eyeballengineer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2014
- Messages
- 94
Had 1 of those mul-t-loks on my storage fence. It fell apart after about 3 months.
what is the best lock? unpickable? uncuttable?
- Thread starter rsanter
- Start date
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Nothing worth stealing ?
No lock can stand up to a battery operated grinder. They are fast enough that a thief cut cut the lock, grab the goods and be gone before the cops get there.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
Just get a security camera (honestly). B&E (cutting lock or picking) is a felony anyway so very few dudes are gonna do that. Honestly, if they want to get in they're gonna get in, the point is that with a camera you can identify who did it so it ends up being a fairly good deterrent.
As far as padlocks, I just use the master lock (stack plated) ones. They're chinese though. People won't pick a padlock they'd just use bolt cutters but the steel on those is pretty thick.
This type might be good for you:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WB4WF6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
joe_padavano
Well-known member
I was going to say use a cutting torch, but a plasma cutter works too.
Look, people steal ATMs by first stealing a backhoe and just yanking the whole machine out. As shown above, a daunting lock simply tells the thief to go through the wall. The more expensive the lock, the more it screams "valuables inside".
rlitman
Well-known member
Torch doesn't work on stainless body locks. But a 14" gas saw sure does.
Re: what is the best lock? unpickable? uncutable?
this. kicking in a door &/or bashing out a window could always be done by someone motivated or desperate enough.
this. kicking in a door &/or bashing out a window could always be done by someone motivated or desperate enough.
dankicksass
Well-known member
Picking locks is a waste of time for residential area criminals. Why bother with subterfuge when 99% of door frames aren't reinforced? They don't.
There IS an UNPICKABLE lock The*@#$Abloy Exec*@#$disc tumbler lock is an impressioned-resistant lock and has yet to be opened by Steven Hampton. A security professional and master lock smith. He can open bank vaults and yet this hi tech high end lock has stumped him time and again. He is a published authour on lock picking and more and engineer and an inventor. Check him out @ http://howpickalock.com/high_security_locks.htm and watch the video from my previouse post on ASSA ABLOY locks not even liquid nitrogen damaged these impressive locks
-Finn-
-Finn-
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
What if they got a shotgun?
Just saying. There are a ton of bad dudes running around but if they have no problem with a felony charge they probably have no problem just releasing the thundaaaaar on a lock and/or door.Locks are good but they are only a deterrent. If your a real badass you yourself could be a deterrent too. No one steals from gang members, mafia, ex-felons, etc. If it's a neighborhood (or neighbor) thing, start sharpening your machetes and knives in the garage with the door open.
spotco2
Well-known member
What kind of door?
There is no such thing as a lock that can not be bypassed either by picking or destruction.
The invention of cordless tools have been a downfall to the security industry. Cordless drills and grinders make very quick work of most locks. Even the Abloy can be opened in less than 2 minutes with a 18v angle grinder. Hitch pin locks for tractor trailers use them and we remove them quiet often when someone loses a key or a driver puts the key in his pocket and drives off.
There are some locks better than others, but you also have to consider what you are putting a lock on. Commercial grade locks like Best, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Assa Abloy, etc are pointless on a common residential house.
James_B
Well-known member
Re: what is the best lock? unpickable? uncutable?
And if you do install alarm decals, NEVER use alarm decals that match the brand of the alarm system that you actually have.
Clik
Well-known member
I secured sea container doors by welding a heavy steel box with an open bottom over the hasp so that you had to fish the lock up into the box. That way there was no access for bolt cutters and a battery powered angle grinder would die before it cut cut through the heavy box.
A pawn/gun shop in my old 'hood had thieves cut holes in the pitched roof and enter through the attic. The next time they tried that the cops and ambulance/rescue people played hell cutting the perps out of the coils of razor wire that the owner filled the attic with.
A machine shop I used to deal with had doors that swung out so that they couldn't be rammed open and remote controlled locks. The lock bolts were top and bottom where it would be difficult for a thief to figure out or cut both bolts with an angle grinder. This was backed with a second electric door, cameras and alarm.
Knowing the guy, I would guess there was even more security that he wasn't going to reveal to even his mother.
A pawn/gun shop in my old 'hood had thieves cut holes in the pitched roof and enter through the attic. The next time they tried that the cops and ambulance/rescue people played hell cutting the perps out of the coils of razor wire that the owner filled the attic with.
A machine shop I used to deal with had doors that swung out so that they couldn't be rammed open and remote controlled locks. The lock bolts were top and bottom where it would be difficult for a thief to figure out or cut both bolts with an angle grinder. This was backed with a second electric door, cameras and alarm.
Knowing the guy, I would guess there was even more security that he wasn't going to reveal to even his mother.
justin1795
Well-known member
the only thing I can think of is something like the gang boxes. the padlock is in a recesed hole so no was to get a grinder or bolt cutters in. be easy to cut a hole in the side.
adragontattoo
Member
It doesnt matter how strong the lock is, typical construction and fire code means that there is ALWAYS another way in. Vault door for a front door but you have an old basement window under your deck that no one can see? I'm in your house, what was yours is mine now. Locks only stop the honest and the lazy. An alarm if obnoxious enough, CCTV that isn't obvious, illumination, and some inconvenience on your part will go a LONG way.
If it isnt worth the perceived effort, the thieves will move on to an easier target.
Set a bank vault up in a poorly lit, unprotected, unoccupied area and see if it stays locked. Now, add security(real and/or perceived), better lighting, and traffic(pedestrian and/or vehicular). That vault suddenly become MUCH less interesting to the lazy.
There WAS a show on DIY? showing how easy it was to break into a home, and how to correct many of those issues. It wasnt on for more than a season at most, and was quickly and quietly removed and please forget it was ever on-air thank you! I really wish that show was still around, it was MOSTLY common sense but some of the "fixes" were interesting.
If it isnt worth the perceived effort, the thieves will move on to an easier target.
Set a bank vault up in a poorly lit, unprotected, unoccupied area and see if it stays locked. Now, add security(real and/or perceived), better lighting, and traffic(pedestrian and/or vehicular). That vault suddenly become MUCH less interesting to the lazy.
There WAS a show on DIY? showing how easy it was to break into a home, and how to correct many of those issues. It wasnt on for more than a season at most, and was quickly and quietly removed and please forget it was ever on-air thank you! I really wish that show was still around, it was MOSTLY common sense but some of the "fixes" were interesting.
radrush
Well-known member
Re: what is the best lock? unpickable? uncutable?
Are those locks as tough as the Cylinder Eater?
Are those locks as tough as the Cylinder Eater?
For a basic home anything more than a six pin schlage is probably overkill. Thieves don't pick locks; they kick down doors and break windows.
However, having grown up with a locksmith in the family...we always had Simplex 1000 pushbuttons on the doors to the house.
-No keys so you're never locked out.
-They look 'beefy' and 'secure'.
Sure there's a finite number of combinations, and always have to be weary of whose around when you're punching in...but roll the combo every now and then and you're good.
However, having grown up with a locksmith in the family...we always had Simplex 1000 pushbuttons on the doors to the house.
-No keys so you're never locked out.
-They look 'beefy' and 'secure'.
Sure there's a finite number of combinations, and always have to be weary of whose around when you're punching in...but roll the combo every now and then and you're good.
Tejaas
Well-known member
Haha!
When I was in the service, the locks they used on the Arms Room doors were STOUT.
They had probably a 3/4" shank, with keyed and stack-riveted 3/32" plates that built up the body of the lock, enclosing the shank to where it was impossible to get bolt cutters even remotely near it.
Thing weighed like 4 pounds I'd bet, and was about the size of a lawnmowers battery.
I think they were made by "American Lock Company".
Don't know if that's helpful, but I saw firsthand that it took a plasma cutter to get it off.
~Tejaas~
When I was in the service, the locks they used on the Arms Room doors were STOUT.
They had probably a 3/4" shank, with keyed and stack-riveted 3/32" plates that built up the body of the lock, enclosing the shank to where it was impossible to get bolt cutters even remotely near it.
Thing weighed like 4 pounds I'd bet, and was about the size of a lawnmowers battery.
I think they were made by "American Lock Company".
Don't know if that's helpful, but I saw firsthand that it took a plasma cutter to get it off.
~Tejaas~
Man you guys really missed the point of this guys question lol. Everybody knows you can jack open a door frame, kick in a door, dynamite the roof off, etc etc. The guy wanted to know if he wants to put a padlock on a shed or a tool box, which one will keep Willy Bubba from walking up and defeating it easily. Typical GarageJournal lol, "What's the best type of drain pan for an oil change?"..........."You really need a 2 post lift and an oil recycling machine or there's really no point in changing the oil."
A**holes Garage
Banned
We've been using this to secure out sliding parking lot gate for years, no issues so far.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00065XPB0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00065XPB0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
jmlcolorado
Well-known member
Just saw this other thread. Pretty damn neat.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265916
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265916
Bighead38
Well-known member
I remember that show. Was pretty cool IMO.
Re: what is the best lock? unpickable? uncutable?
There is one that can't be cut with bolt cutters, I hate that thing. They used it at work and when we lost the keys I had too run a cord and cut it with a grinder. Even 36" cutters won't touch them. Don't know the brand, but the exposed part is I believe a hexagon shape, maybe less sides on it, not for sure. It's stupid hard and you're not cutting it with bolt cutters.
If noise isn't an issue to someone wanting in, a lock merely slows them down.
One of the techniques a few years ago was to put a bumper jack in a door jam sideways, crank the handle until the frame pushed apart near the lock. The wood frame around the door will bend or crush, allowing the bolt to swing free of the frame.
Padlocks are a joke. Put a pipe wrench on it and twist until either the lock comes apart, or the shackle rips from the door.
Two years ago I had a storage until broken into. Dozens were hit that night. This was inside a fenced area, with security cameras, and a guard living on the compound. He never heard a thing. Cut padlocks littered the ground.
A 36" bolt cutter slices easily through a 3/8" shank on a hardened padlock. I've tried this myself, after my stuff was stolen, to find out how easy it was for them. This was EASY, and very quiet. I also tried it with a 24" bolt cutter, this was a LOT more difficult.
After that, I started using a padlock with a hidden shank. Can't get a bite with a bolt cutter on these. But a year later, the lock failed, and I had to cut mine off. I let the office know what I was doing, so nobody would call the cops! The 18V Dewalt grinder with a cutoff wheel sliced through the stainless steel body, and the lock shank, in very short order. It did make a lot of noise, but nobody stopped by to see what the noise was, not even people storing stuff in their units, who had no clue what I was up to.
I no longer store stuff in storage units! I keep things at home, behind several locks, a security system, including CCTV cameras. The home owner has something for crooks too.
So how long does it take to cut through a 3/8" padlock with a Dremel? 45 seconds. How long with a Dewalt 18V grinder with a cutoff wheel? 10 seconds. With a 36" bolt cutter? About 5 seconds, with very little noise.
Video of the power tools slicing up one of my locks:
I hate crooks.
There is one that can't be cut with bolt cutters, I hate that thing. They used it at work and when we lost the keys I had too run a cord and cut it with a grinder. Even 36" cutters won't touch them. Don't know the brand, but the exposed part is I believe a hexagon shape, maybe less sides on it, not for sure. It's stupid hard and you're not cutting it with bolt cutters.
Sargent & Greenleaf. A similar lock used by the military to secure a certain type of ammo bunker. The only problem is that they are $1200 each
https://securitysnobs.com/Sargent-Greenleaf-S-amp-G-833-Padlock.html
https://securitysnobs.com/Sargent-Greenleaf-S-amp-G-833-Padlock.html
jaye944
Banned
given enough time and knowledge, NOTHING is unbeatable.
the "BEST" you can hope for is
* make your "thing" look secure so a thief walks by
* make your "thing" look such a pain in the **** to defeat a thief walks by
The problem also with something being un beatable, is what happens when you loose or snap your key, how does a LOCKsmith defeat it
ps houses and cars all have this things called windows, a brick usually does the trick
the "BEST" you can hope for is
* make your "thing" look secure so a thief walks by
* make your "thing" look such a pain in the **** to defeat a thief walks by
The problem also with something being un beatable, is what happens when you loose or snap your key, how does a LOCKsmith defeat it
ps houses and cars all have this things called windows, a brick usually does the trick
jaye944
Banned
I'm in the lock business and use these on my own stuff.
They come up to a 7/16" shackle. The shrouded Master 6127 is stronger than anything it's attached to.
As far as a deadbolt for a door, I would stick with ASSA or Medeco.
They come up to a 7/16" shackle. The shrouded Master 6127 is stronger than anything it's attached to.
As far as a deadbolt for a door, I would stick with ASSA or Medeco.
purplezr2
Well-known member
You guys actually lock your house?
The lock may be tool hardend, the base may be unpickable, and bullet proof.
But what's around it, and holding the lock is just as important.
No since having the best lock in the world, and being able to brake the lock holder, with a cheap ballpeen.
But what's around it, and holding the lock is just as important.
No since having the best lock in the world, and being able to brake the lock holder, with a cheap ballpeen.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Mul T Lock or Medeco.
^This. I don't remember the last time I locked my door...
Kiwi Canuck
Well-known member
Pretty cool that we have plenty of locksmiths on this forum.
I've been in the lock business since 1975, I did my locksmith apprenticeship with Chubb Lock NZ and have had my own business since 1985.
We are a Medeco (MSC) dealer and I like most of their products but also like the Abloy Protec line as well.
85% of our business is now electronic locks and camera systems but we still have a few full time locksmiths on staff.
It's a changing industry, as many other industries are as well.
David
I've been in the lock business since 1975, I did my locksmith apprenticeship with Chubb Lock NZ and have had my own business since 1985.
We are a Medeco (MSC) dealer and I like most of their products but also like the Abloy Protec line as well.
85% of our business is now electronic locks and camera systems but we still have a few full time locksmiths on staff.
It's a changing industry, as many other industries are as well.
David
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I've been doing this fulltime since October and I love it. I learn something new every day!
metalmagpie
Well-known member
Can't cut something made of hardened steel with bolt cutters? Simple - bring a real plumber's torch and heat it up to red heat. Nothing is hard at red heat. Not steel, anyway.