auto locking locks have a switch someplace to turn that feature off, and make it so you have to lock it manually? All of the ones that I have seen so far do.
“Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?”
Darkness1569
 
Posts: 78
Joined: 6 Jun 2012 10:06
Location: Oregon USA

Re: Which lockpick to purchase - locked house

Postby Evan » 8 Jul 2012 10:48

vmars wrote:I don't like what you think you are presuming. I'm not going to be carrying the lock-picking device around, its going to be stored outside the house in my tool shed, as I'm sure it looks much more like a tool than a key. Considering the shed doesn't have a door, I don't think its going to be a problem getting the 'tool'. For some reason I've never had a tool stolen even though it can be accessed easily in my backyard. Maybe that's because people to prefer items of value instead of tools...

Anyway I don't know why I bothered, I don't need to explain myself to you. All I want is some advice.


@vmars:

Presumption ? No...

Previously observed behavioral pattern which you are repeating: Yes...

Replace your lock with one which requires the key used to lock it from the outside of the door, like a deadbolt lock... Problem solved...

Or you could do like others here have recommended and install a Supra key safe somewhere outside where it is well protected using a decent combination that isn't your birthday or address... That way you would also be able to allow people other than yourself to gain non-destructive entry to your home when you are not there by telling them where said key safe is located and the code to open it...

Asking for advice is one thing, making your initial posting asking such borderline questions where there is a long history of troublesome motives behind such a concept is clearly coming from someone who did not read the rules or didn't care anyway and is being willfully disrespectful...

~~ Evan
Evan
 
Posts: 1489
Joined: 5 Apr 2010 17:09
Location: Rhode Island


Return to Lock Pick Guns, EPGs, Snappers

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests