A curated list of commercially available tools commonly referenced in authorized physical security assessments, red teaming, and covert entry training.
Legal & Ethics: Use only with written authorization and in accordance with local laws. Many tools may be considered burglary tools in your jurisdiction. The author is not responsible for misuse.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Pricing Note: Prices are approximate as of September 2025. Prices subject to change.
Note: These are tools I’ve actually carried and used during authorized red team operations. There are many other interesting gadgets on the market (e.g., SDRs like HackRF or RTL-SDR), but in my experience they don’t see much use in real engagements, so I’ve left them out.
- Reconnaissance
- Lockpicking & Entry
- Bypass Tools
- Implants / Drops
- EDC
- Additional Tools
- Suppliers
- License
- Link References
- Total Estimated Cost
Tools for observation, documentation, and situational awareness during authorized engagements.
| Name | Purpose | Where | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera (high zoom) | Capture details from a safe distance | Panasonic FZ80 | ~$400–$450 | Alt: Consider a telescope or long-range phone lens |
| Polarized filter | Reduce glare on photos | — | — | Match your lens thread |
| Body-worn action cam | Document tests hands-free | Insta360 GO 3 | ~$380–$430 | Alt: GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, Akaso Brave 7 LE |
| Drone with camera | Aerial reconnaissance (perimeter) | DJI Mini 4 | ~$390-$460 | Alt: DJI Neo (~$300) |
| Two-way radios | Team comms without cell networks | BaoFeng UV-5R | ~$30–$60 (ea) | Alt: Many other cheap alternatives |
| Flashlight | Illumination in low-light settings | Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA | ~$45–$70 | Alt: Anker Bolder LC90 (~$30–$45) |
| Infrared Night Vision | Covert Visibility in low-light settings | Infrared Monocular | ~$60–$80 | Alt: Many other Infrared goggles online, prices vary |
| Borescope | Inspect tight/hidden spaces | DEPSTECH USB Endoscope | ~$20–$35 | Alt: Kinpthy Endoscope (~$25–$40) |
| Wi-Fi adapter | Wireless Recon & Attack | ALFA AWUS036ACS | ~$25–$40 | Alt: Panda PAU06 (~$20–$30) |
| RFID detector | Identify frequency of readers | Placeholder - Coming soon | ~$TBD | Alt: Dangerous Things Diagnostics Card (~$20) |
| DIY Cantenna | Long Range Wi-Fi | DIY build guides | ~$10–$30 | Alt: Yagi antennas |
| Weaponized RFID Reader | Clone RFID with long range | RFID Thief DIY guide | ~$300-$800 varies, depending on price of reader | Alt: PPE MaxiProx 5375 (~$850-900) |
Estimated Subtotal (Reconnaissance): ~$1,700 – $2,600
Evaluate lock and security system resilience.
| Name | Purpose | Where | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screwdriver kit | Disassemble panels for testing | Wera Kraftform | ~$35–$45 | Alt: Many other bit screwdrivers available |
| Tamper Bit Set | Bits for anti-tamper | RTT Tamber Bit Set | ~$10 | Alt: Many other security bit sets on Amazon |
| Multitool | Field repairs and adjustments | Gerber Suspension | ~$40–$60 | Alt: Leatherman Wave+ (~$110–$120) |
| Gaffer tape | Just tape for many uses | RTT Flat Gaffer Tape | ~$3 | Alt: Gaffer tape at any hardware store |
| Pick sets | Lockpicking set (includes Dimple Rake) | CI Echelon | ~$50 | Alt: CI, SouthOrd, TOOOL, Sparrows |
| Tensioners | Apply tension during picking | CI Ergo Turner | ~$22 | Alt: Sparrows bars (~$10) |
| Warded picks | Warded lock pick tool | RTT Warded Set | ~$9 | Alt: Sparrows Warded (~$12) |
| Comb picks | Padlock comb pick tool | CI Quad Combs | ~$35 | Alt: Sparrows Comb (~$14) |
| Wafer picks | Wafer pick tool | Sparrows Wafer Set | ~$15 | Alt: n/a |
| Jigglers | Cabinet Jigglers | RTT Jiggler | ~$15 | Alt: Sparrows Coffin Keys (~$27) |
| Dimple picks | Dimple lockpicks | Sparrows Black Flag | ~$80 | Alt: LPW Gamechanger (~$299) |
| Tubular picks | Tubular lockpick tool | CI Tubular Lockpick | ~$85 | Alt: RTT Tubular Lockpick (~$80) |
| Disk pick | Test disk detainer locks | Sparrows Disk Pick | ~$45 | Alt: CI Lamella ?? (~$TBD) |
| Lubricant | Lube for locks | Houdini Lock Lube | ~$10–$15 | Alt: n/a |
| Plug spinner | Reset picked cylinders | RTT Spinner | ~$80 | Alt: LPW Plug Spinner (~$25) |
| Hinge pin tool | Tool for pins on hinges | CI Hinge Tool | ~$18 | Alt: RTT Hinge Tool (~$18) |
| Padlock shims | Test shim vulnerabilities | RTT Shims | ~$7 (5 pack) | Alt: CI Shims (~$15 - 20 pack) |
| Combo decoders | Combination lock decoders | CI Decoder | ~$24 | Alt: Sparrows Ultra Decoder (~$15) |
| Adams Rite tools | Test latch systems | CI Door Hook | ~$20 | Alt: Sparrows AR Driver (~$9) |
| Bypass drivers | American Padlock bypass | CI Padlock Bypass Driver | ~$10 | Alt: RTT American Driver (~$21) |
Estimated Subtotal (Lockpicking & Entry): ~$700 – $1,000
Assess how doors, latches, access control, and exits resist non-destructive bypass attempts.
| Name | Purpose | Where | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traveler’s hook | Latch manipulation | RTT Traveler | ~$6 | Alt: CI Traveler (~$5) |
| Under-Door Tool (UDT) | Lever lock bypass | Sparrows UDT | ~$38 | Alt: RTT UDT (~$33) |
| Camera film | For Over the Door attacks | RTT Film | ~$14 | Alt: n/a |
| Jim tool | Latch slipping tool | RTT Rescue Jim | ~$10 | Alt: Sparrows Molle Jim (~$10) |
| Crash bar tool (DDT) | For bypassing Double Doors | Serepick DDT | ~$16 | Alt: Sparrows DDT (~$16) |
| J-tool | Thumb-turn interface access | RTT J Tool | ~$16 | Alt: CI J Tool (~$20) |
| Mica shims | Strike bypass testing | CI Mica Shims | ~$18 | Alt: RTT Door Shims (~$15) |
| Strong Magnet | Solenoid tampering | [n/a][n/a] | Alt: n/a | |
| Bump keys | For performing Bump Key attack | Sparrows Bump Keys | ~$30 | Alt: CI Bump Keys (~$25) |
| Slip Jim | Rapid access tool (aka seaRAT) | Sparrows Slip Jim | ~$15 | Alt: n/a |
| Air wedge | For Door/frame separation | CI Air Wedge | ~$12 | Alt: Sparrows Quick Wedge (~$10) |
| Proxmark3 RDV4 | RFID testing hardware | Hacker Warehouse Proxmark | ~$360 | Alt: n/a |
| Service keys | Keys for Keyed-alike locks | Hooligan Keys - DTH | ~$85 | Alt: n/a |
| Panel/cabinet keys | Assortment of different keys | Hooligan Keys | n/a | Alt: CI assorted Keys |
| Elevator keys | Assortment of elevator keys | Sparrows Elevator Keys | ~$56 | Alt: n/a |
Estimated Subtotal (Bypass Tools): ~$850 - $950
Test how environments respond to concealed or malicious devices.
| Name | Purpose | Where | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Ducky | USB HID payload testing | Hak5 Ducky | ~$100 | Alt: Building a "Ducky" with a Digispark (likely less than ~$5) |
| Bash Bunny | HID + network payload testing | Hak5 Bunny | ~$200 | |
| LAN Turtle | Network implant testing | Hak5 Turtle | ~$90 | |
| Shark Jack | Network reconnaissance tests | Hak5 Shark | ~$120 | I recommend going for the version with the cable, and not rely on a battery |
| Key Croc | Keylogger & Payload testing | Hak5 Croc | ~$200 | |
| Wi-Fi Pineapple | Wireless pen-testing platform | Hak5 Wi-Fi Pineapple | ~$240 | If planning on doing Walkthrough assessments, the Enterprise version (~$850) is recommended |
| O.MG Plug | Covert USB implant | Hak5 OMG Cable | ~$115 | |
| ESPKey | Access control implant | RTT ESPKey | ~$79 |
Estimated Subtotal (Implants/Drops): ~$1,150 - $2,000
Compact tools suitable for everyday carry and quick tasks.
| Name | Purpose | Where | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flipper Zero | Multi-platform hacking device | Flipper Zero | ~$200 | Alt: n/a |
| Hak5 Wi-Fi Pager | Compact Wi-Fi test tool (pre-order) | Hak5 Wi-Fi Pager | ~$300 | Note: its currently Pre-order only |
| Covert Belt | Belt with pocket for Discreet carry of lockpicks | Covert pocket belt | ~$15-20 | |
| Titanium Bogota Picks | Compact Titanium lock-set for EDC, and titanium is not flagged by regular metal detectors | Serepick Bogota Pi | ~$45 | |
| Chameleon Ultra | Similar to the Proxmark for RFID attacks | Hw - Chameleon Ultra | ~$130 | Alt: n/a |
| Covert Companion Pro | Modular pick + turner | Covert Companion Pro | ~$150 | Alt: older version of the Covert Companion (~$50) |
| RFID Bracelet | Used as a re-writable RFID card | RTT RFID Bracelet | ~$24 | Alt: n/a |
| Pwnagotchi | Used as a Wifi tool, but Im replacing it with the WiFi Pager from Hak5 | — | — | Alt: n/a |
| Phone + Nethunter | OnePlus 8 Pro with Nethunter, serves as a pentesting phone | — | Prices vary, depending on cost of phone | Alt: n/a |
Estimated Subtotal (EDC): ~$800 – $1200
Support gear for safety and mobility.
| Name | Purpose | Where | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact ladder | Telescoping ladder for elevated access | Telescoping Ladder | ~$90–$160 | Alt: n/a |
| Gloves | Hand and grip protection | — | Prices vary | Alt: n/a |
| Footwear | Foot protection for indoor/outdoor | — | — | Alt: n/a |
| Attire | Avoid Camo or tactical clothing | — | — | Always try to blend in with your environment |
| Wool blanket | Soft barrier mitigation (e.g., barbed wire) | — | Prices vary | Alt: n/a |
| First-aid kit | On-site injury treatment | — | Prices vary | Alt: n/a |
| Folding fence climbers | Climb perimeter fences quickly | RTT Folding Fence Climbers | ~$375 | Lightweight |
Estimated Subtotal (Additional Tools): ~$500 – $1000
- Sparrows · Red Team Tools · Covert Instruments · Serepick · Hooligan Keys · SouthOrd · Hak5 · Dangerous Things · LockPickWorld · TOOOL · Practical Physical Exploitation · Hacker Warehouse
MIT — see the LICENSE file.
If you purchased every primary item listed above (as of Sept 2025):
~$5,700 – $8,800
Prices vary by region, vendor, and availability. Prices subject to change.
