SHTF Entry Kit
ANYWAYS - I was toying with the question of "What would I need in a kit to be able to enter at least 90% of doors (and filing cabinets, vending machines, lock boxes, car trunks, padlocks, briefcases, anything you might need to get into) that I would encounter in an urban/suburban environment?"
Here are my "rules":
Assume you have no other tools, you are building either from scratch or building a standalone kit to go in a go bag or similar.
Assume that you will practice with this kit to become at least moderately proficient with each tool.
Size and Weight is a concern, as well as cost. While less is more, if there is a tool that significantly increases S&W or is relatively pricey, but allows for a potential large payoff (like if I knew all food vending machines in my area used 7 pin tubular locks, it might be worth it to carry a 7 pin tubular pick, even though they are large and expensive). Keep in mind though, that ultimately this full kit needs to fit in a relatively small compartment of a backpack/duffle that will share space with food, water, other tools and supplies.
Cost - try to keep under $150, not counting Tax + S&H if ordering online. Again, see above if there is something that has potential for large payoff, this can be waived.
Destructive entry is also an option, if the S really has HTF, then evidence of entry is less of a concern, though we may want to leave doors/etc structurally intact.
Speaking of discretion, lets say that the particular scenario to have hit the fan makes is such that outside exposure should be limited. So while you can pick alot of things with very basic equipment, I dont want to be crouched outside the store for 30-45 minutes while zombies are roaming around outside! Time is of the essence, but again, we can trade off time for size and weight and cost, vs potential payoff.
Try to avoid specific bypass tools that only open 1 type of lock, we will assume these will be added on a regional basis based on previous factors (size/weight/cost vs potential payoff in local area).
Lastly, for bonus points, if all components can be sourced from one online retailer, even better (but not necessary). We are assuming we are putting this kit together in advance, not on the fly, so we can afford to order from multiple sources and wait for slow shipping.
So my initial (and likely ill informed) kit would look something like this:
Sparrow's WizWazzle $79 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/Wizwazzle_p/s-9.htm
Sparrow's Warded Pick Set $15 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/ward.htm
Sparrow's Mini Jim $8.50 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/mj.htm
Sparrow's Ultra Decoder $15 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/produc ... ecoder.htm (not sure if this and the shank are somewhat interchangeable? http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/s-shank.htm)
Sparrow's Quickshim $20 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/qs.htm
Total (Pre Tax/Shipping): $137.50
Potential Add Ons:
Sparrow's Wafer Picks $20 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/wafer.htm (pretty sure that regular hooks and rakes will get me in almost as quick)
Sparrow's Crow+Bar $20 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/crowbar.htm (prying would likely be covered by another piece of kit in the go bag)
Sparrow's Handcuff Shim $6 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/h-shim.htm (could be done with other tools, or an actual key can cost less, so any thoughts on handcuff key vs shim?)
EDIT*ADD Sparrow's Bump Keys $25 http://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/bk1.htm
So, to all you more experienced folks, let me hear what would be in your kit, and why, or what you would change/add/remove from my kit. Looking forward to replies!
Thanks!