My first lock picked, and the experience..

[Agent-X]

I eventually picked my first lock today, it was quite the interesting experience. The technique I used was raking. But besides all of that, raking doesn't exactly describe the technique used on the lock.

When picking the lock I found that I had to learn how to adjust the torque correctly. When I was screwing around earlier the tension wrench flew across my basement as I gave off a cynical laugh for applying too much force. I learned that it's best to start with the least amount of torque and move up slowly.

By moving up slowly letting the pins reset, and turning up the torque redoing the raking process, I eventually picked the lock. I'm not excited like OMG UBER KEWL!!!!!!!111 But, it was an interesting experience none the less.

[Chrispy]

Feels good doesn't it? You gain a sense of invincibility.... next stop... medecos

[raimundo]

That the stuff you put on wet and it explodes when dry, I think I have heard that if you use it too thick, the outside explodes before the inside is ready and the splashes stick to the wall and dry. sometimes spontaneously popping off

[Chrispy]

That the stuff you put on wet and it explodes when dry

Are you talking about Nitrogen Triiodide? I've actually never heard of it. I'll have a look for that now....

[Agent-X]

It's dangerous stuff. Most people don't like talking about it except to say that it's very dangerous and the chance of you blowing off your fingers is real good if you don't know what you're doing. It's very unstable. However, in extreme cases, you could probably use it to blow up something like a lock.

It's always nice to know stuff if you're being locked inside of a facility and don't have a key or any metal around.

Oh, and it has a good chance of blowing up while it's wet. I should take it off my sig.

[Chrispy]

So I'm assuming it would be a restricted substance? What uses does it have and who would use it?

[Minion]

Why take it out of your sig? Talking about it isn't illegal (as of yet) and removing it just seems to be unnecessary censorship.

[ndgreen]

Apologies to the mods if this is too off-topic...

Ammonium Tri-iodide (also called Touch Powder) is a crystal based compound that is a friction-explosive (i.e. it 'explodes' when you crush it).

As for blowing your hand off, not likely. I have made this stuff on numerous occasions (I am a chemist) and it hurts to touch it, but does no damage, and wouldn't even damage a lock!

It DOES leave nasty brown iodine stains everywhere though...

N.

[Chrispy]

Now, touch powder I've heard of I didn't know the chemical name for it.

You can make some scary bombs with this stuff. The ring caps used in capguns (like $1.80 for 8 rings) can be emptied VERY CAREFULLY using a pair of pliers and piled together in a glass container. When thrown against a wall (or the ground) 100 caps worth will make some serious noise and quite an interesting combustion.

*logs off www.bombmaking101.com, logs into www.lockpicking101.com*

Anyway....

[Mad Mick]

The old-style (sulphur) match-heads, when compressed in a nut between two bolts, can make a helluva bang too! (and end up with flying projectiles... )

[Chrispy]

I miss the old "strike anywhere" matches.

[Mad Mick]

"strike anywhere"

Zips, the seam of jeans, teeth, fingernails, two matches together...

[Mad Mick]

P.S. I started smoking at age 9... ...and matches rattling around in a box would have got me a smacked donkey!!

[Chrispy]

Zips, the seam of jeans, teeth, fingernails, two matches together...

Chin stubble, concrete, rough wood, speakers, shoes, leather, watch bands..... the list goes on....

[Minion]

stove (woodburning, cabin) is where I light the matches. Don't have chin stubble yet >.>