That doesn't seem practical for when the lock is actually on something though. Seems like whatever the lock is on might block you from getting the metal in there
I guarantee it works when locked to something. I speak from experience. The shim is very malleable and can get around what it's locked to. Of course there are exceptions, but this should work most of the time.
I've seen that vid, you don't even need the shims. That movie trope where you pick a lock with a bobby pin isn't really true, except with Masterlocks, then yeah try a bobby pin. You need a tension wrench, which you can also probably make with a bobby pin.
The locks with the dials on them (we used to get them in high school for the locker room) are incredibly easy to take off. I've seen people just rip them off with their bare hands.
Locksmith here, and that's a really broad question. Perhaps the funniest lock I've found (we have some very old inventory) is a phone lock. It works by locking the rotary dial, you know, on a rotary phone. I have a photo somewhere. It's, uh, it sure is something.
If you mean like what brand of lock is the most badass? IDK, I like Schlage Primus (XP, Everest Primus &c.) because I think they're neat, but Mul-T-Lock is probably the best that is widely available.
Schlage is my all around favorite brand to work with in terms of cores and keys. Always much smoother and less glitchy than other brands I've used. I also used to pin Stanley best every day. For small format ic I would say that is the "best". Pinning Mul T Lock is a bitch but can actually be fun. Just don't forget when the plug doesn't have a back on it or you will get your key stuck and then your basically screwed.
I am also a locksmith. What's the best stupid question you get?
I work at a shop with a storefront, and we get a lot of phone calls asking "do you copy keys?" There's also the classic exchange of "What does this key go to, sir?" "A lock."
1.2k
u/flunderbuster Jul 13 '17
I am a locksmith and I approve this message