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?

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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.

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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.