Which lock is easiest to Pick?

[Ice]

Just out of curiosity - which locks are easiest to pick? ...rusted? ...old? ...average broken-in locks? ...new? Does age matter when compared to what type of lock it is? (ie. obviously some locks are easier to pick than others, but for example - does a new wafer lock differ than a new pin-tumbler lock?)

[CitySpider]

I've always found that the newer the lock is, and the cleaner the lock is, the easier it is to open. Has been that way on every kind of lock that I've picked.

[David_Parker]

Well, if you've got a worn down basic pin-tumbler, then yeah, the springs are going to be easy to move making the lock easier to open. But the easiest type of locks to open in my opinion; are cabinet/desk wafer locks. Simple rake opens about 99% of them.

Remember to think about this logically Ice: Rust would make the inner mechanisms harder to move, right? So manipulation of the pins or discs would be harder as well. Of course, rust breaks down metal, and busting the lock apart would easily get it open, but that wouldn't be picking now would it? You're description hits it dead on: Average, Broken-in Locks are the easiest. You still want that smooth, gliding action of the pins complete with flexible, easy-going springs.

Any new lock you come across have those brand-new, non-used springs making the pins harder to set. Schlages can be notorious for these.

I really came off as a dick in this post, but I'm too lazy to edit....good question though, really.


-Dave.

[quicklocks]

are you looking to setup a list of the least secure locks

[Ice]

Dave... no problem. It's a good, informative post. I thought about the rusted lock, being harder to set, but I thought the inverse could be true - where since it's so worn in that it would be easier... I don't mean rusted as in literally falling apart - those are problems! I had locks before that were rusted out and even the key wouldn't open it. Hammers are a good tool in that situation.

quicklocks... no. All locks are somewhat secure enough for daily use. I was just curious if people found any one type of lock easier new compared to old (for example). Or, if "this type" of lock is easier to open new, where as "that type" of lock is easier to open old.

[technik]

picked ones are easiest!!!

Nah, im serious about this. It seems that once ive picked a lock 2 or 3 times, Im pretty set. (sorry about pun) I dunno if it loosens up the lock for picking, or its just a confidence thing.

[salzi684]

This has little to do with which locks are easiest to pick but I find it interesting none the less. I keep some padlocks in my desk drawer that I pick on a daily basis which include an abus discus, an abus bufalo, a best sfic, a brinks shoruded shackle, a brinks discus, a mul t lock, and a no name brass padlock. Of all those locks I find the no name brass padlock to be the hardest to pick, it seems that the holes for the pins were drilled in almost a straight line and the feedback from the pins setting is so slight that alot of times I end up pushing them above the shear line. Remember though this is the exeption not the rule.

[David_Parker]

salzi684 which include an abus discus, an abus bufalo, a best sfic, a brinks shoruded shackle, a brinks discus, a mul t lock, and a no name brass padlock.

....yeah....Salzi, it sounds like you've just kicked my butt to the moon. My list is compiled of Master, Schlage, Arrow, Corbin-Russwin, more Arrow, and a few, very few BEST.


-Dave.

[Ice]

I have a cheap $1 brass padlock that gives me a headache as well... while other ones seem to give me much less problems. I've heard of the name Corbin-Russwin but don't quite remember where - is it a high-security lock or something? (I hate it when I've heard/know of something but I can't figure it out!)

[Chucklz]

Corbin Russwin doesnt fit my definition of high security, but it is a well constructed lock with tight tolerances, and possible spool/mushroom pins.

[HeadHunterCEO]

1996 lincoln towncars

[Ice]

Corbin Russwin doesnt fit my definition of high security, but it is a well constructed lock with tight tolerances, and possible spool/mushroom pins.

Ahh...
A friend of mine has these Corbin Russin locks on his front door - I knew it was familiar!