Hot Cons How-Tos
How To: This DIY Secret Entrance Door Is So Invisible You'll Probably Even Forget Where It's At
Want to secure your home? There are plenty of ways to go about it. You can make your doorbell send you a text if someone rings it while you're not home, or build a motion-triggered security camera. Even better, you can beat potential crooks at their own game by installing a door they can't even find.
U-Lock Gets Hammered: Is Compressed Air a Bike Thief's New Best Friend?
We've seen compressed air power a homemade rocket, shoot erasers across the room, and even remove dents from a vehicle, but how about breaking a bike lock?
How To: Stop Facial Recognition Software from Finding Out Who You Are on Camera
Facial recognition software is being more widely used with every passing day. Your local law enforcement is probably already using it, and it will be even easier for them now that the FBI handed out its own facial recognition software to state authorities. Even the fine folks at Facebook are using this technology. Obviously, this brings up some pretty serious privacy concerns amongst most people, because honestly, who wants to be tracked? Right now, there's not a lot we can do about it being ...
How To: Save Money on Booze at Shows with This Reusable "Vodka Stash" Bottle
If you go to a lot of concerts and shows, you know that it can be easy to spend more on drinks than you spent on the ticket for the event itself. With this "vodka stash water bottle" you'll never have to pay for alcohol at a show again—assuming you like clear liquor, that is.
How To: Break into a Digital Safe
This tutorial shows you how to break into a digital safe. The technique uses a design floor in the safes often found in hotels or homes.
How To: Use CallDropper Beta to Simulate Dropped Calls on Your Android Phone
In this article, you will find out how you can simulate poor network service on incoming callers on your Android phone using an Android app called CallDropper.
How To: Pick a 700 series American Lock
Grab a thin tension wrench and a thicker tension wrench, combine them with your favorite pick, and you'll be ready to unlock that 700 series American Lock that you, or someone you know has lost the key to.
How To: Make a secret compartment in a book so you can hide valuable items
Have something expensive or personal to hide? Something you don't want anybody else to find? A secret book compartment is perfect for concealing your valuables in plain sight. And this video will show you how to make your own hidden recess for your very own book safe. Just grab your desired book, a razor knife and some other materials, like water, glue, a paintbrush, container, pencil, and straightedge (ruler).
How To: Cheat on a Test with a Coke Bottle Label
If you find yourself desperate and need a way to sneak a peek at the answers while you are taking your next big test, this video offers a very clever solution, using the label of a Coke bottle. But don't work too hard on cheating when you could just study!
How To: MoMA Pisses Off Internet Artists (Here's How to Get Back at Them)
Aram Bartholl over at F.A.T. is pretty pissed because MoMA is discriminating against internet artists. As most New York-based working artists know, MoMA offers annual membership for only $35 (compared to the standard rate of $75) to artists who can provide "credentials" that prove legitimacy. Though the offer isn't publicized on the MoMA site, word on the street is "credentials" equates to "a letter from the gallery or an announcement for one of the artist's shows within the past two years" (...
How To: Get Unlimited (Almost Free) Video Game Rentals from GameStop
Get Money First you need to find a way to get 60 dollars or less, depending on what game you are going to choose to rent.
How To: Crack open a Dudley combination lock
Alright, there are lots of videos out there dealing with Master combination locks, but this how-to video will show you how to open a Dudley combination lock. These locks are commonly used in schools, so you've likely seen one there. This method opens the lock permanently, meaning you won't be able to close it afterward. You'll need a flat head screwdriver and a little patience. The method involves prying off the style, allowing you to get to the insides of the lock. After that, you'll be push...
How To: Hack an American Lock combination
You've seen plenty of videos about hacking Master Lock combinations. But what about those American Locks? They always seem to be forgotten, since Master Lock is the biggest combination lock producer out there.
How To: Tell Whether a Credit Card Number Is Valid Just by Looking at It
Think credit card numbers are just a meaningless jumble of digits? A sort of number soup? Think again! Your credit card number isn't even number at all but rather a composite of four separate numbers, each of which plays an important, fixed role.
How To: Hot Wheels! Workshop Teaches Kids How to Steal Cars
It may look like a modern take on Oliver Twist but, we assure you, this is for real. Before you get too alarmed, however, you should note that the headline reads "how to steal cars" and not simply "to steal cars." We are, after all, dealing with the fine people at Machine Project, a Los Angeles-based non-profit community space organized around the investigation of "art, technology, natural history, science, music, literature, and food."
HowTo: Hack Starbucks (Employee Leaks $$ Saving Cheats)
For the coffee addicts, Redditor therewillbesnacks shares a wealth of insider tips for cheating the Starbucks system. A dollar here, a dollar there- it all adds up. Below, a few highlights from the thorough posting:
How To: Freeze the lock off a toolbox with compressed air
Whether it's moles or locks, there are all sorts of unpleasant things that can be removed by freezing them. This video will teach you how to freeze the lock off of a toolbox using plain old compressed air and a hammer.
How To: Use printouts and elastic wristbands to cleverly cheat on a test
Ace every test with this clever cheat. It's an unpredictable way to cheat on a test… unless… you have never worn elastic wristbands in your entire life. Maybe, before you try out this test-cheating method, you should don some fancy wristbands to get people warmed up to the idea of you wearing them, so when it comes time to cheat on your exam, no one will be wise to it.
How To: Pass (um… cheat) on any exam using a custom-made T-shirt
Depending on how well your T-shirt design is, you may never get caught cheating on your exams! The more words you throw on your shirt, the less likely any one would notice they're not just any ol' words! Learn the clever way to cheat on your test with a custom-made tee!
HowTo: Cheat Your Way Through College
A man going by the pseudonym of Ed Dante has written an illuminating account on his life as a career cheater. His clients include ESL students, hopeless dummies, and spoiled, lazy rich kids:
How To: Perform a simple mind trick with cups
This is a video tutorial in the Pranks and Cons category where you are going to learn how to perform a simple mind trick with cups. For this you will need three cups or any similar articles under which another object can be hidden. You then ask one of your spectators to hide an object under one of the cups while your back is turned towards the cups. Then you turn around and point out the cup under which the object is hidden. The trick is to put an indiscernible mark on one of the cups that on...
How To: Perform the coin through a handkerchief trick
In this video from ViralVideoJunkies we learn the magic trick where you pass a coin through a handkerchief. Take the coin and place it underneath the scarf. Hold it by the coin and pinch it so you have a bit of material in between the coin and your other finger. When you make the move to put the coin back in the scarf you are actually not just covering the quarter back up, but you are taking both sides of the scarf and flipping it. Now you have a firm grip with your thumb and finger on the co...
How To: Use a bump key attack on a Shlage Primus lock and prevent bump attacks
The bump attack is one of the most effective means that professionals use to open locked doors, but the Schalge Primus lock has been long thought to be immune to these attacks. No longer. Watch this video to find out how to bump attack a Primus and also prevent a bump attack on your own locks using anti-bump pins.
How To: Find cheap ways to get shop tools, workspace, and good picks for lockpicking
Lockpicking might not be the most well-respected discipline in the world, but it's very useful for crime, survival, and all sorts of other disciplines. This video is of a presentation from a lockpicking conference that focuses on economical lockpicking. Topics include getting cheap tools and space as well as using heat treating to turn cheap lockpicks into more durable effective ones.
How To: Open combo locks by turning the the opposite direction using different numbers
Most combinations locks like the one you have / had on your locker need to be turned right, left, then right again to enter the combination and open the lock. Or so you thought! Watch this video to learn how you can unlock a lock with turns in the opposite direction by using a different combination.
How To: Cheat on a school test ten different ways
In this video, we learn how to cheat on a school test ten different ways. The first way you can do this is to write on a water bottle. Or, you can write on the bottom of your shoe. You can also write on your arm and wear a long sleeve shirt. You can also stretch and turn and look at other people's tests while you're doing this. Writing on an eraser is also another great way to cheat. Use your notes by placing the paper underneath your test or put them on the floor and look at the answers. Pas...
How To: Cheat on any test
In this video we learn how to cheat on any test by wearing a fake bandage. To do this, you will need a dark belt and a pen. First, you will lay your belt down on a flat surface and then use your pen to write out the information you need onto it. Write the notes out small and use phrases that you will remember when writing down the information. Once finished, wear this with your outfit, just put a big shirt over it. When you are taking your test, you will simply just need to look at your belt ...
How To: Cheat on any test using an eraser
In this video, we learn how to cheat on any test using an eraser. First, take your eraser, it should be wide and thick, not one that comes on the top of a pencil. After this, you will cut a hole out of the middle of the eraser. You can do this easily using a straight edge blade. Once finished, you will take a small piece of paper and write down the answers or information you need on it. After this, you will fold the paper up into a tiny square and then place it into the hole in the eraser. Ta...
How To: Cheat on a test using a Band-Aid
In this tutorial we learn how to cheat on a test using a Band-Aid. First, go on your computer and type out the answers and information that you need. After this, you will need to shrink down the size of the font until it's really tiny, but you can still read it. After this, you will print it out and cut it out around the edges. From here you can do one of two things. The first option is to roll the paper up and put it inside your pen and then take it out to use on your test. The second way is...
How To: Cheat on a test or exam with a light
In this video, we learn how to cheat on a test or exam with a light. To do this, you're going to need a small hand held black light and a pen that writes in white. After you have these materials, you will write out the answers and information that you need onto a blank piece of paper with the pen. After you have everything written out, shine the small black light onto the paper. Now you should be able to see the writing as clear as day! Use this on a test and nobody will know you have all the...
How To: Make a cheat sheet for a test
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a cheat sheet for a test. You will first need to take your shoe and place it on a white sheet of paper. From here, use a pen to trace the shape of the bottom of the shoe. After this, cut the shape out of the paper and then use it to write on! Write all of the information you need for your test on this paper. When finished, you will stick this to the bottom of your shoe with some tape. Then, when you're taking a test you can simply look at the bottom of y...
How To: Get a Free Soft Drink from a Vending Machine
In this tutorial, we learn how to get a free soft drink from a vending machine. First, you will need to find one of those old vending machines, not one of the new and high tech ones. From here, you will need to sit down and lift the hatch up from the machine. Then, reach up into the machine and find a soda. Once you get your hands on one, pull the pop from out of the machine. You should have relatively small hands and longer arms to be able to do this successfully. Once finished, drink your s...
How To: Make a clear cheat sheet for a test
In this video we learn how to make a clear cheat sheet for a test. If you're in a time crunch and need to ace a test, this is a great option to cheat. First, you will print out what you need to know on a piece of white paper. From here, take some clear packing tape and tape it over the information on the paper. After this, dip the paper into water and cut it out into sections. Next, you will peel the paper back from the tape and you will be able to see the print on the tape! Use this with a t...
How To: Cheat on a test in a short sleeve shirt
In this tutorial, we learn how to cheat on a test in a short sleeve shirt. First, take a piece of paper and cut out a circle from it. Make sure it's small so it can fit in the palm of your hand. After this, write down all the answers or information that you need onto this piece of paper. Once you're finished, take the paper and stick it into the palm of your hand. Make sure the writing is facing out towards you. Then, when you need the information you can simply open up your hand, then close ...
How To: Cheat on a test wearing a long sleeved shirt
In this tutorial, we learn how to cheat on a test wearing a long sleeved shirt. First, you will need to take a white piece of printer paper and see how large you can cut it so it fits comfortably in your hand without being seen. After this, cut the paper to the size you want it. Then, write out the information that you need onto the piece of paper. From here, you can place the paper inside of your long sleeve, with the answers facing up. Then when you need it, simply pull it out from your sle...
How To: Cheat on any test by wearing a fake bandage
In this tutorial, we learn how to cheat on any test by wearing a fake bandage. You will need: a phone, ear buds for your phone, bandages, and transparent tape. First you will need to use your phone to record yourself saying the information you need to hear. Read this off your book or notes so all the information is perfectly correct. Now, plug the ear phone into your phone and then slip it through your sleeve before school. Now place it in your hand and wrap the bandage around it. When you ne...
How To: Get Free Snapple, Soda and Snacks from Vending Machines
Have you ever seen one of those Snapple machines with the lever coin return? I will show you how to get free drinks or snacks out of this type of machine.
How To: Pick a padlock with a single paperclip
In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a padlock with a single paperclip. First, check your lock to make sure it isn't broken, busted, or damaged. After this, take your paperclip and bend it out. Next, use pliers to bend the paper clip into a loop shape. Once you've done this, stick the loop into the lock in the middle and twist it. Play around with the lock for a few seconds and continue to twist until the lock comes unlocked. If it's not working, create a bigger or smaller loop in the paper...
How To: Pick a lock using two paperclips
In this video, we learn how to pick a lock using two paperclips. First, take your lock and make sure it's locked. Then, grab two paperclips and open them up using your fingers. Then, take some pliers and bend the end of the paperclip so there is a small angle at the end. Now, stick the bend clip into the top of the lock. Then, take the other paperclip and make a large loop in it. After this, push it into the lock with the other and then twist the clip. Now your lock will become open and you w...
How To: Pick a cylinder door lock with a wire
In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a cylinder door lock with a wire. These types of locks are very easy to get open because they have an easy turn inside to push them. First, take your wire and fashion a loop at the end of it. After you do this, stick it into the door lock and start to play around with it. Move the wire around until you hear and feel where the lock of the door is at. When you find this, you will hear the noise of the lock moving and then it will click when it has opened!