Jack Reacher's Rules

First thing to do before attacking a lock is to check that it’s not already open. Nothing will make you feel stupider than picking a lock that’s not locked.

The bigger and more ornate the lock, the easier it is to pick.

“Get a problem, solve a problem.”

Iron bars protecting a window can be forced open with a tire iron. Force it into the siding next to one of the screws. Make a shallow dent in the metal, shove the iron in sideways and under the bars, and haul on it until it gives.

For a door with a glass panel, use the sole of your shoe to break a hole in the glass, then reach through to the handle.

To kick a door down: take a run toward the door, making sure to stay upright, and with your dominant leg kick the area below the doorknob hard, using your sole or your heel.

(NB: All these techniques are most successful when there’s no one home.)