Idea: The ultimate urbex tool!

Dynamite · 03 May 2013, 11:21 pm

So I like to invent things sometimes and I had a thought...
If you could design a tool you wouldn't leave home without, what would it incorporate?
I had this idea about a multifunctional urbex tool that features;

1. Manhole keys.
2. Pry bar (for when those keys need a little help)
3. Step iron grab. (Imagine a notch in the body of the tool you can use to reach high up past THAT rusted up stepiron you don't want to stand on, and latch on firm to the one above)
4. Hammering surface. For emergencies only, I don't condone breaking s***.
5. Chainlink fence climbing stirrups.
6. Fold it out the other way and you got a grappling hook
7. Eyelets for fixing climbing shackles (Never had use for climbing gear really, but it could come in handy if you need to rescue someone who has taken a fall)
8. Everybody elses ideas here.......

I know this might sound a bit silly, but hey, I'm a Boilermaker and I like to make things!
So in all seriousness,

What do you think would be a useful addition?
Should it be one piece or sectioned, so you can customize which tools you need depending on the explore?
How would you imagine the finished design to look, roughly?
Am I Batshit crazy for posting this?
Even if it never gets off the ground, I'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts. When I'm a famous inventor, I'll send you one for free

Nuggs · 03 May 2013, 11:44 pm

Include an adjustable spanner and I'd buy one!

Though, I don't take a backpack with me, and it might look like a sus item to carry in hand.
Maybe though a modular design as you suggested, only adding parts you want - good idea.

Dynamite · 03 May 2013, 11:58 pm

I can already see the spanner fitting in quite easily, consider it noted! I've always been a big fan of brainstorms, somebody else always thinks of that thing (Or 10) You've overlooked.

mpi · 04 May 2013, 10:23 am

How about a slot for a leather man? A multitool within a multitool um.. yo dawg.

Nick · 04 May 2013, 10:28 am

Needs a lot more lockpicks...

mpi · 05 May 2013, 6:16 pm

Nick wrote:Needs a lot more lockpicks...

Dynamite · 05 May 2013, 6:40 pm

Lol well I do carry a Leatherman.. F-ing brilliant tool they are! as for lock picks, what about a hollowed out part of the handle that could store a couple of padlock shims?

Nick · 05 May 2013, 7:56 pm

Padlock shims work on

Dynamite wrote:Lol well I do carry a Leatherman.. F-ing brilliant tool they are! as for lock picks, what about a hollowed out part of the handle that could store a couple of padlock shims?

Alas padlock shims only work on super cheap locks the Master Combination locks

Dynamite · 05 May 2013, 8:02 pm

I have to say, I've tried making them before and practising on my own padlocks, and under no pressure...100% fail rate. Have you tried with commercially available ones? did you have the same result? I always hoped I was just doing it wrong and needed more practice because it seems like such an easy hack (if it worked)

Nick · 05 May 2013, 8:53 pm

It's all got to do with if the padlock shackle retainer is ball locking or wedge,

I've got commercial ones, they work great on the master combo locks, but they can be opened with a leatherman as is,

This is a wedge locking mechanism, the shackle (Silver bit) is held in place with a spring loaded wedge of brass.
The padlock shim slides in where the shackle slides in and pushes the wedge, held in place by the spring, allowing the shackle to slide up out, very similar to the "Door Magic" using a steel ruler on a door.

This one the shackle is held closed with the two ball bearings, you can't push these "back" like you can with the spring loaded wedges,

So simple solutions, pick the lock

Dynamite · 05 May 2013, 10:14 pm

Interesting indeed, I can see straight away how the ball design renders a shim totally useless. I hadn't seen this before, I've only been aware of the wedge type.
One thing I love to use is the good 'ole strapping tape... Mate of mine worked for Racq and gave me the long version of what you can do with the stuff and it's unreal if the location lends itself. Amazing what you can do with a basic door shim cut from an old coke bottle and some tape. Sometimes you need one of those little telescoping pocket mirrors just so you can see around the corner (Extra pair of hands helps!) He also said the easiest way to defeat a lock is to 'Look beyond it' or something similar. So very true.

Aydun · 06 May 2013, 8:05 pm

I can't think of anything to contribute.. But it sounds like a cool idea!

Mambo · 07 May 2013, 12:56 pm

You're missing the most important thing... a bottle opener!!!

Bangers · 07 May 2013, 10:24 pm

Mambo wrote:You're missing the most important thing... a bottle opener!!!

Hell yeah!!!

Dynamite · 07 May 2013, 10:38 pm

Easy done.. Just needs a lip machined into the stepiron grab. Flip it 90deg and it's bottoms up! I like it.

blakjak · 30 May 2013, 3:39 pm

Put an alarm clock & a USB flash drive on it & you're done.

As for lock-picking, it's never as easy as you see in the movies (walk up, jiggle jiggle, & you're in!). More so since they started using bi-lock ABUSs in all the interesting places we like to explore. There are many ways to defeat a lock without the owner knowing you did so (not chopping it off), & I have never seen anybody else do it like Scarecrow of the Sydney Cave Clan can. He can have a bi-lock open, note down the details to make a key, & then replace it & all in just a few mins, & without the owner having a clue that his lock has now been compromised. He really should be working for ASIO or NASA that kid, instead he wastes his life exploring drains.

dougo · 30 May 2013, 4:00 pm

Bangers wrote:
Mambo wrote:You're missing the most important thing... a bottle opener!!!
Hell yeah!!!

It should have been # 2 or 3 on your list... if you really want to sell lots... you can only use the drain related stuff during drain exploring but a bottle opener, well you can use that ANY time

Scarecrow · 31 May 2013, 10:26 am

You wouldn't even sell one of those in Melbourne if it doesn't have a bottle opener on it. Right Doug?

Midget · 31 May 2013, 10:33 am

It would be nice to have a base part, then all the other stuff as add-ons. xD

seltonejock · 26 Aug 2013, 3:15 pm

Random crazy idea, what if it had an umbrella disguise? not an actual functional umbrella but just a cover that went over the top that you attached to it to make it look just that much less sus.

That way if you feel you're about to get caught you slip on the umbrella cover, chuck a wooden handle for an umbrella on the end and voila you only have an umbrella and a bunch of harmless stuff in your pack!

Either I'm a genius or I need to catch up on sleep

Spades · 27 Aug 2013, 1:27 pm

you're forgetting an invisibility cloak - problems solved

newcastleguy30 · 10 Sep 2013, 1:49 am

Just a thought im only a newbie but so far i belive in the hide in plain site thing. What about straps to hide your gear under your shirt that is a few sizes to big just a thought

Scarecrow · 10 Sep 2013, 2:58 pm

Anything that you're worried enough about to need to hide would be found in a pat-down.

seltonejock · 17 Sep 2013, 5:01 pm

yea youd need to hide it in plain sight as something ordinary