what is the best lock? unpickable? uncuttable?

[theoldwizard1]

Watch a few episodes of The Lock Picking Lawyer on YouTube. You will quickly realize that pretty much any lock cylinder can be picked by someone who has studied the dissembled cylinder. Some take longer than other. This is the important part. If the lock take too long to defeat the risk of get caught goes up, so a thief might choose an easier target.

Battery grinders will overcome just about any lock assuming there is plenty of time to grind through the thing !

The new "interesting" lock "breaking" tool is the 22 caliber RamSet and knowing where to aim it. "World's Toughest Motorcycle Lock" vs. RamSet

 

[theoldwizard1]

Jeff Moss is being "unusually" quiet. Probably does not want to give away ant "secrets" !

From watching abunch of YouTube videos the whole concept of locks can be broken down into 2 categories. Lock cylinder and lock bodies.

If a "lock mechanic" has studied the lock cylinder and practiced and practiced on it, if he is good, he will open it. The best lock cylinder are perfectly machined works of art ! This takes time during manufacturing and assembly. Time = $$$ and you may be shocked at how much ! One of the "interesting" lock cylinders is what is used on coin operated equipment. It is not that it is a barrel cylinder (which are more difficult to pick) but the fact that, unlike most locks, it will re-lock after about 1/4 turn if the key is not in place. So the mechanic may have to actually pick the lock 2 or 3 time to get it open. Remember, increased time means increased chance of being caught !

Lock bodies and shackle are a completely different subject. Large hardened shackles and chain will hold up against most bolt cutters, but not a grinder ! Grinders are noisy and the sparks attract attention, so not good in most cases. Still some are bodies and shackles are made so poorly they can be easily overcome. Guards that prevent attack from bolt cutters and grinders help. Simply position the lock cylinder in an odd position (upside down) also helps.


Remember, if they want your possessions, there is nothing that will stop a crook ! The best you can hope for is to discourage them enough to seek an easier or more valuable target.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Mul T Lock or Medeco.

Abus

 

[jeffmoss26]

Abus makes a huge variety of locks.
Most of their cylinders are not sold or commonly seen in the US. Their padlocks are pretty good, but for high security knobs/deadbolts I stand by what I said above.

 

[Bad00SS]

Re: what is the best lock? unpickable? uncutable?

Locks are for honest people, just keeps em honest, if somebody wants to get in bad enough they will.

That's the truth. my buddies neighbors garage was broken into and they stole some dirt bikes. Detached garage, no windows, one man door in the side with steel door and dead bolt and also a 2x4 across it on the inside. They always used the garage door opener to get in. Never guess how they got in... a chain saw. yes, a damn chain saw. cut a rectangle doorway shape right thru the siding and rode 2 dirt bikes out. craziest **** I ever seen.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Buddy is a cop, he told me of a theft where the perps used a reciprocating saw to cut
"a door" through one of those cheap, roll up, metal garage doors. Stole a cycle and shop equipment.

 

[bwringer]

Anything but Master.

Every single one of their locks, even the pucks and whatnot, is a seriously compromised design. It's like they COULD make a decent lock, but they refuse to. They ALWAYS screw it up somehow.

Plus, Master locks are all you can find in most stores, aside from horrific Chinesium copies like "Brinks" and various store brands. As such, they are also the most familiar to thieves.

Personally, I go with less common brands; if someone's out stealing stuff and 99% of everything is sporting crappy, familiar Master locks or Chinese house brand garbage you can rake or break in half a second, odds are they're just going to skip stuff with higher-end locks.

Same for Kwikset on doors; they're not quite as crappy as Master, but they're common as pig tracks and the weaknesses are well known. Most door entries are forced, but if someone wants to bother, they can bump or rake most Kwiksets in seconds.


There's lots of great lock content on Youtube; it's a more interesting topic than you might think. Some very interesting mechanisms.