How Lockpicks Work

How Lockpicks Work: Why Preppers Should Learn Lockpicking

 

Lockpicks are a good tool for a prepper to have.  I enjoy the locksport hobby because I enjoy puzzles and seeing how things work.

While, I have no tolerance for crime, and I hate a thief more than anything.  Lockpicking does have non-criminal uses.

Inside prison, specially trained key control officers understand how locks work so that they can repair and maintain the locks.  Locksmiths on the outside have to have the lock picking skill as well.

For preppers, imagine a large scale collapse – like what Selco describes during the Yugoslav wars.  During that time, people spent a large portion of their time scavenging for food.  Being able to open locks without obvious signs of entry or damage would be highly useful in that situation.

Additionally, while a bolt cutter and a 12 gauge shotgun can get past almost any normal lock, you can’t relock it after you are done.  People will know you were there.

How Lockpicking Works

Lock picking is the art of unlocking a lock by manipulating the components of the lock device using picks instead of the key.

The main components in the pin-and-tumbler design are a series of small pins of varying length.

The pins are paired up with two pins and a spring in each shaft.

There are multiple shafts lined up and running through a central cylinder plug and into the housing around the plug.

The springs at the top of the shafts keep the pin pairs in position in the plug.

The bottom pin in each pair is rests inside the plug, while the upper pin is halfway in the plug and halfway in the housing.

The top pin keeps the cylinder from turning because the pins bind the plug to the housing.

When you insert a key, the series of notches in the key push the pin pairs up to different levels. A correct key will line up the “shear line” between each pin pair at the gap between the cylinder and the housing.  This allows the cylinder to turn.

An incorrect key will push the pins so that most of the top pins are still partly in the plug and partly in the housing.

This simple design is very effective.

Since the pins are hidden inside the lock, it is difficult to move the plug without the correct key.  However, with a lot of practice, it is possible to open the lock by picking.

Two Main Tools Used to Pick Locks:

  • Picks – lockpicks are long, thin pieces of metal that curve up at the end. They are used to reach into the lock and push the pins up
  • Tension wrench – Tension wrenches put pressure on the pins by slightly turning the cylinder so that as a pin set reaches the shear line it is held in place.

Pin_and_tumbler_lock_pickingThe first step in picking a lock is to insert the tension wrench into the keyhole and turn it in the same direction that you would turn the key.

This turns the plug so that it is slightly offset from the housing around it.

While applying pressure on the plug, you insert a pick into the keyhole and begin lifting pin.

The object is to lift each pin pair so that the top pin moves into the housing while the lower pin remains in the cylinder.  Just as it does when it is pushed by a key.

When you do this while applying pressure with the tension wrench, you feel or hear a slight click when the pin falls into position.

The process is to lift each pin pair into the correct position until all of the upper pins are pushed completely into the housing and all of the lower pins rest inside the plug.  When you get that done, the plug rotates freely and you can open the lock.

Conceptually, the lock-picking process is quite simple, but it is a can be a difficult skill to master.

Lock Picking and the Law

Although lock picking is usually associated with crime, it is an essential skill for the legitimate profession of locksmithing.  Additionally is a hobby called locksport.

In the United States, laws concerning possession of lock picks vary from state to state.

Generally, possession and use of lockpicks is considered equivalent to the possession of a crowbar or any tool that can be used for burglary.

Possession of lock picks with an intent for their unlawful use is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor under the category of possession of burglary tools or similar statutes.

In many states, simple possession of lock picks is legal, as the statutes only prohibit the possession of lock picks or the activity of lock picking when there is a malicious intent. This is the case in Arizona,California, Utah, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Washington State, and New York.

Some states, such as California and New York, impose restrictions on businesses, such as prohibiting the operation of a locksmithing business without a license and imposing requirements to keep records about sales of lock picking devices.

Where To Buy Lockpicks

Amazon does not allow lockpicking tools to be sold.  While some can skirt the rules for a while before getting caught, its not the best place to find tools.

I found a great online site called lockpickworld.com.  They sell a variety of kits, tools, and books to get you started.  There prices and quality are hard to beat.  I fully recommend you visiting them.

Deiss ART Silicone Collapsible Funnel Set Review

Deiss ART Silicone Collapsible Funnel Set Review

 

Today I would like to introduce the 2 piece Deiss ART Silicone Collapsible Funnel Set.

This set of two collapsible silicone funnels costs $10.28 and has prime shipping on Amazon.  I like how small these two funnels collapse down to.

Additionally, since I keep having problems with my plastic funnels cracking after being put in the dishwasher, I like how sturdy these are.

I originally wanted a collapsible funnel for camping with my son.  My wife said she would be willing to go “car camping” so I have been collecting gear.

However, after using these funnels a few times and seeing how easy they are to both use and store, I decided to keep them in the house.

I like how the cone body’s fold-able ledges allow the funnel to be firmly seated on bottle and jar openings of all sizes.  This helps the boy not spill when we work on his cooking skill.

The kit has two sizes of funnel endings, rounded and squared, for different containers and serving purposes.

The funnels are made of durable FDA-approved silicone and can be used at temperatures between -40 and 250 degrees Celsius. The odorless material doesn’t transfer any smells to your liquids. The funnels are oil- and stain-resistant, so it takes mere seconds to clean them up. Just throw them in your dishwasher or rinse them under water.

flex edge beater

KITCHPOWER Flex Edge Beater for Tilt Head Stand Mixers Review

 

I have wanted a flex edge beater for my KitchenAid mixer for as long as I have had one.  A few years ago I bought mine from amazon at a deep discount as it was a certified factory refurbished model.

I use mine for more than just baking.  A favorite use for my stand mixer for meatloaf as well as for shredding chicken.

Unfortunately, when mixing batters, the edges of the bowl don’t get mixed as well as they should.  A flex edge beater is designed to conform to and touch the side of the bowl.

It reminds me of a windshield wiper actually.  This flexible edge wipes the sides of the bowl.  This causes the ingredients are sent to the middle to be mixed thoroughly.

KITCHPOWER Flex Edge Beater Review

I got this replacement blade from a different company than KitchenAid so the blade was much less expensive.  However, it still fit my power-head and matched up as tightly as the OEM blades that came with my machine.

It has a white enamel coating that seems to be very similar to the coating on my OEM blades.

Actually my only issue with the beater is that I bought one that was too small.  This is for a smaller model of stand mixer.  I could not really review the quality of the blade in use, so I focused on durability.

You are not supposed to put these types of blades in the dishwasher.  Even KitchenAid says it will remove the enamel coating.

The amazon few negative reviews for this $15.99 blade says that in the dishwasher the paint flakes off.  To test it I ran it though two consecutive heavy duty cycles in my dishwasher – one on the top rack, one on the bottom.

I did not have any flaking issues.

Of course that is a very light test.

I Don’t Need It, Do You Want It?

Since this is too small for my mixer, I will gladly share it with the first person to send me their mailing address.  You can use the contact form to send me an email.  As long as you have a 4.5-5 quart mixer bowl

It fits the following KitchenAid models:

  • K45SS
  • KSM1
  • KSM100
  • KSM110
  • KSM120
  • KSM15
  • KSM16
  • KSM75
  • KSM8
  • KSM9

I hope this is useful to you.

Treating Severe Burns: You DON’T Have Enough Supplies

 

2nd Degree Burn on LegA little over three weeks ago I burned both my legs.  Now, as a semi-competent experimenter, I have burned myself a bunch of times.  However, this was serious.  I burned both legs, from just below the knee to the top of my foot almost 360 degrees.  The burns were deep second degree burns with a few thrid degree spots thrown in.

I was messing around with gas, an I knew better.  So when my wife said not to light the fire, I told her to be quiet.  That was pride talking when I knew I should not do what I was about to do.

Pride comes before a fall, and when the gas vapor ignited, the temperature was low enough it did not “whoosh”, but the wind changed and basically, I was engulfed.  Now it was only for a second, and did not do a lot of damage, but the fresh bug spray on my legs started to burn, which did me a lot of damage.

So now I have a reason to post about treating severe burns.  I am not a doctor, but as I said before I am familiar with burn injuries.

This Article is not About Basic Burn Treatment

We all know to cool a burn and not to apply grease or butter.  This post is about supplies and the daily aftercare.

When I first was burned, it did not immediately hurt, I played it off for a few minutes, so as not to “embarrass” myself around my wife.  However, once the pain hit, it was horrible.  For a old fat guy, I have a pretty high pain tolerance.  I have been pepper sprayed and tased enough to have lost count.  I have broken a leg, and have sliced crushed, and otherwise injured myself much more than the common man.

Not to put to fine a point on it, after standing in a cool shower for several hours to both cool the burn and control the pain, I had to lay in the bed and cry.  The pain was as close to unbearable as anything I have ever felt.  My wife wanted me to go to the Emergency Room, but I was afraid they would admit me, and I had the last class of my graduate certificate on Monday.  I could not afford to miss a day of work.  Additionally, if they did not admit me, I knew the only treatment was pain medication and a prescription for Silver sulfadiazine.  I had some left over from when I burned my kitchen down and got to buy my wife a new kitchen and plastic backsplash.

I had lots of roller gauze and non stick pads, so I felt that I would just deal with the pain.

Daily Treatment

My regimen was to put the Silvadene on, cover it with a non0stick pad (it took a bunch to get total coverage), and then wrap it with roller gauze.  For additional protection, I also used a ace compression bandage for light compression for the swelling.

I had a lot of swelling, and the reduced blood flow because of it caused me problems.  It took me an hour to get out of bed Monday morning.  When I put my foot down the blood flowing into the area caused me severe pain.  Additionally, stretching the burned skin by walking also caused a lot of pain.

Luckily, the more I moved, the less pain the skin caused.  Too bad I was in class all week and spent the time sitting at a table, and getting up at breaks.

The pain of getting up increased for a few weeks, and finally went away the start of the third week.

Blisters to Pop or Not?

After about 24 hours I started getting blisters, they were mostly around my ankles to start, but I kept getting more and more.  Eventually, I had several blisters that were the size of my fist.  I tried not to pop them, because infection is a huge concern with severe burns.  The weight of the liquid inside the blister caused the blisters to travel down my legs stretching and peeling the remaining skin.  Eventually, after about a week they popped on there own causing my wife much anguish when she saw the “blister juice”.

The smaller blisters never popped, and it is not recommended to pop them.  Sometimes large blisters are popped by medical staff to control how it is done so the skin does not rip.

I finally went to the doctor after 5 days.  I just could not take the constant pain and I was afraid of infection.  She gave me some pain medication, a new prescription for silvadene, and some antibiotics.  I was told I would scar, and that it would take about 6 weeks to heal.

Deal With Itching

The itching was terrible, still is after three weeks.  At the time, I did not know that itching is a side effect of the cream.  It is also a side effect of the healing skin.   I had several large areas where the first couple layers of skin was burnt away, and the entire area was sensitive and peeling, so a good satisfying itch was not available.  The only thing I could do was to lightly press on the injury and let the pain overcome the itch.  After some reading, I learned that anti-histamines could help with the itch, so I started taking the allergy medicine I keep around for when I get bee stung.  That actually helped a lot.

You Don’t Have Enough Supplies

As a long time prepper, I have more than just some bandages in the bathroom closet.  I felt pretty prepared for first aid emergencies.  Actually, as far as the initial treatment, I was about as prepared as anyone could be.  However, it was the twice daily dressing changes, and the daily ointments that gutted my supplies.  I now know just how ill prepared I am.

Going to the pharmacy, box store, or the local dollar store just doesn’t cut it when you are going through 4 sets of gauze, a tube of antibiotic cream, and 2 boxes of non-stick 2×3 pads daily.  I was spending huge amounts on supplies, and my wife was tired of running to the store.

I went to amazon and bought in bulk.

This gave me great savings, and was convenient.

3 inch Conforming Stretch Gauze Bandage Rolls

I bought a three pack of 3 inch Conforming Stretch Gauze Bandage Rolls.  This gave me 36 rolls per order.  The gauze I selected cost $12.00 and came with prime shipping. 

To be fair, I am not as happy with this gauze, as I was with the 2 pack I got at the dollar general, but that was about $4.00 a box so it was really apples and oranges.

This gauze is not sterile, and it comes in a bulk paper container, so once you open it 12 rolls are exposed.  However, going through 4 a day mitigated the problem.

From now on, I will have a unopened pack in my medical supplies.  I still will have a smaller amount of higher quality roller gauze for smaller scale incidents.

75 non-adherent pads

In the same order I got a bulk pack of 75 non-adherent pads.  Because of the size of my wounds, I was going though boxes of smaller 2×3 pads.  Because of this I bought the largest pads I could find.  These were 3″ x 8″ and were labeled as “No Stick Non-Adherent Film For Ouch Free Removal”  These absorbent cotton bandages cost $17.33 (prime shipping) for a box of 75 or $0.23 each.

I find that I can cover the worst areas of the original wounds on each leg by wrapping three of these bandages around each leg.  After three weeks, my right leg is not completely healed, but the skin is not intact or scabbed over.

Most of my left leg is scabbed or has intact skin.  Currently I am using only one pad per dressing change.

Since these are sterile, it works well with the non-sterile roller gauze.  I plan on keeping a box in my medical supplies after this injury heals.  Since the large size makes it not as flexible as smaller pads.  It is my intent to also buy a large bulk box of similar pads in the more used 2×3 or 3×4 size.

Metal Style Clips Elastic Bandages Spares

Lastly, while I can hand wash my ace compression bandages, and they stay relatively clean as they are covering the roller gauze, and are covered by my pants leg.

I found that with a lot of use, the metal clips break or get lost.  Also, some of my newer ace style bandages come with a wierd elastic clip that just doesn’t hold.

While ordering all the other supplies  I found a bulk 50 piece set of metal style clips for ace bandages.  the 50 peices only cost $3.79 and was free shipping so I bought a pack.  Unfortunately, it comes from china and is very slow to ship.  I haven’t gotten these yet, and I stopped needing the compression bandages because the swelling period has ended.

I recommend getting some spares, but buy them in advance.

In Conclusion

The best burn treatment is prevention.  My mom says that this means I should listen to my wife more.  So do my co-workers.  I work with some great people, they have been very supportive, while making fun of the limp and my stupidity.

Be careful when working, if this injury occurred during a disaster, then it could have easily gotten infected and could have killed me.  As it stands, it really impacted my abilities, and takes up a huge amount of time in my daily schedule.
.

5 Tips on How to Raise Environmentally Aware Kids

*Note from Dave:

I did not write this, but I do take environmental stewardship seriously.  I don’t believe that carbon dioxide is a pollutant, and I think that straw bands are worthless virtue signalling. I also believe anyone that says the “science is settled” on man-caused global warming is an idiot that does not understand either science in general or the specific idea of man climate change.

Actually, I dislike the tone of the opening paragraph.  However, I do thank we need to raise our children to respect the environment and to know how important it is to make the world better.  I try to raise a my son to be better than I am, but I also try to leave him a world better than the one I was left.

That being said, here is the article:

The environmental issues are not a joke. We get calls to action all the time. People from all around the world are taking the Plastic Pledge. We’re becoming more aware of the damage we’ve been doing to our planet, and we want to take it back or stop it as much as possible.

Everything starts with education. When we become aware, we change our actions. When we teach our kids to be friendly with nature, we prevent damage.

But children can be careless sometimes. You take them to a picnic, and they throw the cans of Coke in the water. You explain that’s not okay and they pick them up, but do they understand why it’s not okay to pollute the nature?

It’s time to talk with your kids. Don’t worry; you won’t be providing full environmental education that would make them bored. You’ll be teaching them how to love the nature and show that love through actions.

We’ll give you essential tips on how to talk to your kids about nature.

First, Take Them Outside!

Let’s get one thing straight: you can’t teach your kids about nature if you don’t show it to them. Sure; there are beautiful TV shows and even apps that can help you teach your kid about plants and animals. But they do not replace the real experience.

So get outside! Even if the weather is cold, hot, or rainy, you can still find a nice place to go to. Your kid might complain about the wind, but you’ll tell them that it’s necessary because it spreads seeds to help the plants grow. If it’s raining, you’ll explain how important water is for everything that’s alive.

Be a Good Example

Your kids watch your every move. They like copying what you do. So when you go out in nature, be mindful about your behavior. If you see plastic or other things that don’t belong there, pick them up even if your family didn’t throw them. Always carry bags where you can collect the trash and then throw it where it belongs.

Your kids will appreciate seeing your responsibility towards nature. They will see you making contributions, and they will want to do the same.

Take Some Nature Inside

Ula Richards, a writer for BestEssays, spends most of her time at home: “By the time I’m done working, it’s already too late to go out,” – she says. “When I don’t have someone watching my kids, they have to stay at home with me. But I don’t let them spend the entire time stuck on a screen. I always find a way to bring bits of nature inside. Rocks, sticks, shells… whatever. We also have many plants around the house, so the kids can take care of them.”

When you don’t have the opportunity to take them out every single day, that doesn’t mean the kids can’t stay mindful about nature. Playing with rocks and shells is fun! Planting herbs and watching them grow is even more fun. Using them in the food you prepare is the ultimate lesson on how nature contributes to your life.

Explain How Important the Environment Is

You won’t do this through some intellectual talk that your kids can’t understand. Simplifying works, but saying “Nature is important” simply doesn’t cut it. Instead of saying, you should start showing.

So when your kid eats a banana, you can talk about bananas. Explain how they grow and how they help your kid grow. Show them photos of banana trees, so they will understand they come from the environment. Show them what to do with the peel. They can use it to clean their teeth or treat their skin.

Nature gives us benefits beyond the obvious use of its products. Explore them together with your kids!

Teach Them to Appreciate Fresh Air

When you’re walking around the city, ask your kid to be mindful about the air they breathe. How does it feel?

Then, when you’re in nature, ask the same question. How does the air feel?

The simple thought of air is very important for raising environmental awareness. The air in the city is polluted. It doesn’t feel fresh, and it often makes you tired. The moment you step into the unpolluted environment, you feel a difference. You’re able to take deeper, longer breaths and they have an awakening effect on you.

Your kid will feel the difference, too. That alone is enough for them to start appreciating clean air and take action against polluting it. They will understand why it’s important to ride a bike or take public transport instead of using the family car all the time.

This is the planet where all kinds of miraculous things have happened and will continue to happen. Dinosaurs used to roam these lands. Where is the future headed? One thing is sure: the future will be nice only if we take care of our planet. If each one of us were slightly more conscious and less responsible for pollution, we’d be living in a better world. Everything starts from ourselves and from the way we teach our kids. So teach them well!