Access and access control

[TomW]

Couldn't decide whether to put this in here, or in homes/retreats so please move if needed

Was condidering the possibility of needing a BOL or shelter and how best it would be to access them. While I do not reccomend nor condone breaking and entering under any 'normal' condition, I am sure there will come a time when current morals will be nigh on impossible to uphold. Seeking shelter may be as simple as using a barn for cover, and as difficult as securing a building for longer term occupation. Due to todays climate everywhere I can think of will be locked up tight or abandoned and trashed. This led me to think about access equipment.
Carrying these items together on your person or in your car is a risk as if found on a stop and search you could well be arrested for 'Going Equipped'. Have a good reason ready! (I'm not sure they willl view possible TEOTWAWKI favourably )
This is just my list so please feel free to add, or subtract

Crowbar
Bolt Cutters
Screwdriver(s)
Wire cutters
Hacksaw
Claw hammer
Chain
Padlocks
Duct Tape
Nails

Before forcing your way in, check around for unlocked/open doors and windows. Check all the usual places for the spare housekeys. If you do have to force entry try to cause as little damage as possible so if you decide to stay you don't need to repair too much.
A good trick is to see if the key has been left in the backdoor and if the gap is large enough underneath. If so slide some paper or similar as far under the door as possible and then push the key out the other side of the lock so it lands on the paper and can be pulled out under the door. If you decide to go for a window and they are old style not double glazed and you have time, scrape the putty away from around a pane of glass rather than smash it so you can replace it, even if its only duct taped in place. Before cutting a padlock, see if you can scale the fence. If you do cut off a padlock replace it with a spare so as not to invite any visitors in. If you're lucky enough to have the skill and tools to pick a lock, go for it.

Most of all check that you're not about to break into an occupied building as those inside may not wait to find out whether you're friendly!

Any other tips warmly welcomed. Once again I do not condone the use of this information in anything other than situations of dire need!!

[Ogre]

Oh, well, this hasn't been quashed yet so.

We do have a pair of industrial handle type glass suction thingies in our kit, along with a poo load of superglue.

If we have to leave the Ogre Cave the next place in mind is almost inaccessible apart from a large glass entrance way. Cut entrance, check building clear, superglue edges of removed material. Close entrance.

[metatron]

I like lock sports, i.e. lockpicking to a stopwatch, if you carry around a bag of cylinder, you have a good reason to have tools.

[Rob121]

iv been doing lock picking (just for fun) for a couple of months now and it really is interesting!
i think its a good skill to learn if your a prepper

[Red Doe]

iv been doing lock picking (just for fun) for a couple of months now and it really is interesting!
i think its a good skill to learn if your a prepper

That made me giggle
Is Fagin around here somewheres?
To be honest I think lockpicking isn't a bad idea to learn, many years ago now my toddler locked herself in the house and stood looking at me through the letterbox, laughing.
It took me three hours to explain to her how to unlock the door!

[Rob121]

iv been doing lock picking (just for fun) for a couple of months now and it really is interesting!
i think its a good skill to learn if your a prepper

That made me giggle
Is Fagin around here somewheres?
To be honest I think lockpicking isn't a bad idea to learn, many years ago now my toddler locked herself in the house and stood looking at me through the letterbox, laughing.
It took me three hours to explain to her how to unlock the door!

well i do pick a pocket or two

if SHTF then having quiet access to certain warehouses and some tool sheds couldn't hurt. just to be clear im an upstanding member of the community wont be trying this out on anyone's locks without there permision

[bulldogeagle]

must admit i bought a set of boltcroppers just for SHTF, put away in the garage, out of sight, until needed.

[diamond lil]

* busy knitting black balaclavas and baking cakes with files in, just in case *

[Rob121]

iv got bolt cutters too but there only good for padlocks and chains and wont get you through a door (unless you use them to smash your way in ). i can open my own door in an average of 7 seckonds and im no expert. im even teaching my OH how to do it but she hasnt got the knack of it.

[Cougar]

Can I ask where you get the tools and what the best sources are for learning?