The Most Difficult Lock to Pick, Ranked

Choose the lock you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 30, 2024 06:32
Lock picking is an art and science that speaks volumes about the security features of locks. For professionals in security and amateur enthusiasts alike, understanding which locks provide the toughest challenge can be quite beneficial. This not only assists in making well-informed security decisions but also enhances the knowledge base of lock-picking techniques. Here on this site, users can engage by voting for locks they find notably difficult or intrigue their interest due to complex mechanisms. This collective input helps in generating a dynamic ranking that reflects current opinions and trends in lock security. The broader our user participation, the more accurate and helpful the rankings will be.

What Is the Most Difficult Lock to Pick?

  1. 1
    25
    votes

    Mul-T-Lock MT5+

    With its telescopic pin tumbler mechanism, the MT5+ provides superior pick resistance and key control.
    • Mechanism: Telescopic pin tumbler
    • Key Control: Superior
  2. 2
    0
    votes

    Banham M2002

    The Banham M2002 cylinder lock features a unique key registration system and drill-resistant design, offering enhanced security.
    • Key Registration: Unique system
    • Drill Resistance: High
  3. 3
    0
    votes

    Sargent & Greenleaf 951C

    Designed for high-security applications, the 951C is a padlock that is highly resistant to physical attacks as well as being difficult to pick.
    • Application: High-security
    • Resistance: High to physical attacks and picking
  4. 4
    0
    votes

    Evva MCS (Magnetic Code System)

    The Evva MCS uses a magnetic key system, making it immune to traditional lock picking tools due to its non-mechanical nature.
    • Key System: Magnetic
    • Pick Resistance: Very high due to magnetic mechanism
  5. 5
    0
    votes

    ASSA Abloy Protec2

    Featuring a disc cylinder system, the Protec2 offers high pick resistance and millions of key combinations, making it extremely difficult to pick.
    • Mechanism: Disc cylinder
    • Key Combinations: Millions
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Fichet F3D

    The Fichet F3D features a three-dimensional key system, offering a high level of security and resistance against picking.
    • Key System: Three-dimensional
    • Security Level: High
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Medeco M3

    The Medeco M3 features angled cuts on the keys and special pin design, offering high protection against lock picking and key duplication.
    • Key Features: Angled cuts
    • Security: High against picking and duplication
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Abloy Protec

    The predecessor to the Protec2, the Abloy Protec offers high security with its disc cylinder mechanism and is still considered very difficult to pick.
    • Mechanism: Disc cylinder
    • Security Level: High
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Kaba Mas X-10

    The Kaba Mas X-10 is a high-security lock used by the US government for securing classified and sensitive material, known for its electronic combination mechanism that provides excellent security and resistance to manipulation.
    • Usage: US government for classified material
    • Mechanism: Electronic combination
  10. 10
    -1
    votes

    Bowley Lock

    The Bowley Lock uses a unique shielded keyway that requires a key to rotate 180 degrees, making traditional picking methods nearly impossible.
    • Keyway Design: Shielded and requires 180-degree key rotation
    • Pick Resistance: High due to unique mechanism

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult lock to pick. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lock is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4891 views
  • 24 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lock once every 24 hours. The rank of each lock is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Difficult Lock to Pick

Mul-T-Lock MT5+
Rank #1 for the most difficult lock to pick: Mul-T-Lock MT5+ (Source)
Locks have been used for centuries to protect valuables. Over time, lock designs have evolved to meet the growing need for security. The most difficult locks to pick often feature intricate mechanisms that deter even the most skilled lockpickers. These locks combine advanced technology with complex engineering to offer maximum protection.

The core of a lock's difficulty lies in its internal components. High-security locks often use multiple pins or discs. These elements must align perfectly to unlock. Some locks include false gates or pins that create additional challenges. These features mislead the picker, making it hard to find the correct alignment.

Many difficult locks incorporate unique keyways. These keyways have unusual shapes or narrow passages. This design limits the tools that can be used to pick them. It forces the picker to use specialized tools, which are harder to master.

Some locks use electronic components. These locks require a code or biometric data to open. They combine physical security with digital technology. The electronic aspect adds another layer of complexity. It makes traditional picking methods ineffective.

Another factor is the material used in the lock. High-security locks are often made from hardened steel or other tough materials. This makes them resistant to drilling or other physical attacks. The durability of the lock adds to its difficulty.

The design of the key also plays a role. High-security keys often have complex cuts or patterns. These keys are harder to duplicate. Without the correct key, picking the lock becomes even more challenging.

Manufacturers constantly innovate to stay ahead of lockpickers. They study the methods used to pick locks and design new features to counter them. This ongoing battle between lock makers and pickers drives the development of more secure locks.

Despite these advancements, no lock is completely pick-proof. Given enough time and the right tools, a skilled lockpicker can open almost any lock. However, the most difficult locks can delay or deter unauthorized access. This delay is often enough to prevent a break-in.

In summary, the most difficult locks to pick combine advanced technology, complex engineering, and durable materials. They feature intricate internal components, unique keyways, and electronic elements. These locks are designed to withstand both traditional and modern picking methods. While no lock is entirely secure, these high-security locks offer the best protection available.

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