If you looking for the best battle belt or battle belt setups, you’ve come to the right place!

Why? Because for most people, their belt choice simply comes down to how well it matches their clothes. These folks are part of what we like to call “the fragile masses.”

Instead, YOUR belt should be more useful than just color coordination.

A belt should not only keep your pants up, but it should also carry a ton of self-defense and survival gear on it as well.

That’s way more important than just preventing an embarrassing “wardrobe malfunction.”

And for combat professionals, soldiers, and police officers, their very lives depend on their belt choice and setup.

A belt that will carry gear the proper gear to defend and protect – to make holes and plug holes!

That’s why I think you should invest in a quality battle belt. 

And that why today I’m going to share everything I know about battle belts, specifically:

• Battle Belts Vs. Tactical Belts
• The Proper “Philosophy” Behind Battle Belts
• Why You Should Own A Battle Belt
• Key Features To Look For In A Quality Battle Belt
• 5 Best Battle Belts On The Market Today

**Note: If you just want our top recommendations, feel free to SKIP AHEAD HERE.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

BATTLE BELTS VS TACTICAL BELTS

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Many use the terms “tactical belt” and “battle belt” interchangeably. But there are distinct differences between the two:

Tactical Belt

A tactical belt (and survival belts) typically serves as a discrete EDC (everyday carry) item. That’s why they’re often made to fit in the loops of your pants. But this design feature limits them to 2″ widths max – and sometimes even narrower.

So larger gear items will not fit through standard-sized belt loops.

That’s why most tactical belts won’t allow for permanent attachments – pouches, sheaths, or holsters.

Yes, you can put them on as you thread the belt into your pants. But that takes precious time and leaves you adding and removing equipment daily.

This act quickly becomes cumbersome and can be an organizational nightmare. Plus, it leaves you at risk of not properly securing each item as well as it should.

Battle Belt

Instead, you can wear a battle belt independent of (or in tandem with) a tactical belt.

A battle belt has NO width limits because they’re not designed to fit through belt loops. So, battle belts are free to provide a wider surface for more attachment points. And thus, more support for heavy items.

And they also tend to feature more rugged materials and stiffer construction vs tactical belts.

This upgrade helps to reduce the amount of sagging under heavy loads. And it makes them far more comfortable than a similarly loaded tactical belt.

Some battle belts feature padding as well. This feature further increases comfort by preventing your gear from digging into your hips over time.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

THE PROPER “PHILOSOPHY” BEHIND BATTLE BELTS

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Now, before we get into specific features and battle belt setups, you must understand the “justification” behind wearing a battle belt.

First off, YOU get to choose WHAT to carry on a battle belt.

And this choice will be a very personal one. But there are two general guidelines to keep in mind to help you accomplish your battle belt goals.

1. Battle belts are primarily for making holes and plugging holes
2. The lighter, the better – so minimal fighting essentials only

Making Holes / Plugging Holes

First, a battle belt is ideal for combat based survival situations. Times when your very life depends on the outcome of a fight.

In such as situation, a battle belt can be the determining factor on who gets to walk away. It can support a more aggressive attack. And success may come down to always having those extra magazines of ammo or a fighting knife at hand (“making holes”).

OR, if you or a teammate gets severely injured, you’ll be glad you attached a compact Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) to your battle belt. An IFAK with the right supplies to control significant bleeding (“plugging holes”).

The Lighter; The Better

Secondly, a battle belt allows you to carry only a limited number of supplies – primarily those needed in a fight. So, it’s essential to resist the urge to attach EVERYTHING!

Now, many battle belts feature suspender attachment points. These setups are compatible with drop leg pouches and holsters.

But if you’re putting so much gear on your battle belt that you require suspenders and large accessory pouches… well, double-check how much gear you’re carrying. It’s probably way too much!

Remember, a battle belt isn’t your only way to carry things. Instead, you could easily dump some extra gear into a tactical pack or as part of a chest rig or plate carrier.

And tactical pants pockets are often a better location for smaller items, like a folding knife, notepad, or a cellphone.

Of course, none of these rules exist in a vacuum. So take the time to honestly assess the overall weight and bulk of your battle belt.

The bottom line is this:

It’s often both faster and safer to keep your battle belt gear to a minimum. Adding too much equipment for every remote survival possibility will only slow you down.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

WHY YOU SHOULD OWN A BATTLE BELT

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A battle belt isn’t the kind of thing most of us wear into an office setting.

That’s because a battle belt is a visible piece of combat gear. It will draw attention wearing one in most situations. So, if you’re trying to remain inconspicuous, a battle belt will do the opposite.

Battle belts are NOT compatible with a gray man strategy.

But it’s one of the best ways to secure and organized all your combat essentials. A battle belt is a great way to keep them all in one place, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

You can throw one on as you run out the door, knowing that all the items you might need in a fight are in place.

Also, unlike a chest rig or survival backpack, a battle belt won’t hinder your ability to cool off under heavy exertion. And it helps keep your center of gravity lower for better balance.

So, if combat is inevitable and you’re not worried about staying unassuming, nothing beats adding a battle belt to your combat gear setup.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY BATTLE BELT

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As with any piece of tactical gear, there are plenty of choices on the market.

Choosing the right one for your needs will have a massive impact on your comfort. And your ability to carry your load and your efficiency in a fight.

Independent vs. Inner/Outer Belt Systems

When it comes to battle belts, there are two different types you should consider.

Independent Battle Belt

The first is a stand-alone belt. These are battle belt setups you wear over whatever clothing you have on at the time.

They don’t rely on belt loops and are entirely independent of your tactical pants.

These systems allow you to wear them on the outside of extra cold or wet weather layers. And do so without any adjustments other than the overall length.

The second option is an Inner/Outer belt system.

Inner/Outer Belt System

This battle belt setup pairs a wider battle belt with a standard tactical belt. This configuration allows you to thread the battle belt through your standard belt loops.

These attach with a long strip of heavy-duty Velcro along the entire matching surface.

This design keeps your battle belt secure and in place without fear of any rotation around your body.

But the outer belt is often not as stiff as a stand-alone belt and relies on the inner belt for some rigidity. So, if used alone or over outer clothing layers, it may not be as capable.

Comfort

When carrying a load of ammo and medical gear, comfort is of utmost importance.

Because if you’re distracted by a holster digging into your hip or a sagging belt, your focus isn’t completely on the emergency situation.

And if this happens at a critical moment, you might find yourself on the losing end of the fight before it even begins.

A comfortable belt will keep your mind in the game and your critical gear at your fingertips.

Materials

As with all survival gear, you typically get what you pay for – so be sure to find a belt with rugged materials and construction.

Meaning, look for quality stitching and reinforcements in high wear areas.

If you settle for a cheap nylon belt, it will perform cheaply.

Closures

Similarly, any belt is only as good as the buckle.

I am a HUGE fan of the COBRA metal buckles because they are one of the only fast-release buckles with a full load rating.

These buckles have been making appearances on all kinds of tactical and rescue gear, including airborne med/evac litters designed for chopper rescues.

If you get a battle belt WITHOUT a COBRA buckle, make sure it’s strong and rugged. Look for a steel buckle or an aluminum one with “double-back” webbing.

Attachment Systems

The standard PALS, MOLLE, and other laser cut mounting designs are all common in tactical gear. And most battle belt systems will accommodate one or more of them.

Be sure to check that you have enough space for all the attachments you plan to add.

Also, make sure the belt’s width supports even the widest one without having it rub too much on your skin.

Price

I hate to admit it, but in the end, price does play a role in the decision.

Factor in the cost of extra attachments (holsters, sheaths, magazine pouches) as well. When you are pricing out your battle belt – these attachments add up quickly.

If you find yourself over budget, DON’T skimp on the belt itself.

Why? Because you’ll likely change and reorganize your attachments over time. And you can always upgrade them later.

But changing the belt itself is usually the most expensive part, so try to get that right the first time.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 BEST BATTLE BELTS ON THE MARKET TODAY

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Looking online, you’ll find a wide array of battle belt designs. And each design has both its proponents and critics.

So, look for those with lots of positive reviews and with features that interest you most. Here are a few that we’ve like as a starting point for your own search:

HSGI Sure-Grip Padded Belt

For the past decade, HSGI battle belts have been a mainstay in the battle belt space.

The Sure-Grip padded battle belt is an excellent solution for those looking for an extensive belt. And it comes with a ton of attachment space.

The sleeve design accommodates up to a 2″ tactical or riggers belt. But the internal HDPE stiffener sheet makes the actual belt surface even wider.

It easily mounts large magazine pouches or medium radio packs without much difficulty.

The neoprene lining is grippy and does NOT slide around on your clothing, always keeping it in its proper place.

PROS

• Well-padded and comfortable
• HDPE stiffener sheet provides protection
• MOLLE/PALS compatible

CONS

• Sold as “sleeve only” and requires an additional belt

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Ronin Shuto Belt

The Ronin Shuto battle belt is an incredibly well-built Inner/Outer style belt system.

It comes with a 2″ inner tactical belt attaching to a 1.75″ exterior battle belt. It also has MOLLE compatible webbing.

The materials throughout are of high quality and it includes a metal COBRA buckle with ANSI certification.

It’s not as wide as some other belts on the market. So, it’s a good choice for anyone looking to build a very lightweight and fast system without a lot of large pouches.

Note, it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the lifetime warranty and build quality are second to none.

PROS

• Lifetime warranty
• COBRA buckle
• Made in the USA

CONS

• Expensive
• Not wide enough for large accessory pouches

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Blue Alpha MOLLE 1.75″ Double Belt

The Blue Alpha MOLLE 1.75″ Double Belt is an extremely high-quality inner/outer belt system. It has a comfortable Velcro-lined inner belt to hold up your pants. And a MOLLE compatible outer belt for mounting gear.

Like the Ronin Shuto, the Blue Alpha is best for lightweight battle belt builds. At 1.5″ for the inner belt, it’s much more suitable for non-military issue pants with smaller belt loops.

The COBRA buckle, with an optional D-ring attachment point, has a full bodyweight rating. But please note, Blue Alpha doesn’t rate it for rappelling for liability reasons.

This Blue Alpha belt is top-notch, and the company stands behind it for all warranty questions.

PROS

• Incredible build quality
• Very sturdy COBRA buckle with D-ring
• Extremely stable mounting points

CONS

• Expensive
• Too narrow for larger accessory pouches

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Condor Gen II Battle Belt

There are plenty of high-end belts with prices well above $100. But there’s are also decent battle belt solutions in a more budget-friendly range.

The Condor Gen II is a sleeve-style battle belt. But it requires you to provide your own tactical or riggers belt for closure.

The 100% nylon build is durable enough for occasional use. But you may find that prolonged use in rugged terrain and with a lot of gear will wear quickly.

The wide belt channel and lack of internal stiffeners allow it to roll over under heavier loads.

It’s MOLLE and PALS compatible but unfortunately doesn’t allow you to attach directly to the inside belt. So, gear such as holsters won’t connect as rock-solid as other belts on this list.

PROS

• Affordable
• Sleeve design allows you to choose the tactical belt that suits you best

CONS

• Not as durable as other options
• Mounting points not as secure
• Belt rolls under heavy load

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Petac Gear Tactical Riggers Battle Belt

The Petac Gear Tactical Rigger’s belt hits all the keywords in its name. But it’s best as a very light-duty battle belt.

It comes with an inner and outer belt system and a load-rated COBRA buckle with D-ring. It also has MOLLE compatible webbing.

It’s very rigid and doesn’t roll over or sag under a load of ammo.

Unfortunately, the MOLLE webbing appears to be of a fixed length. So larger sizes will not have extra MOLLE capacity on the additional length of the belt.

Overall, it’s a solid belt, but a redesign could improve on some minor issues.

PROS

• Moderate price
• Good MOLLE attachments
• COBRA buckle and D-ring

CONS

• MOLLE attachments don’t run full length on larger sizes
• Innerbelt too large for non-military pant loops

HOW TO BUILD A BATTLE BELT SYSTEM

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When it comes to building your battle belt, it comes down to personal preference. For example, the exact weaponry you plan to carry and how much overall weight.

Watch this video for an excellent tutorial on battle belt setups:

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I’ve also found the following two references helpful in my approach to building a battle belt.

1. The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load & Weight Considerations
2. The Battle Belt: 3 Essential Tips for Carrying Gear Like a Boss

These articles help to provide a good compromise between agility and carrying for every eventuality.

These authors are both tactical instructors and former military. So, they’ve put systems through the wringer and determined what works best for them. But they both understand their approach might not work for everyone.

In the end, a good list for a battle belt setup starting point will contain:

• Handgun holster
• Handgun magazines x2-4
• Rifle magazines x2
• IFAK pouch
• Small dump pouch
• Tactical knife

From there, you’ll have to work with your belt and with the weapons you use in training.

You’ll soon find the right amount of weight and the tools that you can’t live without.

It will help if you read lots of these long-running online threads. These are resources where people discuss their own battle belt setups in extreme detail.

You’ll also discover that most people have an evolving battle belt. One with different weapons, pouches, and accessories showing up and disappearing over time.

And you may decide someday to branch out from what you can carry easily on your battle belt. That when you’ll want to research your options to build a chest rig, plate carrier, or tactical backpack.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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A battle belt an ideal way to carry the supplies you need in a fight in a compact, lightweight system.

If you want to be agile and always ready, this is the kind of tool that keeps you from laboring under a heavy pack. Yet, it can be set up and ready at a moment’s notice.

It’s like a utility belt for the modern firefight. That’s why a battle belt is an indispensable part of wartime preparedness.

Jason K.

P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?

There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.

Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?

Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.

The post 5 Best Battle Belts (and Setups) To Protect And Defend appeared first on Skilled Survival.

One food item that almost everyone has in their home is bread.  It is a staple of our pantries that is simple, extremely versatile, and …

Read moreSimple Campfire Bread Recipe: Learn How To Bake

The post Simple Campfire Bread Recipe: Learn How To Bake appeared first on Survival Cache.

This article was originally published by Tyler Durden at ZeroHedge. 

After being canceled last year, the annual culling of the underperformers is underway once again at BofA.

Following a slowdown in layoffs during the pandemic as a coterie of megabanks (including BofA and Deutsche Bank) announced plans to suspend layoffs, Wall Street’s talent-churning machine is firing back up. Bank of America’s Global Banking and Markets division is reportedly preparing to move ahead with layoffs now that 2020 is finally over. Last year, BofA CEO Brian Moynihan promised that BofA would hold off on any further layoffs until 2021, even as other Wall Street banks started handing out pink slips again once the fall months arrived.

The cuts impacted employees in capital markets, research, and investment banking according to Business Insider. Sources from inside the bank said the cuts are part of the typical cycle of Wall Street layoffs, as banks seek to preserve top talent and cull underperformers. They added that the number of people fired was in line with prior years.

Some of those being handed pink slips are senior staffers who volunteered for buyouts.

It’s not exactly clear what percentage of staffers from the Global Banking and Markets division are being cut.

Staffers across Wall Street already had to contend with what was by all accounts a disappointing bonus season, despite the blowout profits reaped by big banks in 2020 as markets boomed. Investment banking and trading operations posted blowout performances in 2020, but institutions as a whole suffered steep profit declines as they braced for loan losses tied to the pandemic.

At BofA, management’s decision to waive a new bonus policy for veteran traders and dealmakers has caused “internal drama”, as the new rules were supposed to be applied broadly. Those who weren’t subject to the policy have been “gathering on calls to vent frustrations and discuss options”. In some ways, the divisiveness dates back to BofA’s 2008 takeover of Merrill Lynch, the Wall Street investment bank that nearly went under during the financial crisis.

The post Bank Of America Begins First Round Of Layoffs Since Pandemic-Inspired Freeze first appeared on SHTF Plan – When It Hits The Fan, Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You.

Having the best ham radio is useful in case of an emergency when phones and the internet aren’t available. Here’s a guide to help you select the best amateur radio depending on your budget or experience level.

RELATED: Ham Radio Training: The Serious Survivalist’s Most Critical “Life-Line”

Top 11 Ham Radios on the Market | Best Ham Radio to Use

1. Wouxon KG-UV9D

You can enter the ham radio world with this affordable device from China. One of its noteworthy capacities is that its ultra-high-frequency or UHF is reprogrammable.

Depending on your preference, you can arrange its settings to accept and transfer a communication on 220 MHz or 440 MHz. It includes a full range of voice announcements to cater to visually-impaired users.

Additionally, it holds up seven bands reception and has an integrated flashlight.

2. AnyTone AT-D878UV

Apart from being a ham radio, this unit also serves as a handheld GPS. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or doing other sorts of activities, this device will provide positioning and navigation.

Add a personal touch to this model as the font colors are customizable. You can also monitor two timeslot zones, and its database is complete worldwide. It offers an incredible capacity of 4,000 channels, 10,000 talk groups, and 200,000 digital contacts.

3. BTECH DMR-6X2

BTECH focuses on the development of its radio products. This allows you to have the best ham radio with accessories, features, and warranty. It even took two years for this model to evolve.

If you’re looking for a versatile amateur radio, this is the best device that’s available on the market. You can change its background to blue for nighttime use, or black during the daytime. Its battery is also long-lasting and can run up to 35 hours.

It can keep up to 4,000 channels and 200,000 contacts as well, allowing you to have a huge virtual audience. The best thing is that you can customize this ham radio with their free programming software.

4. Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital Scanner Radio

Be always in the know and the first to hear storm announcements with this ham radio. Its technology allows you to learn about upcoming weather reports before they’re televised. With this, you’ll be able to prepare as soon as possible.

Don’t get overwhelmed with its programs. Every item in this amateur radio’s menu comes with a few descriptive lines to assist you. It also has a function that lets you sort objects depending on your preference.

This handheld ham radio has modern audio hardware for clear reception and communication. It allows you to look for frequency transmissions in your local area and transfer to them.

5. BaoFeng BF-F8HP

Maximize your ham radio with the built-in features that come with this model. It has a frequency modulation or FM and a flashlight as well. Its 24-hour battery life lets you communicate without recharging it for a day.

It provides eight watts of output power and has a high-quality radio shell to resist wear and tear. You’ll also make the most out of this device as it comes with an earpiece, belt clip, and hand strap.

Even beginners in the ham radio world can use this model. It comes with a detailed manual for an easy user experience. You can also enjoy its after-sales services such as warranty and customer support.

6. BaoFeng UV-82HP

Program your ham radio the way you want it. With this unit’s 128 memory channels, you can add, remove, or assign alphanumeric names to them. Its three power levels let you select how far you can send messages.

It’s also referred to as a tri-power radio. This is because it has a frequency range of 136-174MHZ on UHF, 400-520 on VHF, and 65-108 on FM. It also has a dual push to talk or PTT button which means that you can communicate on two frequencies.

RELATED: An Easy Way to Set Up Your HAM Radio

7. Radioddity GD-77

Be amazed at how crystal clear and noise-free the audio is from this ham radio. Even if you turn up its volume, the sound won’t even get distorted.

You’ll also get a mobile phone-like feature with its short message service or SMS function. Once you set it to DMR mode, you can already send messages to other radios.

8. TYT TH-9800 Quad Band Mobile Two Way Radio

With this model, you’ll have not just one but a total of four bands! Enjoy the power of this transceiver with sophisticated features at a low price.

Each variable frequency oscillator or VFO has knobs for squelch, channel, and volume. It has a full twin display and accepts additional frequencies.

9. TYT MD-UV380

The best ham radio is reliable no matter the situation. It relays information regardless of the circumstances. This device holds up to these ideas and doesn’t fail on communicating as its screen is easy to read day and night.

It supports two kinds of antennas – the stubby and the white band whip. Additionally, it comes with a belt clip so you don’t have to worry about this model slipping from your hand.

10. Xiegu G90 HF Amateur Radio

If you’re big on aesthetics, this is the ideal ham radio for you. With its colorful display, your communication will get more exciting. Even the keypad of its microphone has a backlight.

You can also place your radio’s head wherever you want. It has a detachable design wherein you can separate the display head from the main body.

11. BaoFeng UV-5R

If you’re looking for a handheld radio that doesn’t break the bank, then this is the ideal model for you. Its low price doesn’t sacrifice its reliability. It’s one of the most inexpensive on the market yet offers the needed functions in a portable radio.

Carrying this device around won’t be a problem if you’re always on the go. You can switch its power settings from high to low so you can conserve its battery life. It also has an impressive speaker output so you won’t have trouble hearing in any situation.

Learn about the features of amateur radios so you can get the best ham radio that’s suitable for your needs. Watch this video by TinHatRanch to know the answers to your other questions on amateur radio:



Despite the advances in technology, radio still plays a role in long-distance communication. It’s one of the most economical means to send messages across the globe. Invest in the best ham radio so you can enjoy its full potential.

What do you think is the best ham radio for beginners? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• Emergency Radio Communication Plan For Disasters
• Radio Communication: Part 1 | Staying in Contact When SHTF
• A SHTF Plan For Your Pets | Bugging Out With Man’s Best Friend

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen, and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

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Lockpicking might seem complicated and tricky, but it isn’t rocket science. It’s a skill you can learn, and you’ll only need simple tools. Here, you’ll learn the basics of lockpicking so you won’t have to spend on locksmith services when you misplace your keys.

In this article:

• How to Pick a Pin Tumbler Lock
• How to Pick a Lock Using Raking Technique
• How to Pick a Lock Using Hairpins

RELATED: Unlikely Lock Picking Tools – Spray Paint and Soda Cans

Lockpicking: An Ultimate Guide and the Tools You’ll Need

How to Pick a Pin Tumbler Lock

Step 1: Inspect the Lock’s Condition

You can’t open broken locks. Additionally, the mechanism of rusted locks may be difficult to manipulate even if you’re skillful in lockpicking.

Restore the condition of dirty and frozen locks with a lubricant such as WD40. You may opt to use one with a spray applicator so you can direct its application into the keyhole.

Step 2: Gather Your Lockpicking Tools

Most states permit the ownership of lockpicking supplies. However, there may be rules where you need to prove that you have no intention of committing a crime.

There are several lockpicking tools you can use to open a lock:

• Tension wrench: Also known as a torque wrench, this tool will help you apply the perfect amount of tension when lockpicking. It has different styles and sizes depending on the type of lock. The basic kind is a thin and small L-shaped metal that can pick most locks.
• Hook: This tool has a handle, and its other end diminishes into a pointy, thin, and curvy metal. Insert this in a keyhole, and use it to operate the internal parts of a lock.
• Lockpicking rake: Unlike hooks, rakes have ridges and humps that control the pins in a lock. This is ideal when you want to scrape across multiple pins and maneuver them at once.
• Half diamond: You can use this tool like a rake. Its tip is triangle-shaped so you can move pins.

Step 3: Visualize the Lock Mechanism

You can’t see what’s inside a lock, so it’s important to have a mental image of its parts. Locks vary when it comes to the position and number of their pins. Door locks usually have 5-8, while padlocks typically have 3-4 pins.

Step 4: Find Out How the Key Turns

Place your tension wrench into either the top or bottom of the keyhole. Rotate your tool moderately to put in tension to the lock’s plug.

You’ll then feel that the plug will turn. This is how your key turns.

Step 5: Go Into the Lock’s Pins

Detect the pins as you push your hook into the keyhole. Slightly increase the pressure on your hook until you notice that the springs give way. This will also help you check their resistance.

If you observe that some pins are stiff, put more pressure onto them later on. However, keep in mind that a lock’s mechanism is delicate. Don’t apply too much force to avoid lock breaking.

Remember the position of the pins, then pull out your hook.

Step 6: Apply Soft Pressure to the Keyhole

Go around the lock mechanism with light pressure, and sense how the plug moves. Let go of your pressure on your wrench, and redo this procedure every now and then. You should be able to feel both the plug’s tightness and the pins’ arrangement inside the lock.

Step 7: Spot the Binding Pin

With your tension wrench, put in light pressure again to the lock’s plug. Then, slip your hook into the keyhole. Touch the lock’s pins with your hook by applying tension onto it and releasing the tension on your wrench.

Carry on with this action until you can point out the pin that resists the most. This is your first binding pin. Once you identify this, keep a stable pressure on your wrench, then lift the pin gradually.

Step 8: Set the Pins

Now that your first pin is set in place, you must be able to slightly turn the plug with your wrench. Look for the next pin that resists more than the others, then raise and set it. Repeat this process until all the remaining pins are already set.

Step 9: Open Your Lock

Once all the pins are set, put more force on your wrench to turn and disentangle your lock.

How to Pick a Lock Using Raking Technique

Step 1: Check Your Lock

With your wrench and hook, feel the plug, pins, and spring, as well as their rigidity.

Step 2: Rake the Lock’s Pins

Put in light and constant force to the plug with your wrench. Then, place your lockpicking rake into the keyhole. Draw your rake upwards, and apply pressure only on its tip.

Your tool must be long enough that it can touch all the pins while raking.

RELATED: How Locksmithing Can Help Increase Your Chances Of Survival

Step 3: Listen for Pins Dropping

After raking, soften the pressure on your wrench. You should hear the pins falling. This means that you’re applying the right amount of pressure to your tension wrench.

Step 4: Continue Drawing Your Rake

Keep raking back and forth especially on pins that are not yet set in. Maintain the consistency of pressure on your wrench, then scrub the pins using the tip of your rake. If the pins are still not falling, let go of the force on your wrench, then start again.

Repeat this process until your lock disengages. You may strengthen the pressure on your wrench and rake.

How to Pick a Lock Using Hairpins

Step 1: Make Your Lockpick

Pull your pin apart until it forms a V-shape. Then, remove its rubber knobs. Insert one side of your pin into the keyhole until its tip curls up.

The other end will be your handle, so bend it halfway until you form a loop. This first hairpin will serve as your hook.

Step 2: Make a Right Angle With Your Second Hairpin

Unlike the first pin, don’t pull this one apart. Instead, form its whole body into a right angle. You may use either your hands or a pair of pliers.

This will act as your lever or tension wrench. It’ll also replace your actual key as it turns your lock once the pins are set in.

Step 3: Put Your Wrench Into the Keyhole

Place your lever or second hairpin into the bottom of the keyway. Then, turn it in a direction you’d normally open your lock using a key. However, don’t put too much pressure while doing it.

If you’re unsure about how the key turns, keep in mind that the incorrect direction will produce clicking sounds.

Step 4: Place Your Hook Into the Keyhole

Slide your first hairpin into the keyway with the curled side pointing upwards. Then, push the pins up and down using the tip of your hook. Try to count the pins that move freely and how many are stuck.

If the lock’s pins are not moving, decrease the tension on your wrench, then try again.

Step 5: Discover the Pin That Doesn’t Want to Move

While maintaining a steady pressure on your wrench, note the most difficult pin to shift. Push it up until you hear a clicking sound.

Step 6: Continue With the Rest of the Pins

Keep pushing the pins up until your lever can open the lock. If you’re having a hard time, adjust the pressure on your wrench. Remember to apply little force at the beginning until you learn the perfect amount of tension.

You’ll encounter different types of locks when lockpicking. Watch this video by Go Experimental to learn how to figure out a combination lock without using any tools:



Now, you don’t have to kick the door or destroy your locks when you forget or lose your keys. Gather your tools, and you’ll never know, you might just save a life with your lockpicking skills.

What other lockpicking tools do you have in mind that you can use when you misplace your keys? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• This Simple Trick Could Be the KEY to Survival
• 4 Ways To Duplicate Keys By Hand
• A SHTF Plan For Your Pets | Bugging Out With Man’s Best Friend

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen, and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

This article will describe how I can keep my gas furnace operating and warm my house even when electricity is not available from the local power grid.

Know how to keep your gas furnace and air conditioning problems running even when electric power is down!

RELATED: Having a Backup Power Supply

Gas Furnace | Keep Warm Even When Electricity Is Down

What Is a Gas Furnace?

A gas furnace is a furnace powered by natural gas to provide heat in low room temperatures. My gas furnace has a variable speed fan motor to push warm air through the vent ducts in our home.

A single power cord connects the furnace fan motor and the thermostat to 120 VAC power.

1. Gas Furnace with AC Power Connection



During a recent cleaning and maintenance check, the service technician took a number of measurements that I recorded for reference and future design planning. The furnace is quite efficient.

It draws 2.0 Amps under normal operation and 3.9 Amps when the variable speed motor is operating. The maximum draw is at 5.0 Amps using a clamp-on multimeter.

This means that 10.0 Amps is likely the highest surge current expected for this furnace’s variable speed motor.

2. Digital Clamp-On Multimeter for Measuring Actual AC Current Draw

As I mentioned in the last article, my solar power system uses a Sunny Boy 3800TL-US SMA inverter with a secure AC electrical backup socket. The actual socket connection is under the cover.

3. Inverter with 120VAC, 12.5A Backup Power

This inverter can produce 1500 watts of 110 volts AC and can provide 12.5 amps if grid power goes out and the sun is still shining. I need just 5.0 amps, so the secure power from the inverter works just fine during sunny days.

4. Configuration Providing 120VAC Backup from the Solar Array

Since a solar day here is about 7 hours long, I need another way to produce electricity for the 17 hours my solar panels aren’t producing power. I decided to use the Honda 2200i portable generator.

RELATED: The Grid-Tie Inverter: Electrical Backup for Your Refrigerator-Freezer

5. Gasoline-Powered Electric Generator

The 2200i has several external power sockets and can produce 2200 watts of 120VAC using unleaded gas. The 1-gallon gas tank in the 2200i can keep the generator going for about 5 hours—9.6 hours if the economy burn rate is set on the generator.

It’s been quite dependable—and quiet.

6. Generator Driving a Natural Gas Furnace

Connecting a 6-gallon marine gas tank to the 2200i gave me a 7-gallon power system that can drive this generator for between 35 and over 67 continuous hours—normal setting or “economy” setting.

7. Power Cord From the Furnace Plugs



This shows how to power your furnace with a solar or gas-powered generator during a power outage.

8. Generator with Expanded Fuel Storage for Over 67 Hours of 120VAC

By adding multiple 6-gallon gas tanks, you can run a generator continuously for days, but this single tank design is essentially all I need to provide 24/7 back up and keep my home warm and comfortable while electrical power is out.

Multiple gas tanks just mean fewer refills. During operational tests, the inverter secure power supply and the gas generator worked just fine and provided power to keep the furnace working as desired.

Except for the time to disconnect from the SMA inverter and plug the furnace into a power cord from the Honda 2200i generator, I experienced no downtime of significance.

I used the economy setting for the generator, which gave me approximately 9.6 hours of run time for each gallon of fuel.

During sunny conditions, the generator would be used approximately 17 hours each day, so the 7-gallon fuel supply could easily provide over five days of furnace operation—or indefinitely by refilling the marine gas tank periodically while the sun-driven SMA inverter was providing power to the furnace.

Even on sunless days, the generator could drive the furnace for 67 hours continuously before gas refill would be required.

Home heating and air conditioning were major concerns for me, and the SMA secure power and gas generator configuration met the challenge.

My wife is happy as she no longer worries about heating and cooling our house and keeping food cold during emergency situations, and I’m happy because the issue of finding a source for emergency power backup for these major appliances has now been resolved.

Watch this video by Word of Advice TV for some helpful furnace maintenance tips:



Maintaining the heat in your home is very important especially in the cold seasons. With the right solar panel setup, the absence of electricity is not a problem to power up your gas furnace.

It’s a great back up for keeping warm in emergency situations.

Do you have your own electricity back up for your gas furnace at home? Tell us in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• How to Make Your Own Ethanol (Gas)
• 8 Ways To Generate Electricity At Home
• How To Have Potable Water Anywhere | Emergency Preparedness

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Bolt cutters are more than just cutting wires and cables. They are powerful cutting tools that can also be very useful during emergency situations.

Find out more about how a bolt cutter can be useful during emergencies, from breaking padlocks and trimming metals, to tearing away plasterboards!

RELATED: Survival Kits for Rural or Urban Environments

Bolt Cutters and Their Uses | Emergencies & Beyond

1. Cut Through Wire, Fencing, or Rebars

Critical moments like fires are where bolt cutters can come in handy. They’re powerful enough to cut wires, metal fences, and even snap rebars.

2. Break Free From Shackles or Locks

Bolt cutters can save the day for those who lost their precious keys. But depending on your shackle or cable lock, a standard and small bolt cutter might not able to cut through.

If you have a max-performance cable lock, using a heavy-duty firehouse bolt cutter might be the answer.

RELATED: 12 Survival Tools Everyone Should Own

3. Cut Through Live Electrical Wire (If With Fiberglass Handles)

A bolt cutter can be crucial for life or death situations like this. Before cutting a live electrical wire, make sure your bolt cutter has a fiberglass handle to keep the situation from being bad to worst!

4. Useful for Trimming Metals

Accidents like car crashes need bolt cutters to set people free. A heavy-duty bolt cutter is a perfect alternative for hydraulic rescue tools in assisting vehicle extrication.

5. Great for Tearing Away Plasterboards

Accessing wall cavities makes a bolt cutter an important tool for rescue operations. In times of fire emergency, bolt cutters will help cut away plasterboard to access wall cavities and rescue people who are trapped inside.

 

There you have it! Now you know how important it is to have a bolt cutter within reach. Add a bolt cutter to your bug-out bag or survival kit because this powerful tool will give you an advantage during times of crisis.

Do you know other uses of bolt cutters during an emergency situation? Let us know in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• 6 Self Defense Tools Every Prepper Should Have
• Prepping Supplies 101: Getting Ready For a Pandemic
• How To Make A Ghillie Suit From Scratch

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen, and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Even if we weren’t facing an apocalyptic future of our own making, humanity would still be doomed due to the nightmarish reproductive crisis that we are now facing.  Just about every measure of human fertility that you can measure is dropping precipitously, and this is particularly true in the western world.  As a result, we have vast numbers of young adults that are either infertile or that deeply struggle with fertility issues, and the number of babies born with birth defects has been soaring.  It gets worse with each passing year, and the future for humanity is exceedingly bleak unless we find a way to turn things around.

Dr. Shanna Swan has been closely studying these issues for decades, and she is now warning that the “current state of reproductive affairs can’t continue much longer without threatening human survival”…

Sperm counts in Western countries have dropped by more than 50 percent since the 1970s. At the same time, men’s problems with conceiving are going up: Erectile dysfunction is increasing and testosterone levels are declining by 1 percent each year.

“The current state of reproductive affairs can’t continue much longer without threatening human survival,” warns Mount Sinai fertility scientist Dr. Shanna Swan in her book, “Count Down” (Scribner), out Tuesday. “It’s a global existential crisis.”

Sadly, she is not exaggerating one bit.  There is simply no way that the human race will be able to avoid a dramatic population decline if these trends continue.

Previously, Dr. Swan made headlines when she warned that sperm counts dropped by a staggering 59 percent between 1973 and 2011…

In 2017, she sounded the alarm with a meta-analysis of 40,000 men that showed that sperm count fell a whopping 59 percent between 1973 and 2011.

We are already seeing the effects. Worldwide fertility has dropped by 50 percent between 1960 and 2015. The United States has a total birth rate that is 16 percent below what it needs to replace itself. Though there are obvious factors at play (couples are conceiving later and opting to have smaller families), Swan argues that the issues run deeper than personal choice.

What would our planet look like if worldwide fertility plunged by another 50 percent?

Global population growth has already come to a standstill in most areas, and there are some countries that are already starting to experience significant declines.

Men in particular are becoming infertile at a frightening rate.  According to Swan, sperm counts have gotten extremely low…

Today the average male is nearing that number at 47.1 million sperm per milliliter. Compare him to his father, who had an average of 99 million sperm per milliliter, and it’s clear that this is a deeply worrying trend.

Once you get below 40 million, it becomes challenging to have a child, and the average male is nearly there already.

So why is this happening?

Well, Dr. Swan is pointing to the prevalence of endocrine disruptors in our society…

Swan and other experts say the problem is a class of chemicals called endocrine disruptors, which mimic the body’s hormones and thus fool our cells. This is a particular problem for fetuses as they sexually differentiate early in pregnancy. Endocrine disruptors can wreak reproductive havoc.

These endocrine disruptors are everywhere: plastics, shampoos, cosmetics, cushions, pesticides, canned foods and A.T.M. receipts. They often aren’t on labels and can be difficult to avoid.

In order to completely eliminate endocrine disruptors from your life, you would probably need to drop out of society entirely.

Another scientist at Washington State University has found that exposure to endocrine disruptors can make 20 percent of mice infertile in just three generations…

Patricia Ann Hunt, a reproductive geneticist at Washington State University, has conducted experiments on mice showing that the impact of endocrine disruptors is cumulative, generation after generation. When infant mice were exposed for just a few days to endocrine disrupting chemicals, their testes as adults produced fewer sperm, and this incapacity was transmitted to their offspring. While findings from animal studies can’t necessarily be extended to humans, after three generations of these exposures, one-fifth of the male mice were infertile.

Of course there are many other factors that affect fertility as well, and I have covered quite a few of them in previous articles.

The point I am making in this article is that humanity is in very serious trouble, and the only way out is to radically alter our behavior.

But we aren’t going to do that, are we?

In addition to our “fertility collapse”, other research has found that over thousands of years humans have been getting smaller and shorter…

An earlier study by Cambridge University found that mankind is shrinking in size significantly.

Experts say humans are past their peak and that modern-day people are 10 percent smaller and shorter than their hunter-gatherer ancestors.

And if that’s not depressing enough, our brains are also smaller.

To me, reading that our brains have been getting smaller was particularly depressing, but that would definitely help to explain the level of competence displayed by some of our political leaders these days.

Our founders wrote such brilliant things, but in our time most Americans are so dumb that they literally cannot understand material written at that level.

We have become a dumbed-down “idiocracy” that thinks that reality television and watching people kick one another in the groin are some of the highest forms of entertainment.

It is frightening to think about how much we have degenerated already, and I don’t even want to imagine what Americans would be like 50 years from now.

Unfortunately, we won’t have to worry about that, because there won’t be an America if we stay on the path that we are currently on.

Of course the clock is ticking for humanity as a whole, and everyone should be able to see that.

But we love our self-destructive behaviors so much that we will never give them up.

So there will be no change of course, and we shall surely reap what we have sown.

***Michael’s new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael Snyder and my brand new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book, I have written four others that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned)  By purchasing the books you help to support the work that my wife and I are doing, and by giving it to others you help to multiply the impact that we are having on people all over the globe.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Parler, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post Science Proves That Time Is Running Out For Humanity… first appeared on End Of The American Dream.

Some situations in life do not give you time to think a lot. Sometimes you just must act in the interests of protecting your family. If you are ever faced with having to evacuate your home quickly, a packed go bag is your best bet of getting out of the house fast with the supplies […]

Food storage, and even production, is an essential aspect of personal preparedness. We spend hard-earned money shopping for survival food…

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