Most dead bolt type locks lock over center, so a magnet can't pull it out of the locked position. Regular house door locks have a pin that prevents the catch from opening unless the knob is turned. A primitive bolt might be drawn open by a magnet, and there are lots of cabinet magnetic actuated locking mechanisms.
The magnet doesn't make the lock move: Every lock will work differently, but it's typically friction that causes this problem. If a piece of your lock is supposed to move, be sure it can move easily. If it's attached too tightly, your magnet may not be able to move it.
It is all depending on the deadbolt that you have. If it is a standard lock they can usually just pick it or bump key it. But if it a security lock then the only way that they are able to open it is to drill the lock.
Magnetic locks are mechanisms that use magnets to lock or unlock something. You put the device inside of a drawer or cabinet door, then wave a magnet on the outside, and like magic, it opens.
For example, magnetic locks work well on interior doors where security isn't a huge concern if the power goes out and the door unlocks. The benefits of magnetic locks include: Strength. The average magnetic lock can withstand up to 1200 pounds of force.
Locksmiths typically charge $50–$75 per hour, or they charge per lock with a flat fee for the visit. A locksmithing job may cost as little as $50 or as much as $400 depending on the following factors. Emergencies: You'll pay extra for service at night or on weekends.
CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It's top-notch for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it quite difficult to pick.
It can take anywhere from 7 seconds to 45 minutes for a locksmith to pick open a lock. Generally a locksmith should be able to unlock most doors in about 10 minutes. Of course this is effected by the type of lock.
Signs of a tampered lock can be difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until it's too late. Signs vary from visible dents and scuff marks around the keyhole, scratches around the door handle, or even missing hardware from inside the door frame.
Put the key into a hole at the end of the plug (exactly how you would normally open a lock). The bump key pictured above would fit into most cylinder locks and deadbolts. After it's pushed all the way into the lock, pull the key out until you feel it click twice.
Emergency locksmiths can unlock a variety of locks, including electronic ones. With that in mind, it's always good to know where all of your local locksmith services are located in case of emergencies like broken keys or malfunctioning electric locks.
Learning how to pick a lock with a hairpin can be a fun challenge, but sadly it doesn't always work. Bobby pins are bulky, and some locks have slimmer keyways that are too small for a bobby pin to enter. So if you really want to learn lockpicking, I would highly suggest considering a basic lock picking set.
Bump keys are keys cut to a special design that will allow them to be used for picking pin-tumbler locks. Pin-tumbler locks are the world's most popular lock, and these include exterior door entry locks for homes. The process of gaining entry using a bump key is called “bumping,” and it can be very effective.
This means that when the power fails or is interrupted, the magnet releases and people can freely use the opening. Because magnetic locks secure a door from both the egress and ingress side, they are also required to be integrated into the building's fire alarm, automatic fire detection, or sprinkler systems.
Due to the increased strength because of the current, the doors can withstand pressure, so they can't be forced open without use of the confirmed access method.
Security limitations: While magnetic locks are extremely strong, they may be more susceptible to tampering in comparison to other options because of their power supply. If you install these locks, make sure you have backup power and added surveillance in place to keep your electromagnetic door lock systems secure.