
Red Team Toolkit - A curated list of tools that are commonly used in the field for Physical Security, Red Teaming, and Tactical Covert Entry.
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 February 2026. 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.
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][camera] | ~$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][insta-go3] | ~$380–$430 | Alt: [GoPro][gopro], [DJI Osmo Action][dji-action], [Akaso Brave 7 LE][akaso] |
| Drone with camera | Aerial reconnaissance (perimeter) | [DJI Mini 4][dji-mini4] | ~$390-$460 | Alt: [DJI Neo][dji-neo] (~$300) |
| Two-way radios | Team comms without cell networks | [BaoFeng UV-5R][baofeng] | ~$30–$60 (ea) | Alt: Many other cheap alternatives |
| Flashlight | Illumination in low-light settings | [Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA][protac] | ~$45–$70 | Alt: [Anker Bolder LC90][anker-flash] (~$30–$45) |
| Infrared Night Vision | Covert Visibility in low-light settings | [Infrared Monocular][infrared] | ~$60–$80 | Alt: Many other Infrared goggles online, prices vary |
| Borescope | Inspect tight/hidden spaces | [DEPSTECH USB Endoscope][depstech] | ~$20–$35 | Alt: [Kinpthy Endoscope][kinpthy] (~$25–$40) |
| Wi-Fi adapter | Wireless Recon & Attack | [ALFA AWUS036ACS][alfa] | ~$25–$40 | Alt: [Panda PAU06][panda] (~$20–$30) |
| RFID detector | Identify frequency of readers | [Placeholder - Coming soon][rf-card] | ~$TBD | Alt: [Dangerous Things Diagnostics Card][dt-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][rfid-thief] | ~$300-$800 varies, depending on price of reader | Alt: [PPE MaxiProx 5375][ppe-maxiprox] (~$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][wera] | ~$35–$45 | Alt: Many other bit screwdrivers available |
| Tamper Bit Set | Bits for anti-tamper | [RTT Tamber Bit Set][tamperbit] | ~$10 | Alt: Many other security bit sets on Amazon |
| Multitool | Field repairs and adjustments | [Gerber Suspension][gerber] | ~$40–$60 | Alt: [Leatherman Wave+][wave] (~$110–$120) |
| Gaffer tape | Just tape for many uses | [RTT Flat Gaffer Tape][rtt-gaffer] | ~$3 | Alt: Gaffer tape at any hardware store |
| Pick sets | Lockpicking set (includes Dimple Rake) | [CI Echelon][echelon] | ~$50 | Alt: [CI][ci], [SouthOrd][southord], [TOOOL][toool], [Sparrows][sparrows] |
| Tensioners | Apply tension during picking | [CI Ergo Turner][ci-ergo] | ~$22 | Alt: [Sparrows bars][sparrows-bars] (~$10) |
| Warded picks | Warded lock pick tool | [RTT Warded Set][rtt-warded] | ~$9 | Alt: [Sparrows Warded][sparrows-warded] (~$12) |
| Comb picks | Padlock comb pick tool | [CI Quad Combs][ci-combs] | ~$35 | Alt: [Sparrows Comb][sparrows-comb] (~$14) |
| Wafer picks | Wafer pick tool | [Sparrows Wafer Set][sparrows-wafer] | ~$15 | Alt: n/a |
| Jigglers | Cabinet Jigglers | [RTT Jiggler][rtt-hamsa-jiggler] | ~$15 | Alt: [Sparrows Coffin Keys][sparrows-coffin] (~$27) |
| Dimple picks | Dimple lockpicks | [Sparrows Black Flag][sparrows-blackflag] | ~$80 | Alt: [LPW Gamechanger][lpw-gamechanger] (~$299) |
| Tubular picks | Tubular lockpick tool | [CI Tubular Lockpick][ci-tubular] | ~$85 | Alt: [RTT Tubular Lockpick][rtt-tubular] (~$80) |
| Disk pick | Test disk detainer locks | [Sparrows Disk Pick][sparrows-disk] | ~$45 | Alt: [CI Lamella ??][ci-lamella] (~$TBD) |
| Lubricant | Lube for locks | [Houdini Lock Lube][houdini] | ~$10–$15 | Alt: n/a |
| Plug spinner | Reset picked cylinders | [RTT Spinner][rtt-spinner] | ~$80 | Alt: [LPW Plug Spinner][lpw-spinner] (~$25) |
| Hinge pin tool | Tool for pins on hinges | [CI Hinge Tool][ci-hinge] | ~$18 | Alt: [RTT Hinge Tool][rtt-hinge] (~$18) |
| Padlock shims | Test shim vulnerabilities | [RTT Shims][rtt-shims] | ~$7 (5 pack) | Alt: [CI Shims][ci-shims] (~$15 - 20 pack) |
| Combo decoders | Combination lock decoders | [CI Decoder][ci-decoder] | ~$24 | Alt: [Sparrows Ultra Decoder][sparrows-ultra] (~$15) |
| Adams Rite tools | Test latch systems | [CI Door Hook][ci-doorhook] | ~$20 | Alt: [Sparrows AR Driver][sparrows-ar] (~$9) |
| Bypass drivers | American Padlock bypass | [CI Padlock Bypass Driver][ci-american] | ~$10 | Alt: [RTT American Driver][rtt-american] (~$21) |
Estimated Subtotal (Lockpicking & Entry): ~$700 – $1,000
Assess how doors, latches, access control, and exits resist non-destructive bypass attempts.