Pick-resistant locks have an extra set of tumblers or locking apparatus so that, in effect, the key has to do two things at once. Because of their resistance to manipulation, these locks are also resistant to key bumping. One of the most popular pick-resistant locks is the Medeco.
Replace your locks with a Grade 1 lock (see article: What are Lock Grades?). If you have Schlage locks already, your least costly solution is to add the new Schlage Grade 1 B60 deadbolts to your doors. Schlage's locks are heavy duty, pick and bump resistant, and built solid.
Products with Kwikset SmartKey feature BumpGuard™ which uses a patented slide-locking bar mechanism inside of the lock to prevent lock bumping and other advanced home break-in techniques.
Of course, people breaking into your home aren't likely to have keys, but the fact that the locks are so standardized makes them very easy to pick or bump. Once you learn how to pick a lock, you can pick pretty much any standard lock you come across.
The easiest way to pick a Master Lock is by raking it. This is done by first tensioning the core and using a lock pick to bump all of the pins to the shear line. Master Locks can also be picked with a variety of makeshift tools including paperclips, bobby pins, soda cans, and even chicken bones.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are usually used on a home's exterior door. Available in single- and double-cylinder styles, deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
Kwikset smartkey locks are certified Grade 1 security for residential use by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and are advertised by Kwikset as being invulnerable to being hacked with wires, screwdrivers, or anything else inserted in the keyway.
Try bolt cutters.
This will not work on most master locks, as they are made of case hardened steel.
To pick a master lock, you'd have to raise the pins up with a pick until you hear a click signifying that the pin reached the shear line; then rotate a screwdriver in the keyhole as if you were turning a key.
It's easy to pick a deadbolt lock. In fact, when you find out how easy it is, you might want to replace all your keyed locks with electronic ones. This isn't to say that lock picking doesn't require skill and practice — it does — but the technique is so simple that anyone can understand it.
Ideal choices include a small screwdriver or hex wrench, a hair pin, or a heavy-duty paperclip. You can even use a bamboo skewer from the kitchen, or a cotton swab with the fluff removed from one end. If using a hair pin or paper clip, first bend it open so you have a long, straight bit of metal.
Is there a master key for all locks? For certain systems of locks, yes. A master key is specifically designed to unlock a given locking system. Having one key for safekeeping can help open a lock in case its paired key is lost or damaged.
The best way to unlock a master lock is to call a professional emergency locksmith service to do the job for you. It might be a bit expensive compared to some of the other methods, but you will save a lot of time in the process. A professional locksmith will be able to make you a spare key for the lock.
It may be possible to order products that can be opened by an existing Master Lock key. Take your existing key and lock to a hardware store (Ace, True Value, Do it Best, etc.), locksmith or other outlet that sells Master Lock products. Ask them to order the product with the same key number that is on your key.
Can I pick a Kwikset lock? Yes, it is possible to pick a Kwikset lock using different kinds of tools. According to the data, Kwikset locks had been picked in less than 2 percent of lock-picking attempts while a schlage lock had been picked over 78 percent of lock-picking attempts.
Even one of Kwikset's most vocal critics, Marc Weber Tobias (more on him in just a bit), told us that the SmartKey lock is virtually impossible to pick. Other videos criticizing Kwikset point out that the lock can be easily compromised using a specialized bypass tool used by locksmiths.