(785) Power Company Meter Locks - How to Pick Them Open!

[@SA12String]

These things are the bane of electrical and HVAC contractors everywhere. Thanks for the cutaway. Explains how those ridiculous keys work.

[@PowderMill]

Thank You BB... Now placed in service on Fire-Rescue apparatus throughout the entire State of NewJersey. This is phenomenal! Residential single-phase / 240 volt AC service is easy enough to access in a pinch if overhead wiring is the norm in your area, but light commercial and industrial metering is much more elaborate. In addition to meter pans and enclosures ---> utility companies secure raceways, pedestals, enclosures, etc... Thanks for all of your video content.. between you and Dev.O-- I've equipped quite a few with the knowledge you have so generously shared. Thank You.

[@ronithornhill4761]

Pghgppfppffpffgggppffggggpffgpfhhfpffgghghhhhhhhhhghggggpfjgggghggggghgghghghghgggghghghghhghjghghghhhghghghggfgghghjjghgphghggphghpghhhhhghghbpgpgggpgghphhhphhhpjhpbll

[@terrawolf635]

What size wood screw is that you are using?

[@terrawolf635]

I need to know the size wood screw! Please!?!

[@Paul-wz2wt]

@@terrawolf635 did you find out I would love to know trying it on a gas meter

[@alanhan37]

You just saved me 5 days without gas for heating and cooking. Now I just need to remember to put it back on before they arrive. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@deebee9751]

Ha ha ha. I did the same. lol

[@mvgregory123]

Why isn't this the #1 video? I had to sit through a couple stupid ones trying to unlock one of these yesterday and I couldn't get it to work. Thanks for the quality video!

[@charleybetts1053]

Same here, brother!

[@legacyautofocus]

For me it is

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

BECAUSE IT DOESNT WORK. He doesn't tell you what screw, it wont screw into the block like he said it would and hes a liar getting views off BS

[@fatkorn420]

No magic word for this vid. Wish I could have won a screw from Bill!

[@caleblemotte1]

Awesome! Fully dissected. Not just the hack, but the logic behind it. Appreciate the video, thank you.

[@mikeodell5915]

Thank u ...this works well. I own a contracting construction company and these cost me $$$, but not any longer. Just did this today.

[@abhitchc1106]

Great video. Just what I needed. Once I saw how the lock worked, it was easy to bypass. I will add some thing though: You can make this even quicker if you do not rely on the threads to engage the barrel at the end. All you need to do is have enough threads to grab the spring. Insert the key into the hole, push down on the screw which pushes the threads upward into the spring. While pushing down, pull the screw backwards, which will compress the spring. At that point, you can simply jiggle the other end of the lock, and the ball bearing detents will go inside of the tube allowing you to remove the other end.

[@SlickFungi420]

Thanks Bill.. I'm an electrician, and have been stumped by that screw technique, always having to end up waiting for the power company.. You just saved me so much time and so many headaches.. As always you rule!!

[@mattc420]

It's alot harder than it looks I just spent 2 hours trying to get one off. It's not easy. I'm gonna go back and try again once my anger subsides.

[@Jayyace10]

@@mattc420any luck? Tips?

[@mattc420]

@@Jayyace10 beating it with a hammer seemed to work better lol

[@pinzgauernorcal]

I really like when you show is the inside of locks

[@charcoaljohnson]

+Highteckhobbies Me too, especially the unique locks.

[@matthew6466]

Me too!

[@mattthomas4026]

It's almost like lock picking foreplay

[@coolsnake1134]

Thanks Bosnian Bill and happy retirement. This video also saved me a ton of time and money as an electrician here in PA as PECO energy also sometimes uses those locks

[@slpss2002]

I used a sheet metal screw and a small pair of vise grips. Inserted into the hole and grabbed the spring angling it slightly and pulled back. Worked on the second try. I do like your version also-

[@danstheman33]

Can confirm that this absolutely works. Just make sure the screw is the right size. If it's a tight fit (and it probably should be) and hard to get the screw tip in the lock, you can force it past by holding the lock with a pair of pliers, and driving the screw in with a drill. After you unlock it, do the same but with the drill in reverse to remove the screw.

[@Fieldpeecantread]

These things have advanced yo

[@xorxand1001]

Hair slide(bobby pin)/screwdriver/this channel. That's all it took to break into a filing cabinet that had been locked due to moving house(yes the keys got put away some place safe in the move). very simple lock that took no time to pick. thanks to your very helpful videos allowed me to help someone out of a tight spot (without buying professional tools).

[@DPush420]

That lock looks more like the kind used on gas meters (at least where I'm from). When I was a meter tech this would have been real handy trick to know. Sometimes bugs lay eggs in the lock and pack the opening with dirt which will sometimes ruin the key. This video plus the supra and master key vault videos are a must watch for people who work with meters.

[@ivyscapes1]

you have no idea .. you saved me... i just had 2 screw it in with a screw diver in the beging and hold the head of the lock head with a channel locks while i tread it in the beginning. then it was a breeze.. awesome buddy

[@jackson55fly]

Bill this has got 2 be the #1 video in the universe, you are definitely the man. Thanks 4 your help

[@marko6695]

Brilliant! Thank you. Videos like yours are the reason for KZbin.

[@bosnianbill]

Thank you, Sir! That is one heck of a compliment and I am wallowing in it!😀

[@DaveVanWest]

Thanks... A non-destructive method to open the lock change out the panel or main breaker and reinstall. I hate when the utility company tells the electrical contractor to "just cut it off." This is a much safer method, and allows the electrician to secure the meter in the socket after work is complete. Awesome.

[@bills6946]

Most are smart meters today and remotely controlled. If they lose connection, the computer turns it off. You cannot turn it back on. You can be criminally charged for tampering and or theft of service. If you need the meter pulled for safety, you call them to send a truck out. Easier and cheaper than hiring a lawyer.

[@chrissargeant2254]

big bad billy,thank you so much for the tip. i work for the water co. in c.t. and we use these locks for our meters also ,now sometimes i forget my key and have to cut it and it is a long process.lol now i can show the worthy co-workers.thanks again , SIR BOSNIANBILL.

[@syshex]

For cutting that lock up and showing us how it is inside.... you get a like!

[@daathseverus]

This will help me and my mates out at work so much! Thank you for the comprehensive video.

[@brent19731]

Worked a treat. Total time 5 min from grinding to picking. Glad i said no to smart meter.

[@joezaloga]

You Scare the heck out of me Bill using gloves on that grinder

[@darrellodriscoll382]

BosnianBill....... Im not certain how too say I Love You in Bosnian :) (or discreet and pvt enough) other than flat out say THank You Sir!! You speak my language. You are a Brilliant Man with Exceptional Teaching skills. I carefully watched this video 3 times. And 10 seconds Bill!! All it took me.. Im A freakin Genius now thx to you lool!! Im your lastest subscriber as well Fan Thank Yoiu!! Ive never tsaken this amount of time since KZbin was born, to express myself and say thanks.. Slainte

[@KaioStryker]

Awesome stuff! This gave me the ideas of using a small drill bit to make a small hole. I then used a #6 2 inch wood screw and screwed into that small hole which allowed me to release!

[@MrCubanman69]

I think I will go around the block and unlock some meters. you did it again. you out smarted the lock.

[@kentwright5346]

Awesome video!! Amazing that an unthreaded bore engages that wood screw.

[@marko6695]

I just tried this and it worked like a champ!

[@bosnianbill]

Glad to hear it! Several people emailed saying it didn't work. When questioned, they all skipped the step of grinding off the tip of the screw before trying it. Thanks for the confirmation!

[@timmarrier]

Bosbianbill, you are the man. The MAN.

[@redwoodreptilesllc1112]

This was a perfect explanation!! Saved me a ton of headache, thank you!!!

[@jonathansoto6366]

I did something similar... I used a concrete screw because is stronger and grinded the thread and the tip just like you did but it didn't work because in some cases the shaft is slightly bigger than the first hole. So what I did was I take a small piece of copper wire and wrapped the first two turns of the tip of the screw. Then you bang it with a hammer to get in and then give a few more taps when you reach the shaft. You wil retract the whole thing just by pulling the screw

[@joeldunn3388]

Bill you are an artist! Multifaceted professional. thanks for the "what's inside" pick video

[@choochoochooseyou]

You always make it look so easy, Bill.

[@seniormgtow7478]

Bosnianbill, NJ Power is using the style barrel lock similar to the Cable Companies I dealt with. The tool went in like the screw did. As you lifted the handle on the "tool" it spread the "tip jaws" seizing the plug (like the screw) and retracted, unlocking. National Grid in the NE use a different style.

[@davida1hiwaaynet]

Thanks! I have had to cut these before and it is not pleasant. Here, they use a very heavy steel girdle around the meter to keep people from "casually" tampering with it. It takes a grinder with cutoff blade to cut this. I have started a minor grass fire from grinder sparks going in dry grass near the meter. Also, it can throw sparks that discolor the building siding. And finally, I hate to be destructive, and often the meter box ends up with a few nicks or grinder marks. I will be practicing your technique on my meter to get the hang of it, before I have to do it for real.

[@pauledwards9493]

$300 key beat by a grind down $1 screw, amazing Bill!!!

[@KBLIZZ333]

You're a friggen genius 👏🏼 🙏🏼 This was such a great video, thanks!!

[@STAF1776]

another great video, as always. If it wasn't for your channel and your depth of explanation, I probably wouldn't have learned how to pick locks. keep up the good work.

[@per_sev]

Hey Bill, what size is the screw? PS, love your channel, it's amazing.

[@crazyeddy808]

great! my power bill just went down by half, thank you

[@IhateYoutube]

+Ed Nelson Be careful, you might find what's inside, very shocking!

[@DPush420]

+Ed Nelson There is a mercury switch inside your meter that will narc on you if power is lost or the meter is moved. Good luck.

[@happylarry955]

+D Push yep but fuck with it a few times the think there is a fault with it then hack the shit out of it - they ignore it as think there is a fault.

[@DPush420]

Yeah that is not at all how I did my job. The first time I might give you the benifit of the doubt and just hot swap the meter. The second time you get turned over to the collectors and they charge you the price of the meter that was removed and however much they THINK you might have stolen. Once again good luck.

[@clearingbaffles]

Ed simple software in new meters look at time power on and knows if there was an outage and if numbers don't match they know, probably caught quicker than you expect, might even let you cheat for awhile to run up the penalty

[@OutdoorFamily-Fun]

Amazing that’s so cool. How you deconstructed the lock!!!! super informative

[@andreaspease9935]

Thank you!! It took me a few tries to get it right but YES !!

[@1painter4hire]

Great job Man , We ALL APPRECIATE YOU 💪

[@chilIychilI]

Awesome. I was just looking at home depot. They want $60 for barrel lock keys. We are allowed to have access to the meeters here in philly but the POwer company may take a day or up to a week to come take it off. It's crazy. Thanks bro.

[@Timpon_Dorz]

$60? That's cheap. They go for about $500 here. It's illegal to own by regular contractors... Only utility companies can buy them. Also they have different versions... Make sure it's M71759 by Brooks UP

[@Cra1gst]

thank you i love your ways of overcoming locks i find it fascinating

[@lorduggae]

I have had one of these locks sitting on my shelf for years. It's closed and i never could figure out how to open it, Thanks Bill.

[@DougsterCanada1]

Well played, sir! And the secret password to get a box of those screw keys is "Abracadabra!". I will await your drawing my winning (and hopefully the only) entry. Wait! What?

[@TheTranq]

Just started lock picking and found your channel, and man are your videos awesome!

[@dannileigh6426]

Always love your cutaway work, and makes me wish I had machining tools lol

[@vachikgharibian4445]

Thank you so much. The locked my gas meter without leaving us a note or warning.

[@P_RO_]

Gas companies now often place a disk in the first union downstream of the meter when they do a cut-off to prevent flow even if you turn the valve on. If you pull the disc next they will take the meter with the regulator and you can't bypass that without burning the house down.

[@TheKeymaster1053]

What length was your screw when you started? thanks!

[@rayshiner4556]

So what does the proper key look like / how does it work ?

[@hustlehumbly6169]

It’s a pin with some bumps on it lol

[@MARKE911]

I really need to make a video we use these every day and the key is stupid simple

[@paulmaldonado1213]

Just show the spring it holds the pin in the lock, need too retract the spring to open the lock,but they cut off my power and fund out lock my box and did not mess whit it because they will the power line, and i leve it alone , its not good mess whit the lock so i am not taken it off or mess whit it at all,

[@robertoleons]

What size (thickness) screw was used?

[@JustinDusenbury]

+bosnianbill can you please do a lock lab inventory or a video of your tools and locks. By the way you are the best KZbinr and lock picker I have seen. You are so good please keep do what your doing. I love your videos and love when you post. I started lock picking because of you. I have been watching you for a year know and I won't stop. Thank you.

[@codebeard]

What kind of key does this lock use? I'm trying to work out how it engages the mechanism

[@taser1984]

+codebeard It uses a split tube with a wedge in it. The tube goes in the locking block, then the wedge spreads the tube so it can pull the block back. It's actually an easy design to replicate very cheaply.

[@kurtilein3]

+codebeard The tip could be something like a reduced T-shape, so if you just rotate it it just slides in through two slits, you rotate some more and it engages by disaligning with the slits and hitting an end point, and now you can pull. You free it by rotating in the opposite direction. This can have many different designs, it could also be 3-sided or 4-sided, the video mentions that there are different keys that are specific to different locks. The screw overrides it all, to see how it actually works you would need to cut open the small inner cylinder or to somehow inspect its inside. But i guess the metal needs to be sufficient soft to cut the appropriate shapes into the inside of the hole in that cylinder. With a softer metal like brass you can easily machine this using a CNC mill and a tungsten carbide drill bit that has a thin axle and a wider cylindrical head. I am obviously speculating, but i am quite sure that the key looks quite subtle. Just a rod with minor smooth protrusions at the tip.

[@user-rw3qq2sr1z]

+taser1984 do you have a picture of it ?

[@alexaliwarlock]

Awesome video. I always look forward to ur nightly videos. Thanks for opening the lock. I love knowing the inner workings of the locks. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@Matlock69]

Bill, thanks for all the videos, and congratulations on the retirement!!! You deserve it!

[@daeljuma]

This was actually the first lock I ever picked (wintertime necessity). I used a metal coat hanger. I put a sharp bend in the end and cut it off so there was a very small hook, and with that I was able to manipulate the lock open in seconds.

[@mattc420]

I've been trying to do that all day. It's not working for me

[@HansDelbruck53]

@@mattc420 Try it at night.

[@leonwp60]

you are so good and finding those fixes!. im in the UK so the actual application will not occur but im sure something will crop up where the same principal applies. Thank you.

[@slsacco]

What size screw?

[@radradrad]

Bill; love your videos. You are the guru for my lock picking progression. Regarding this video in particular; I've followed this method perfectly and have not been able to get the threads to engage. Yes, I cut the end off and ground-down the proximal threads. I am using a #8 screw, but I'm wondering if I'm using a screw that is too larger for the hole at the end of the spring ?? Very frustrating to not get this seemingly simple pick to work.

[@xXwatevermanXx]

You hit this one out of the park. cheers

[@kevinjones3051]

I had to do this today and a scratch awl fits perfectly in the shaft, then just light tap of a hammer it came right open just a tip that worked for me.

[@thephantom39]

TV cable company locks next? I can send you a few.....they are magnetic here in Ga

[@heatherparker8082]

+Uncle Jeff's World Oh really ? I did not know that. I'm here in GA too

[@Heliosaurus]

+Joseph Park A tutorial isnt necessary. Just stick a screw driver in there for tension and shove a paper clip inside and rake it once or twice and you're done.

[@tatsuhirosatou5513]

Heliosaurus just like master lock

[@williambopko7420]

Best video on KZbin on how to pick a cylinder lock. Watched 4 others before this and nothing worked. Thank you!

[@thedwarfgimli5323]

These plunger locks are all the same.

[@rbhusana]

what size screw did your use?

[@chadciciotte6996]

Ferris Bueller your my hero... Thank you

[@troydeanwalker1405]

Best video yet.

[@Ace-cl4tc]

What size screw did you use for this demonstration?

[@Kallamadama]

Bump

[@jpkalishek4586]

LP&L/Entergy in the New Orleans area used a lock that was good at seizing up from corrosion, so the linemen tended to just cut the things off. But with a pair of channel locks you could bed it apart and unlock the meeter, then bend it back on. Ours had been removed several times. Once when we updated the breaker box, once when we moved the breaker box, again removing the box to do work to that wall, and then when the line coming from the pole dropped one leg, we pulled it diagnosing it and then the electric company came and the guy fought it for a few minutes before getting his bolt cutters out. I had removed it in half the time a few hours before he showed up. shoulda left it off for him

[@Subgunman]

I have seen the adds on ebay where some NY scheister is trying to sell keys at grossly overpriced rates. The actual "key" is actually a type of hollow wedge that has a shaft similar to a finishing nail that when pulled back will expand two wedges into the hollow shaft binding it quite firmly. The "nail" and wedges are housed in a piece of steel resembling the lock and has a cam handle attached to the nail to pull it back and lock it into place. Wish I could post a photo, better than trying to describe it.

[@buyingselling2848]

What size screw? I have seen screws to big and to small

[@davidmorales5320]

This is good stuff, but I have found another quicker way to unlock these locks. The lock is encountered did not have that center hole to screw into at the back. I took your typical 6x2" drywall screw and inserted into the main little pin hole. Pressed it against inner wall and moved it in and out until I caught what pulls that block the presses the balls outward. Sorry for the long explanation, but it will keep you from having to grind down a screw. Hopefully, it works as easy for yall.

[@nine4t4]

Reminds me of using a household implement to get another utility. I have to admit, utilities locks are actually quite good. They protect well against destructive methods (and when they fail, good luck replacing the lock to hide your crime), but they are simple enough to not get mucked up by weather. They actually offer better protection against tampering than a warded Master lock. And they are cheap!!! Here is a lock not much more complicated than a wall anchor and it works!!! It doesn't lock very well, but it is a nice obstacle to tampering. I have an easier way. Two words. Dent Puller. But your method has more "finesse".

[@The77stevo77]

Thank you for showing all the tricks. Great info!

[@avalladares9036]

by far, the best explained video GOOD JOB

[@benflores5066]

Bill you are a genius..thank you!!

[@joeyfarrell4399]

Doesn't get much better than this folks

[@michaelzborovan9565]

I actually had this exact problem on a job and tried this exact method from this exact video and the issue I had that isn't addressed was the core spinning before the threads had a chance to bite hard enough to overcome the spring pressure... Perhaps a drop of superglue would've helped or something else to hold the core temporarily...

[@polizei16]

Work perfectly first try thank you very much

[@fivespeedv8]

I can get it to grab, and pull outward until the spring tension seems to stop, but the cylinder will still not come out. Just sprayed it with penetrating oil in case the balls are stuck. What else could it be ?

[@fivespeedv8]

Solved: the screw was too thick. it was grabbing the spring itself, and not threading into the hole.

[@ralphstadtler7696]

@@fivespeedv8 thats probably my problem rn i will try a smaller screw what size did you use to get it to work?

[@TrainHornPranksandMore]

What size screw is this

[@Nicks-Picks]

Fantastic info, thanks as always Bill. Hope you're enjoying your retirement 🤜🤛👍

[@jamal69jackson77]

I've learned a lot about the false security padlocks provide from watching these videos and this has gotten me interested in learning more about locks and lock picking. Can someone perhaps recommend what would be a very good, durable, reliable and relatively complete lockpick set to not only learn with, but also to use once you become more proficient?

[@johntsan742]

Thank you, Bill.

[@jesussotohernandez5349]

Thanks from Tijuana 👍

[@tonyholt90]

nice one, glad you gutted it to show an even clearer picture.

[@atlas0404]

this works!! Great job.....excellent video... very professional. Thanks!

[@soulcatch]

What keeps the shaft from spinning while trying to get the screw to grip?

[@Dhalin]

Most likely, when you push the screw in and start turning, you torque the locking mechanism against the back of the barrel and create friction which will prevent it from turning as you thread the screw in.

[@danstheman33]

You can use a pair of pliers to hold the shaft with one hand, while you hold the screwdriver or drill with your other hand

[@kingkongmegatronboss]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are a genius, and I greatly appreciate your insight!

[@nathanmaples1463]

I can fix any problem through KZbin who strengthens me! Water company shut me off cause I owed 42 bucks, missed one month cause card expired on the autopay. Just shut it off, no warning. Wife was not impressed. BosnianBill you a hero! My dirty kids get baths tonight.

[@paulhaney6449]

This. Works. Amazingly. Thank you !!

[@gettinready101]

Appreciate the time it took you to cut that lock open. I love the mechanics.

[@twilson7384]

great videos man just found your channel and its awesome

[@mikeodell5915]

I love this channel

[@waddac2]

Nice one Bill, did not have sound on my work PC but video view only painted the picture nicely buddy. Great video as always.

[@jalenjose3905]

Thank you for the educational video

[@jbtrentiii]

Worked perfect, first try!!! It's just good to know that it can be done!!! ;)

[@christopherbenson9385]

What size screw?

[@Oisin8555670]

Currently in Sydney Australia we use abloy Protecs as our electrical meter locks.much better than the old system we had in place but as usual people still complain

[@acerodgers1948]

What lock would you recommend for a tool box with at least $2k worth of tools?

[@acerodgers1948]

+bosnianbill alright thanks. I just over nighted a medeco m3 padlock. got tired of putting the damn box in the truck everyday after work haha

[@zlotvorx]

+bosnianbill Hi Bill, Can you comment on this: www.engadget.com/2007/07/19/the-lockdown-the-medeco-m3-meets-the-perilous-paper-clip/ Is it really worth $100?

[@zlotvorx]

+Ace Rodgers Can you afford to have it stolen? No? Then don't leave the tools on site. When the site is full of angle grinders, wire cutters, metal saws, welder/cutter tools you are asking for trouble. Rather invest in a good quality tool flightcase with proper wheels and handles.

[@YourMUMY]

+Ace Rodgers bool string should do it

[@zlotvorx]

Ampacity Electric That's my experience too! But in those situations, most of the tools was property of the company, not the workers personal property, an it was insured by site insurance. I can't recall a single toolbox-burglary (of couple 100's sites I worked on), but they stole large machinery, like a escavator ;) (stolen from rock mining site over weekend - no guards, no CCTV yet, later found by police, cut to parts in junkyard) Of course, if you leave a tool, eg. brand name drilling machine in plain sight it will disappear in thin air very fast. My point was, if the tool is so attractive, then don't leave it in places where oxy acetylen torches, angle grinders or large hammers, metal pipes/rods hang on every corner. No chain or lock will protect from these. Better protection would be a small alarm system, with loud sounder and maybe a camera to take pics of the thief. From the lockipicking side, any half-decent lock will do, as the guys stealing tools are not good in lockpicking at all. They are "heroes of the moment", not pro burglars.

[@markmywords5126]

I wonder if a small threading tap would work? Might bite better and one with a fine thread would have plenty of threads inside the inner part. Just an idea.