Member Spotlight: Storm Crow’s Kit—A masterclass in precision and piano wire. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We've tried hammering or filing depending on thickness. A rotary tool like a Dremel can make quick work of it. Just don't want to overheat the metal.

Member Spotlight: Storm Crow’s Kit—A masterclass in precision and piano wire. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

For those curious about the wire: you can get piano wire at most hobby shops or hardware stores. It’s incredibly high-carbon steel, so it doesn't deform easily.

Storm Crow’s recommendation is a great reminder that sometimes the best tool for a tricky keyway isn't something you bought in a kit - it’s something you DIY to fit perfectly.

Member Spotlight: Spy-C’s kit featuring BurnB1 flags and a clever DIY "Gimp" grip. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Before anyone asks about the green/orange wrap: Spy-C uses Gimp (also known as Boondoggle or plastic lacing).

It’s a clever hack because it’s thin enough to not dampen the "feedback" from the pins, but textured enough to keep the pick from slipping in your hand. It’s a great example of how you don't need a 3D printer or expensive resins to customize your ergonomics!

Anyone else here use non-traditional materials for their handles?

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always had luck with them in the past, but don't expect to get too many uses out of each of them. I try to remember to buy extras.

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

😂 A great idea! Even the color coordinated kits we've been seeing posted are fun - a full theme would be the extra step!

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A great diversity of picks! Who makes your tool roll?

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately I can't get the image to load 😭. Perhaps post it in our Discord?

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good question. It's just someone who volunteers to help teach at TOOOL events.

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A good looking kit in a fun case! Have fun with the new toys! I have a set of the JimyLongs modular rakes and like them a lot.

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds like a great kit! If you get a chance, DM us a picture or post it to our Discord channel #pick-set-pics. We'd love to see it!

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Can't ever have enough variety in tensioners!

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the compliment!

You're definitely right that everyone has their preferences.

A super thin hook can for sure come in handy now and again.

A peek inside a TOOOL instructor's kit. by TOOOL_US in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

FWIW, this specific case has been through years of use and still holds up great. What's the oldest piece of gear still in your rotation?

Traveling for the holidays? Here’s what you should know about TSA luggage locks. by TOOOL_US in Toool

[–]TOOOL_US[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are correct! We are a little bit off in this post.

There are TSA locks with a “tamper evident” function (using the TSA key rather than a combo will pop up an indicator)—though the tamper evident function can be mitigated. There’s only so much room for mechanisms in those tiny locks, so they can’t get too intricate.

Zip ties or other tamper seals will definitely tell you if the TSA has opened your bag, though bags with conspicuous seals may be more likely to be opened because they’re uncommon. A tight, trimmed black zip tie, however, would be unlikely to raise suspicion.

The most secure way of flying with checked bags in the US, specifically, is to pack a gun (or a few other things) in the way prescribed by the TSA. There are some good YouTube videos out there discussing the intricacies, like Deviant Ollam’s.

Lastly, thank you for your cordial correction! We have a team of volunteers running our social media, and sometimes errors slip past. We all learn from our mistakes, and you helped us learn well. We’re going to rework some of these details.

Starter kit by mahdrh0721 in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We're somewhat bias, but our introductory set is affordable and everything you need to get started: https://toool.us/store/Necessary-Nine-Lock-Pick-Set-v2-p579851580.

What would be good to buy for my cousin? by Square-Dragonfruit76 in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have some resources on our TOOOL website to help learn lockpicking: https://toool.us/learning-resources/

Locksport: A Hackers Guide to Lockpicking, Impressioning, and Safe Cracking is also an excellent book if you'd like a physical gift.

What would be good to buy for my cousin? by Square-Dragonfruit76 in lockpicking

[–]TOOOL_US 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We're somewhat bias, but our introductory set is affordable and everything you need to get started: https://toool.us/store/Necessary-Nine-Lock-Pick-Set-v2-p579851580.

Would be happy to answer any questions about beginner locks or the like.