One of the most common (and easiest to pick) locks is the pin-and-tumbler, which is a type of
Abloy Protec2 PL 330 Padlock
It is one of the only locks in the world that has never been picked. It has a hardened boron alloy steel shackle to provide resistance to bolt cutters (but is not bolt cutter proof). The padlock body is brass and the shackle and body are chrome plated, so it is very rust-resistant.
In the world of lock manufacturers, the name Abloy holds an exalted reputation. Their series of Abloy Protect 2 locks are near unpickable due to two key factors. The locks have advanced manipulation resistance, making them impossible to be picked.
The question we receive the most often is: Can all locks be picked? The short answer is "no". There are several reasons that you might be unsuccessful even if you are a top notch technician. The most obvious reason is that a lock must be in operating condition in order to be picked.
No locks are truly pick proof, or ensure that an intruder cannot pass them, but you can take steps to improve the security of your current external doors. If you are concerned your current lock may be vulnerable, you might want to consult an experienced Locksmith.
Lock picking is a combination of skill, training, practice, specialist tools and patience. However, trust us, that is not the profile of the typical UK burglar. UK burglars are not highly skilled, trained lock pickers. They are thugs who try and batter their way through your door and lock.
Look for locks that have a contoured shape for the internal pins or a side bar to help thwart any traditional lock-picking attempts on your home. You can also switch to one of the less common locks on the market, such as that of a dimple lock, tubular lock or rotating disc.
Less than 2% of burglaries involve shimming or picking a lock. It's important to remember that burglary and robbery are different. Burglars intentionally enter a property without the lawful owner's consent to commit a felony or intent to steal.
Deadbolts, however, are still vulnerable to lock picking. Pin and tumbler locks are the most common designs in use today. These locks use a series of small, spring-loaded pins to keep the cylinder from turning.
As you can see in the picture below, Schlage uses 4 security pins (called “Spool pins), while Kwikset uses only 2. Having 2 more security pins in a cylinder can make it significantly harder to pick, which can definitely be felt when trying to pick a Schlage lock.
Anti-pick locks are made in such a way that it is almost impossible to pick. Methods include the top half of the pin stack having a mushroom shape or an indent so it catches when it is being picked, giving the impression it is in place.
Burglars may try a number of methods to try and gain access to your home, including picking your lock.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are commonly used on exterior house doors. Single and double cylinder locks are classified by strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Grade 1 is the highest and provides the best security.
Myth 2 | Lock picking is instantaneous
This is rarely the case. Even on very low-security locks, it could take 10 to 15 seconds to open the lock. For more complicated locks, it is more likely to take minutes. But all of this takes skill and success is not a given simply by virtue of using lock picks.
Kwikset Standard Deadbolt
The standard Kwikset deadbolt is the most common lock in America.
Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.
Unfortunately, you can not unlock a deadbolt with a credit card. Credit cards will only work with slanted-latch-style locks. Furthermore, the slant of the latch must be facing you so that you may press it in using your card.
According to her research, an overwhelming majority of burglars enter homes through the doors and windows. Thirty-four percent use the front door, while 22 percent get in through the back door. Twenty-three percent use first-floor windows. And oftentimes, those doors and windows aren't even locked.
Buying and owning lock picking tools is legal in the majority of states and most jurisdictions around the world. However, some US states, such as Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, and Virgin, have specific laws directly restricting lock-picking tools or their use in some capacity.
1. Deadbolts. Deadbolts are arguably one of the most popular door lock types, and they are widely used in many residential properties. Due to their popularity, they are also a common fixture in commercial spaces.
One of the best ways to protect your home against break-ins is by ensuring that you have installed a deadbolt. A deadbolt makes it very difficult for burglars to enter your home as they will need special tools to break it.