are combinational locks safer than the ordinary key-locks?

[spyghost]

if the keys from locks can be replaced by picks, does that mean that combinational locks are safer and more secure than the former?

[WhiteHat]

in theory, yes - in practice, only the more expensive ones - I guess someone with more combo-lock experience could tell you exactly why...

[CaptHook]

In general, against you average passer-by either will suffice. I would imagine, most people versed in picking locks also have knowledge of how to open or force a combination padlock open (like master locks).
Combination padlocks (master and cheaper equivilents) are generally more prone to force attacks, rapping etc..
Chuck

[Chucklz]

In my opinion, dial combination padlocks are almost universally worthless for real security, except for the S&G 8077/8088 locks. These run about 10 dollars on ebay, but about 200 new. Sessamee style locks are easier to bypass than to even bother entering the combination. S&G does make a combination deadbolt. Its got a 4 wheel, group 1 lock, with X-ray resistance, hardplate etc, but it is surface mount, so its brute force resistance may be fairly low depending on how it is installed. But, its covert entry resistance will be extremely high. All locks have trade offs, you just have to find the one that suits you.l

[Eyes_Only]

I would not recomend the standard Master Lock 1500 series combo locks to anyone. Reason being that back in high school I used those types of padlocks on my locker and it was broken into twice. All they did was take a pipe with a small enough diameter and forced the shackle out of the lock body. A police officer that was assigned to my school advised me not to use these combo locks anymore and instead go with the regular keyed master padlocks because they are much much stronger. Although the newer combo locks by Master with the dial on the bottom employs a ball bearing to hold the shackle in place so maybe those are worth a try.

[Eyes_Only]

I would not recomend the standard Master Lock 1500 series combo locks to anyone. Reason being that back in high school I used those types of padlocks on my locker and it was broken into twice. All they did was take a pipe with a small enough diameter and forced the shackle out of the lock body. A police officer that was assigned to my school advised me not to use these combo locks anymore and instead go with the regular keyed master padlocks because they are much much stronger. Although the newer combo locks by Master with the dial on the bottom employs a ball bearing to hold the shackle in place so maybe those are worth a try.

[Eyes_Only]

I would not recomend the standard Master Lock 1500 series combo locks to anyone. Reason being that back in high school I used those types of padlocks on my locker and it was broken into twice. All they did was take a pipe with a small enough diameter and forced the shackle out of the lock body. A police officer that was assigned to my school advised me not to use these combo locks anymore and instead go with the regular keyed master padlocks because they are much much stronger. Although the newer combo locks by Master with the dial on the bottom employs a ball bearing to hold the shackle in place so maybe those are worth a try.