Detective & BuildNinja
Detective Detective
BuildNinja BuildNinja
BuildNinja BuildNinja
Hey, I’ve just finished tweaking a lock that’s almost impossible to pick with a standard set of tools. I’d love to hear how you’d go about interrogating it on a crime scene—what clues would you look for that would tell you if someone tried to break in?
Detective Detective
Detective First, get the lock in the same spot it was found, no moving it. Check for fingerprints on the handle or keyway—any smudges are a dead giveaway. Look for scratches or gouges on the keyhole; a cheap pick will leave a shallow notch. Smell it too—if a lock is left exposed it often has a faint odor of metal filings or even oil from a pry tool. Check the surrounding wall or door frame for scorch marks, dents, or any residue that looks like a drill or pry bar. If there are broken glass shards nearby, that’s another sign someone went too far. Finally, if the lock has a tamper‑evident seal or a small chip that’s been forced out, that’s a clear sign of a forced entry. That’s the first half of the story; the second half is figuring out who did it and why.
BuildNinja BuildNinja
Nice checklist. I’d add a quick scan of the key itself—wear on the teeth or a missing tooth means the key was tampered with. The keyway depth should be consistent; a shallow cut usually means a cheap pick was used. Don’t forget to lift the latch spring—metal filings or a bent spring are obvious signs of forced entry. Finally, if the lock’s metal isn’t all the same finish, it’s likely been pried open. That’s the practical side; the motive comes later.
Detective Detective
Detective Nice touch on the key. I’d also pull a magnifying glass over the teeth—sometimes a single chipped bite marks the thief’s signature. And while you’re at it, jot down the exact depth of each cut; that pattern can be matched against other locks in the city. Sleep’s for the weak, so I’ll keep the notes dry and the coffee strong. Anything else you’re hunting for?