I've amassed a lot of quirky skills over the years, based on folks who I've met and instructors I've had. Some of those skills are less useful now that I've become disabled, but not all of them. One skill has been useful repeatedly in a variety of situations. I know how to pick a lock.

This is not just an SHTF kind of skill – it's useful in many day-to-day situations too.

• Lost the key to your garden shed?

• Need to check for cameras or listening devices in a locked closet at an Airbnb?

• Did your child accidentally lock herself in a room and can't figure out how to unlock the door?

• Is there a padlock that needs to be opened, but the key is long gone?

• Has your neighbor had a medical emergency and cannot get to the door to let you in?

It's a simple skill to learn and practice, and can help you out in a variety of scenarios that don't include cat burglary.

The legal info

I shouldn't need to tell you this, but just in case someone decides to embark on a life of crime: the information in this article is for entertainment purposes only. Please follow your local and federal laws and regulations. Don't steal stuff. Don't break in and attack people. Don't commit crimes.

SHTF lock picking

Aside from everyday purposes, there are many times during which picking locks could be useful when the SHTF. Here are a few such scenarios:

• You want to get into an abandoned building to search for resources and kicking in a door is not in your skill set.

• You need to quietly open a door, and kicking it in would draw unwanted attention.

• You are seeking shelter and want to be able to lock the door behind you once you're inside

• You've been locked in someplace and are being held against your will.

I'm sure once your brain is going in this direction, you can imagine all sorts of uses for a lock pick set.