Mul-T-Lock: Design and Security

[datagram]

Hello gents,

The first article on LP Forensics is up and ready for public consumption. It is titled "Mul-T-Lock: Design and Security". From the site:

This paper discusses Mul-T-Lock telescoping pin-tumbler designs throughout the company's nearly 40 year history. This includes the Classic, Interactive, CLIQ, 3-in-1, MT5, and MT5+. In addition, attack techniques against Mul-T-Lock systems are evaluated. There are several appendices that include keying and coding information for Mul-T-Lock locks, as well as a patent reference for (almost) all Mul-T-Lock models and components.

You can grab it from the articles page, or via the direct pdf link.

I can (attempt to) answer any questions you might have here or via some other form of contact (contact details are available in the paper or on the website).

Big thanks to the many LP101 members that helped with reviewing the paper.

Thanks,
dg

[JK_the_CJer]

Everyone that cares about locks needs to read this now. It is, by far, the most complete description and analysis of Mul-T-Lock available. Awesome job datagram!

[rrkss]

Just finished reading about 50% of the paper. This is a must read! One of the best papers I've read regarding any type of locking mechanism. Thanks a ton!

[SnowyBoy]

Like I said before, an exptremely comprehensive breakdown of everything MTL. A must read indeed!

[l0ckp1cker]

Page 42.
Very well written and easy to understand and a great effort!!!
A+++++++++++!!!!!!

[awol70]

outstanding job!
thank you.

[datagram]

Thanks, dudes. I realized I forgot to include the security cards in the appendices...will do so in a future revision.

I got a few emails about why the Mul-T-Lock Junior (and a few other similar locks) are not included. The Mul-T-Lock Junior is *not* included because it is basically the same as the Classic, though I feel it is a "sponsored knock off". If you've ever had the Garrison series Classic clones, it is about the same thing as the Junior, only with the Garrison logo. The Junior/Garrison both look and feel like they aren't the real deal. There is just something off about both that makes it not feel like the quality of a normal Mul-T-Lock.

dg

[Squelchtone]

Excellent paper datagram!

Motivates me to complete my paper on military padlocks...

my hat is off to you sir,
Squelchtone

[SnowyBoy]

Thanks, dudes. I realized I forgot to include the security cards in the appendices...will do so in a future revision.

I got a few emails about why the Mul-T-Lock Junior (and a few other similar locks) are not included. The Mul-T-Lock Junior is *not* included because it is basically the same as the Classic, though I feel it is a "sponsored knock off". If you've ever had the Garrison series Classic clones, it is about the same thing as the Junior, only with the Garrison logo. The Junior/Garrison both look and feel like they aren't the real deal. There is just something off about both that makes it not feel like the quality of a normal Mul-T-Lock.

dg

Noticed this too. Also didn't see anything about MTL Integrator. Was curious about the fatter pin that's in them.

[datagram]

Noticed this too. Also didn't see anything about MTL Integrator. Was curious about the fatter pin that's in them.

Integrator and 7x7 are excluded because they aren't telescoping. They might be in a future revision, though

Squelch, absolutely finish your military padlock paper!

dg

[femurat]

One of the best paper I've seen. Thanks for sharing, it helped me to understand the interactive pin concept and many other aspects...

Cheers

[SnowyBoy]

DG, I got some pictures of an MT5 cutaway I made today if you wish to use them.

It's still not finished, but you will find the thread in this forum

[datagram]

DG, I got some pictures of an MT5 cutaway I made today if you wish to use them.

It's still not finished, but you will find the thread in this forum

Of course! Take some hi-res pictures when it is done and I'll try to find room for them in a future version. I think the best would be the cutaway of the Alpha spring with key inserted.

dg

[acv]

This thing is pretty awesome. MTL should license it from you as marketing literature...

[datagram]

This thing is pretty awesome. MTL should license it from you as marketing literature...

I have a feeling section 8 would not be a source of inspiration for their marketing staff : (

dg