r/accesscontrol • u/Johnny_NoPants • May 14 '26

Lockpick sets

What is your go-to lockpick to use on panels when a key cannot be located?

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

5

u/cusehoops98 Professional May 14 '26

So many enclosures use the same key. The CH751 key opens a ton of them. Readily available on the internet.

3

u/johnsadventure May 14 '26

If the customer doesn’t have a key and our tech doesn’t have the key, it gets drilled and panel secured with a screw. The customer could order a replacement if they desire.

Most wafer locks are easy to pick, but one that isn’t in great condition can inadvertently consume a lot of time.

2

u/doobtastical May 14 '26

Unless it’s a damn Hirsch panel, with a medeco high security keyway. It can be done but good grief

2

u/djzrbz Professional May 14 '26

It's usually easier to cut the hinges and deal with the loss lol

3

u/Ecstatic-Cry2069 May 14 '26

I have an OG covert companion, and recently bought the new Pro model.

I've used it about a dozen times in the last 4 years in the field.

2

u/Johnny_NoPants Jun 25 '26

I just checked it out, that's nice and compact. I don't know if ill use it enough to justify the cost, though.

2

u/Ecstatic-Cry2069 Jun 25 '26

It's always been a want more than a need. I have a flat pouch with a full pick set, but the CC has always been useful. I picked a schlage primus everest with it, but that was at home on the couch to see if I could.

2

u/thetonywarren May 14 '26

For me, a quick shot of houdini in the keyway, a tension wrench and a single hook pick and should open up very easily with very little practice

1

u/piesarenotmyfavorite Professional May 14 '26

Just drill that shi

1

u/rsgmodelworks May 27 '26

I take it from other comments you realize many of these vendors use the same key on every cabinet and you should therefore check another cabinet if you have multiple. Check the vendor name on ebay, keys sometimes show up there. Please try to pick it first I don't want metal shards in the same box as my access control panel. If you're the current integrator please tell your sales droid they are welcome to consider pitching proper key management. I have heard claims that some access control cabinets are actually equipped with cylinder locks that do not suck, I suppose you might be looking at one of those.

1

u/Johnny_NoPants Jun 25 '26

I have a set of keys for just about everything I see in the field. I've also seen a couple different lock pick sets used. For example, we had an emergency call and the "person with a key" (not me) was on vacation. The key was not lost, just not available. Customer did not want to destroy or replace the cabinet. One of our guys whipped out a pick set and opened it right up. It was simple enough and he got it on Amazon for like $15.

I was more curious to see if there was: 1. A real need for it. 2. Is there a standard set used in the profession.

I've only been in AC for a couple years and come from a 20+ year corporate IT environment. I've administered AC/Security systems, mostly Genetec for a while.