Utterly baffled by new combo lock

[Solomon]

I think everyone is over thinking the security value of a TSA lock. I think the point of the TSA locks is to stop the opportunist. A baggage handler is probably not going to take the time to mess with a lock when there are plenty of other suitcase that are not locked. It's like a club on a car, it won't stop them if they want it, but it stops the opportunist tweaker from grabbing a quick ride.

I think by everyone, you mean me.

I know they're only to stop people randomly unzipping bags, but they're not even fit for that purpose if you ask me. A person can walk up to any one of these locks and open it just like with a key, guaranteed, with only basic instructions and just about any random object. And you'd never even know. There are plenty of crappy locks out there, but these really take the biscuit. I wouldn't hate them quite as much if they were cheap, but they sell them in Boots for about £6. Still doesn't break the bank, but considering they offer the same security as linking the zips together with a paper clip, I doubt many people would be best pleased.

In contrast, you can get a 30mm disc detainer padlock for £1... pain in the arse to pick open, as a matter of fact you actually need to make a pick for them because the commercial ones are too big. You can do it with standard tools, but it's very fidgety and certainly not very fast. I guarantee you that nobody is gonna be picking one of those in the middle of the airport... and if the TSA wants to cut it off, let them. It only costs a quid.

[Shyfted]

Thanks Solomon, this has definitely answered all of my questions

[vov35]

may as well ziptie baggage. costs cents, tricky to get off without tools. TSA can snip them just fine because they cost $0.005 ish.

[EmCee]

All that's been said about the low security of these locks is right...but you still have to factor in psychology.

For people here, who learn about locks, this is a simple one to open. However, for the general public, 'lock' equals 'that's a difficult thing to get into', whereas 'zip-tie' or 'paper clip', even though it might provide similar security, equals 'lemme at it'.

We're only talking about opportunists - as Solomon said, there are other options if someone really wants to get into that bag.

What's the point of putting a padlock on your laptop bag, if someone can just walk away with the bag? It's because a lot of people wouldn't walk away with the bag, but they might use your laptop, view files you don't want them to see, or nick the cables if the bag was not locked.

Same thing with TSA locks. They are not high security (not the locks themselves nor the security of the luggage since the whole thing could just be carried off and opened at leisure). However, for most people locks of any kind are a barrier and I would not use a zip-tie or paperclip in place of a lock.

Cheers...

[Shyfted]

nicely put

[Solomon]

That's a very good point, EmCee. You forget how locks look to normal people when you've been doing this for so long