How my SAK did NOT save the day (it happens...)

[Ron Who]

A few years ago, me and my team were working in the swamp south of my home town. Somehow we lost track of time, and when we called it a day we found out that the park ranger had locked the gate! There we were, with a van full of expensive equipment but no tools capable of breaking the lock. Of course I tried the metal saw on my SwissChamp, but to no avail, it hardly made a scratch. In the end, we had to phone for help. We were late for dinner that day! 

[ReamerPunch]

That's why I edc bolt cutters.

[Okie Shyster]

Hopefully, you've learned your lesson and added a stick of dynamite to your EDC.   

[rivercity]

Mac would have made a thermite torch...... just sayin.......   

[docfossil]

The lock may have been hardened steel; I would have tried one of the links in the chain.

[Ron Who]

The lock may have been hardened steel; I would have tried one of the links in the chain.

Yes, except there wasn't a chain. Just hardened steel plates and a hardened steel lock, vandal proof. Even with the bolt cutters someone brought at last we had a difficult time.

[Mechanickal]

The lock may have been hardened steel; I would have tried one of the links in the chain.

Yes, except there wasn't a chain. Just hardened steel plates and a hardened steel lock, vandal proof. Even with the bolt cutters someone brought at last we had a difficult time.

A lock is designed to be hard to open, so no surprise there

If you would've cut the lock open within 5-10min, then what would be the use of a lock?

I once lifted a gate out of it's hinges by the help of 2 other guys and just shoved it back in place behind me

[Mizedog]

Ok makers,  here's your call to design the first generation of keychain bolt cutters. Just sayin... ;D

But seriously,  I feel for your predicament, and have nearly had that happen to me.  I was going through the checklist in my head for how to stay all night with just a day pack.

I had a much less crutial situation.  The strap button on my bass guitar likes to loosen. The Classic SD would take care of it fine. For a while, I stopped carrying it,  and just carried my Climber.  Well, the can opener won't fit deep enough to get to the screw.  The in line Philips on my Explorer Plus does.  The Climber is at home now. Great knife,  though.

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[Smashie]

I generally rend to carry a Bosch Professional Li-Po 115mm angle grinder in the back of the landie has come in handy a few times

[Mattexian]

I've been one of the strong back who helped lift a gate off its hinges, one time.

I recall a story from several years back, of folks having their high-dollar bicycles stolen, even with the fancy U-locks.  The thieves were using liquid nitrogen or dry ice to make the locks brittle, then smashing them with a hammer.  One could use similar to break a lock, if one is locked behind a gate again.  I think the dry ice might be easier to find, at some supermarkets and ice cream shoppes, if you call someone for assistance.

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[SAK Guy]

I would have picked it (using a pop or beer can and a pair of scissors).

[sir_mike]

I would have picked it (using a pop or beer can and a pair of scissors).

That's what I was thinking but if you didn't have the pop or beer can, the back tool screwdriver's, awl or chisel make for good lock rakes depending on the lock! 

[SAK Guy]

I would have picked it (using a pop or beer can and a pair of scissors).

That's what I was thinking but if you didn't have the pop or beer can, the back tool screwdriver's, awl or chisel make for good lock rakes depending on the lock! 

Excellent!!! 

[firiki]

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47083.msg771274.html#msg771274    Great minds think alike 

The metal file/saw is the one tool I'm always dubious about but I still like it. It has plenty of uses, even if it's not up to the heaviest of tasks.

[kkokkolis]

I learned to brake just any ordinary lock with the G3 bayonet in the army. It is very strong and hard. I had to fix the dents latter but that wasn't so hard. But I wouldn't try to do it with a Victorinox blade, I think it is way softer.

[Guardian]

I would have picked it (using a pop or beer can and a pair of scissors).

I just need a hair grip...... from my wife obviously 

[Troels]

Mac would have made a thermite torch...... just sayin.......   

(Image removed from quote.)

Hahah Awesome

[Don Pablo]

Mac would have made a thermite torch...... just sayin.......   

(Image removed from quote.)

Hahah Awesome

And then there was another time he lit up magnesium shavings stuffed in a pipe to break the lock via the pipe expanding from the heat.   

[Aloha]

I don't have a strong back anymore so I carry lock picks.  I not all that great but I've raked a few locks pretty easily.  I've even picked a security gate. 

There are some good videos on shim picking.  Not sure it works on all locks but good "tool" to have. 

BTW I'm not endorsing picking locks just,  well you know 

[Troels]

Mac would have made a thermite torch...... just sayin.......   

(Image removed from quote.)

Hahah Awesome

And then there was another time he lit up magnesium shavings stuffed in a pipe to break the lock via the pipe expanding from the heat.   

Loving the old MacGyver stories and tricks

[sir_mike]

I don't have a strong back anymore so I carry lock picks.  I not all that great but I've raked a few locks pretty easily.  I've even picked a security gate. 

There are some good videos on shim picking.  Not sure it works on all locks but good "tool" to have. 

BTW I'm not endorsing picking locks just,  well you know 

I think it may be illegal to carry lock picks, at least here in Michigan anyway!  They would say something like "possibly using to break into places" would be my guess.  That said, you really only need a rake and a tension bar as they should get you past most locks.  Lot's of video's to show how to use them and the shim method too.

You might be able to get by with using the toothpick or tweezers as a rake while using another tool as a tensioner.  Just a thought!

[Don Pablo]

I don't have a strong back anymore so I carry lock picks.  I not all that great but I've raked a few locks pretty easily.  I've even picked a security gate. 

There are some good videos on shim picking.  Not sure it works on all locks but good "tool" to have. 

BTW I'm not endorsing picking locks just,  well you know 

I think it may be illegal to carry lock picks, at least here in Michigan anyway!  They would say something like "possibly using to break into places" would be my guess.  That said, you really only need a rake and a tension bar as they should get you past most locks.  Lot's of video's to show how to use them and the shim method too.

You might be able to get by with using the toothpick or tweezers as a rake while using another tool as a tensioner.  Just a thought!

In my negligible experience, the tensioner needs to be fairly strong.

[Mechanickal]

Oh by the way, an entrenching shovel and a steel army helmet work like a charm on single ball padlocks...

[JM_Toolfan]

Some evenings ago my father, an elderly man with somewhat weak eyes, was not able to see the point of a drudge. This was when I thought my XLT SAK would save the day. Without makong any fuss i grabbed it from my pocket and folded out the magnifying lens. My father uttered it didn't work particularly well. I was puzzeled and put a finger agaonst it - it went through. There was only the hole left, the lens had gone. Bad luck! I will let you know what will come from Victorinox, I already ordered a spare part. So long...

[Aloha]

I don't have a strong back anymore so I carry lock picks.  I not all that great but I've raked a few locks pretty easily.  I've even picked a security gate. 

There are some good videos on shim picking.  Not sure it works on all locks but good "tool" to have. 

BTW I'm not endorsing picking locks just,  well you know 

I think it may be illegal to carry lock picks, at least here in Michigan anyway!  They would say something like "possibly using to break into places" would be my guess.  That said, you really only need a rake and a tension bar as they should get you past most locks.  Lot's of video's to show how to use them and the shim method too.

You might be able to get by with using the toothpick or tweezers as a rake while using another tool as a tensioner.  Just a thought!

From my understanding of California law I can carry as intent must be proved.  Mine are stowed within a tool box of other tools such as hammer, vise grips, etc, all of which could be burglary tools  . 

[sir_mike]

I don't have a strong back anymore so I carry lock picks.  I not all that great but I've raked a few locks pretty easily.  I've even picked a security gate. 

There are some good videos on shim picking.  Not sure it works on all locks but good "tool" to have. 

BTW I'm not endorsing picking locks just,  well you know 

I think it may be illegal to carry lock picks, at least here in Michigan anyway!  They would say something like "possibly using to break into places" would be my guess.  That said, you really only need a rake and a tension bar as they should get you past most locks.  Lot's of video's to show how to use them and the shim method too.

You might be able to get by with using the toothpick or tweezers as a rake while using another tool as a tensioner.  Just a thought!

From my understanding of California law I can carry as intent must be proved.  Mine are stowed within a tool box of other tools such as hammer, vise grips, etc, all of which could be burglary tools  .

Well if you break into any houses that have a sak collection be sure to share the wealth okay?  LOL

[Grathr]

Oh by the way, an entrenching shovel and a steel army helmet work like a charm on single ball padlocks...

Two entrenching shovels turned to 90 degree angels also works well

[Ron Who]

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47083.msg771274.html#msg771274    Great minds think alike 

The metal file/saw is the one tool I'm always dubious about but I still like it. It has plenty of uses, even if it's not up to the heaviest of tasks.

[Aloha]

I don't have a strong back anymore so I carry lock picks.  I not all that great but I've raked a few locks pretty easily.  I've even picked a security gate. 

There are some good videos on shim picking.  Not sure it works on all locks but good "tool" to have. 

BTW I'm not endorsing picking locks just,  well you know 

I think it may be illegal to carry lock picks, at least here in Michigan anyway!  They would say something like "possibly using to break into places" would be my guess.  That said, you really only need a rake and a tension bar as they should get you past most locks.  Lot's of video's to show how to use them and the shim method too.

You might be able to get by with using the toothpick or tweezers as a rake while using another tool as a tensioner.  Just a thought!

From my understanding of California law I can carry as intent must be proved.  Mine are stowed within a tool box of other tools such as hammer, vise grips, etc, all of which could be burglary tools  .

Well if you break into any houses that have a sak collection be sure to share the wealth okay?  LOL

 

[Ron Who]

I noticed this thread appearing in Grant's newsletter!  Very cool!