Tools
This page lists tools, equipment, and supporting materials used in Black Teaming engagements.
The examples aim to be reasonably priced, good-quality options that have worked well in the field.
Suggested Tool Kits
Two practical starting points depending on how much RFID work, bypass coverage, and field flexibility you need.
Basic
Minimal field kit for reconnaissance, simple badge work, and low-profile entry attempts.
- Traveler hook
- Multitool
- Flashlight
- Latch bypass tool (Jim)
- Flipper Zero
- Smartphone
Advanced
Broader kit for RFID work, covert entry, and more demanding physical assessments.
- Traveler hook
- Latch bypass tool (Jim)
- Under-door tool
- Crash bar tool
- Lock pick set
- Multitool
- Flashlight
- Flipper Zero
- Proxmark3
- Bundle of MIFARE Classic and T5577 tags
- RFID field detector
Categories
Recon Equipment
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Capture long-range images of entrances, layouts, routines, and details during reconnaissance. | High zoom at a reasonable price with a practical size for reconnaissance work. | Nikon Coolpix P1100 |
| Voice recorder | Record spoken notes, observations, and debrief points during reconnaissance and site work. | Useful when quick verbal note-taking is easier than writing. | Olympus WS-882 |
| Binoculars | Observe entrances, loading areas, rooftops, and movement from a distance. | Choose good quality optics and remember that higher power is not always better. | - |
Communication Equipment
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld Radio | Should use license-free/public bands for the area. | ||
| Antenna | |||
| Radio Earpiece |
RFID
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proxmark3 RDV4 | RFID research, cloning, and access-control testing. | Still the baseline choice. Cheaper AliExpress clones work for most practical tasks. AliExpress clone | - |
| Flipper Zero | RFID/NFC cloning/emulating plus tons of other features. | Useful for quick and simple badge cloning. | - |
| RFID field detector | Quickly confirm whether a reader field is active before testing cards or badges. | Small, simple tool for quick reader checks in the field. | LAB401 RFID Field Detector |
| Android phone/tablet | Needed for Android specific NFC tools. | MiFareClassicTool is a required app. Do not by a device on this list of compatible devices. | - |
| MITM device | Intercept communication from reader to controller. | Record and replay Wiegand traffic between reader and controller. Other devices such as BLEKey, RFIDTool and The Tick exists but non are as stable as the ESPKey. | ESPKey |
| T5577 tags | Blank low-frequency tags for testing, cloning, and repeatable field use with compatible systems. | Carry a few in different form factors if you expect varying readers or badge styles. | - |
| MIFARE Classic tags | Blank 13.56 MHz tags for reader checks, test badges, and controlled validation work. | Useful as disposable test media when you do not want to reuse real cards. | - |
| MIFARE Classic magic card | UID-changeable MIFARE Classic card for controlled testing where card identity needs to be replicated. | Useful when standard tags are not enough for the target system. | - |
Bypass Tools
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traveler hook | Latch bypass for spring-latched doors. | Simple field option for spring-latched doors when the latch geometry allows it. Similar hook in AliExpress set | Traveler's Hook |
| Flat Traveler's Hook | Latch bypass for spring-latched doors. | Simple field option for spring-latched doors when the latch geometry allows it. Now flat and made from spring steel. | Flat Traveler's Hook |
| Latch bypass tool | Flat shim for spring-latched doors where the latch can be reached at the seam. | Often referred to as a jim or shove knife. Useful when the gap and latch support a direct shim. | RFID Hacker Shove Knife |
| Under-the-door tool | Manipulate interior lever handles from the exterior. | For attacks under the door on lever handles on doors that can be opened from inside without unlocking. Same tool but cheaper on AliExpress. | Under-Door Tool |
| Crash bar tool | Engage push bars through center gaps on double doors. | Double Door Tool for round bar and crash bar setups. Can also be used in other attacks when gap next to door is big. | Sparrows DDT |
| Lock pick set | Basic pin-tumbler picking kit. | Keep the kit small and practical. You need a field set, not a display case. | Covert Instruments Genesis Lock Pick |
| Pry bar | Widen gap between door and frame. | Several variants exists. Most hardware stores have similar items. Very good alternative from Bahco. | Covert Instruments Pry Bar |
| Thumb Turn J-Tool | |||
| Air Wedge | Widen gap between door and frame. | Can also buy from Covert Instruments etc. but more expensive same quality. | Cheap Chinese Air Wedge. |
| Code lock decoder | Several versions exist. Can also be made from soda/beer can. | Covert Instruments Decoder Bundle. | |
| Padlock Shims | Shimming simple padlocks. | Several versions exist. Can also be made from soda/beer can. | Covert Instruments Padlock Shims. |
| Padlock Shank | Tool for attack on simple padlocks. | Several versions exist. Can also easily be handmade by grinding hacksaw blade. Similar but cheaper on AliExpress. | Covert Instruments Knife Tool. |
| Stealth Latch slipper | Credit card sized Latch slipping tool. | Great for EDC in wallet | |
| Shim sheets |
General Tools
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telescopic ladder | Compact ladder for reaching height when the assignment allows it. | Choose height, weight rating, and transport profile based on the job. | - |
| Headlamp | Hands-free light for movement, setup, and low-visibility work. | Should support red light. | Petzl ACTIK |
| Flashlight (AAA-powered) | General-purpose handheld flashlight for movement, searches, and backup lighting on site. | Uses 4x AAA alkaline batteries, which are easy to replace almost anywhere if you need fresh batteries in the field. | Ledlenser P7 |
| Flashlight (rechargeable) | Rechargeable handheld flashlight with more output for longer-range checks and general field use. | Good option if you want a rechargeable light with higher output than a simple battery-powered backup. | Ledlenser P7R Core |
| Duct tape | General-purpose tape for quick fixes, bundling, and temporary hold. | Useful field consumable. | - |
| Electrical tape | Insulation, wrapping, and low-profile temporary fastening. | Keep at least one black roll in the kit. | - |
| Steel wire (stiff) | Rigid wire for probing, manipulation, and improvised field use. | Carry in a manageable length. | - |
| Steel wire (flexible) | Flexible wire for pull-through, retention, and lighter manipulation tasks. | Useful to carry alongside the stiff version. | - |
| Screwdriver | Reliable driver for field adjustments, hardware access, and maintenance. | Compact, field-friendly kit from a solid baseline brand. | Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 |
| Bit set | Common driver bits for screws and fasteners encountered on site. | Include the most common security and utility bits. | - |
Everyday Carry
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multitool | General-use multitool for daily carry and quick field fixes. | Baseline multitool with enough utility for most site work. | Leatherman Wave+ |
| Multitool (compact) | Compact multitool option for daily carry. | Useful if you want a smaller multitool with plier-focused carry. | SOG PowerAccess |
| Smartphone | Primary field device for notes, photos, navigation and communications. | Easy to forget because everyone has one, but it is still one of the most important pieces of field kit. | - |
| First-aid kit | Basic first aid support for field work and travel. | Baseline: adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, gloves, elastic wrap, scissors, tweezers, cold pack, emergency blanket, CPR barrier, pain relief, and personal meds. Tailor to the assignment and training level. | - |
| Power bank | High-output battery pack for keeping phones, radios, lights, and other field electronics running. | Useful when you need fast charging and enough capacity to support a full day in the field. | Anker Prime 200W 20,000mAh |
| Backpack | Compact field pack for carrying everyday gear, tools, water, power, and spare layers. | Good size for a practical day bag. | 5.11 RUSH 12 2.0 |
| Flashlight (AAA-powered) | General-purpose handheld flashlight for movement, searches, and backup lighting on site. | Uses 4x AAA alkaline batteries, which are easy to replace almost anywhere if you need fresh batteries in the field. | Ledlenser P7 |
PPE
| Name | Purpose | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Head protection when the job site requires it. | PPE varies with the assignment. | Petzl STRATO VENT |
| Safety-toe shoes | Foot protection for sites with safety-toe requirements. | ||
| Gloves | General gloves for grip, handling, and light protection. | Just an example of good gloves. | Ansell 11-931 Black Nitrile Work Gloves |
| Safety glasses | Eye protection where safety glasses are required. | Simple, widely available baseline option. | 3M SecureFit 100 |
Suppliers
Grouped by the kind of equipment they mainly sell.
Lock Picking & Bypass
| Supplier | Focus | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Team Tools | Bypass tools and practical entry gear | Red Team Tools | Useful source for bypass tools and related field equipment. |
| Bump Keys 4 U | Bump keys and entry tools | Bump Keys 4 U | Focused supplier for entry-related tools. |
| Covert Instruments | Lock picking and bypass tools | Covert Instruments | Known supplier for covert entry tooling. |
| KSEC Labs | Lock and physical security tools | KSEC Labs | Useful source for physical security tooling. |
| Sparrows | Lock picks and bypass tools | Sparrows | Known source for bypass and lock tools. |
| RFID Hacker | RFID tools, badges, accessories, and related gear | RFID Hacker | Supplier focused on RFID-related tools and accessories. |
Electronics & RFID
| Supplier | Focus | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAB401 | RFID, hardware tools, and research gear | LAB401 | Useful supplier for RFID and hardware-focused tooling. |
| RFID Hacker | RFID tools, badges, accessories, and related gear | RFID Hacker | Supplier focused on RFID-related tools and accessories. |