Picking Locks in Use

[stratmando]

Although I read a Lot of "Don't pick Locks in Use". I have found times to Ignore.
1) Lockouts(Cars or Homes)Have full set of Lockout Tools,
2) Entry Systems/Gate Operators(Usually Condo's, where Manager can't find Key, But Needs Repaired, They don't like to pay me to sit there, and I don't want to sit there for Nothing.
3)Security Systems, Customer needs Repaired, but doesn't have a key.
4)My own House lock, where I have other entry, worse case, I break my lock or render useless, No real problem as I can repair or replace if necessary.

On Number 2 and 3, I pick them back to Locked.

Most of My work is Electrical or Electronic or Security/Access Control. Very handy to be able to pick these, as It solves a problem for a customer, and I get More Experience and don't turn away work


Any Other reasons?, or does any of this sound Wrong? Haven't ruined any Locks Yet

[billdeserthills]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

[stratmando]

Thanks, Good Job.
Sure Handy To be able to eliminate the Lock as a problem to do a Repair. Also speeds things up.

[billdeserthills]

Thanks, Good Job.
Sure Handy To be able to eliminate the Lock as a problem to do a Repair. Also speeds things up.

It would be best to get the property manager to sign something allowing you to pick the locks

[mseifert]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

Just a quick note here... Opening a mailbox that does not belong to you is a Federal offense, Even if it is not locked.

[billdeserthills]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

Just a quick note here... Opening a mailbox that does not belong to you is a Federal offense, Even if it is not locked.

[billdeserthills]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

Just a quick note here... Opening a mailbox that does not belong to you is a Federal offense, Even if it is not locked.

If the box is inside the post office it is a federal offense,
however the rural letter boxes are serviced by sub-contractors by permission of the post office

[stratmando]

Thanks, Good Job.
Sure Handy To be able to eliminate the Lock as a problem to do a Repair. Also speeds things up.

It would be best to get the property manager to sign something allowing you to pick the locks

Easier to wait for them to find the Key than To get the Right Signature from the Right Person, they may only be around once a week to sign checks.(Condos)
Both take time, I am known for quick repair, Still a lot of work From Hurricane Irma, and Traffic minimizes extra time. No one has complained and feel they like the quick repair.
Over the years, I have compiled Keys for Most Security, Access, other. End up with Overwhelming amount of Keys. Quicker to Pick, than for me to find Key. I encourage them to get a key, or I will get for them. Many are Fort Type, Some Double sided Wafers, Some Tubular.
Been Messing with Locks since about 12, 61 now, Hard to Change? You are Right, I should get signature. Just Impatient I think

[GWiens2001]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

Just a quick note here... Opening a mailbox that does not belong to you is a Federal offense, Even if it is not locked.

If the box is inside the post office it is a federal offense,
however the rural letter boxes are serviced by sub-contractors by permission of the post office

I'd not like to be the one to test that theory. If someone is opening mailboxes at people's homes, even if they are not taking anything, it is the Postal Inspector who investigates and prosecutes. And they are miles from the nearest post office.

Opening a letter that does not have your name on it, even if it is someone who lives at the same address (e.g. a family member) is a federal offense.

Gordon

[mseifert]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

Just a quick note here... Opening a mailbox that does not belong to you is a Federal offense, Even if it is not locked.

If the box is inside the post office it is a federal offense,
however the rural letter boxes are serviced by sub-contractors by permission of the post office

ALL Mailboxes are consider Postal Property even though you have to purchase them on your own. After some further research, opening a non-locking mailbox is a bit of a grey area. the illegal part comes into play about opening he actual mail, but when there is a locking mailbox I would not be surprised if this falls under laws about tampering with the mailbox. Now, I would not be surprised if someone who opens a mail for another person would be charged as an accomplices.

[billdeserthills]

The 'don't pick locks in use' rule applies to hobby pickers, not locksmiths.
For instance the other day a family had lost their patriarch (old man croaked off).
The family needed to get into the mailbox, but had no idea which cluster unit it was--
all they knew was it is box #3--I picked open box #3 on 3 different cluster boxes before I discovered
the right mailbox.

Just a quick note here... Opening a mailbox that does not belong to you is a Federal offense, Even if it is not locked.

If the box is inside the post office it is a federal offense,
however the rural letter boxes are serviced by sub-contractors by permission of the post office

I'd not like to be the one to test that theory. If someone is opening mailboxes at people's homes, even if they are not taking anything, it is the Postal Inspector who investigates and prosecutes. And they are miles from the nearest post office.

Opening a letter that does not have your name on it, even if it is someone who lives at the same address (e.g. a family member) is a federal offense.

Gordon[/quote]

No worry there, I'm never paid to open the mail, just the box