Lock picking

[Riotgear]

Here's a handy guide to basic lock picking-

http://learnlockpicking.com/howto.html

Plans to make your own picks can be found at Instructables if one were so inclined.

[Clang McFly]

Too late. That would have been helpful 20 years ago when I got locked out of my house. Hmm...wonder if locksmithing/thievery pays well?

[Riotgear]

Too late. That would have been helpful 20 years ago when I got locked out of my house. Hmm...wonder if locksmithing/thievery pays well?

There a great place for some accurate cost/benefit analysis.

[Donovan]

I knew a guy who had a way to make what he called keytaps, which were universal-cut keys designed to jar tumblers into opening. The premise was that the keys were cut such a way they went an eighth inch deeper into the lock, and were cut with certain ridges that if you inserted the key and then struck it with a rubber or wood mallet while turning it it would make the tumblers "jump" and spring the lock. I didn't describe it very well but I saw it work and actually used the process myself once when one of my guys locked us out of his apartment while he was trashing the joint.

[Riotgear]

I think they call those bump keys now.

[Donovan]

yeah that was probably it. I knew it was something like that.

[HairOfTheDog]

I picked my lock straight out of a catalogue.

[Riotgear]

bah dump dump pshhhhhhhh

[HairOfTheDog]

I didn't realize til now that lock picking is actually considered a sport (locksport) by some and there are competitions held around the world. Interesting recreation...

This one looks fun.

http://hackaday.com/2011/10/07/hackerspa...-say-more/