TSA Locks and Master Keys

[pock-licker]

As to my understanding, there are several TSA master keys which can be reconstructed by disassembling the locks.

Why can't I buy these keys anywhere?

Even if US law or copyright prohibited this, what would stop you in a little factory in downtown Shenzhen from making these keys and selling them on the web? Since these locks are now common everywhere, the number of customers for these keys would not be small.

[lock2006]

Why would you like to get this TSA master key
when picking this type of locks
is not that hard to get them open.

[pock-licker]

of course I do know that, but I am wondering why no actual keys are available anywhere.

you know, for the kind of people who don't want to run around with a pick set all the time

[chriswingate]

So you feel the need to run around with a set of TSA master keys? For what reason? Do you work exclusively on TSA locks? Is there a lot of call for that these days? You do realize how all this sounds right?

[Ortin468]

By the time you try the "several" keys, it could of been picked.

Give a 9 year old a TSA lock and a bobby pin, he/she could probably open it.

[Evan]

By the time you try the "several" keys, it could of been picked.

Give a 9 year old a TSA lock and a bobby pin, he/she could probably open it.

Every TSA-compliant luggage lock I have ever seen has the number of the key required to open it stamped or printed on it -- no guessing or trying several keys...

~~ Evan

[Shyfted]

I like your idea.
1. Buy lots of TSA locks
2. Make master keys
3. Sell on ebay
4. Profit

You don't see many plans that have step 3 figured out

[pock-licker]

yeah yeah, i see all those points of yours (no I don't want to crack TSA locks wherever I go, it's all just hypothetically), but nobody has been able to answer the actual question – what exactly keeps anybody from making and selling TSA lock master keys?

[lock2006]

Probably they do sell them or make them
who knows
but if they do,they would sell it only to locksmiths
for sure.

[Quabillion]

1. Ask question on online forum
2. ?????
3. Profit!



Have you been talking to underpants gnomes lately?

[Ortin468]

By the time you try the "several" keys, it could of been picked.


Every TSA-compliant luggage lock I have ever seen has the number of the key required to open it stamped or printed on it -- no guessing or trying several keys...

~~ Evan

Interesting, I never bothered to look at mine. The few times I have traveled and used them, I used a zip tie also to see if
it was opened/inspected. I traveled to Hawaii one year with a 8" chefs knife and a steel inside, and it was undisturbed. I would of loved to see the x-ray of it. Some of my other baggage was hand inspected.

[Shyfted]

what exactly keeps anybody from making and selling TSA lock master keys?

Short answer is nothing. They dont use special keys and the locks themselves are low quality and easy to pick/pull apart

[MrScruff]

Personally, I don't see why people use locks on their luggage anyway, just use a twist tie to make sure your suitcase doesn't unzip on its own. If the TSA wants in they'll get in, and if a thief wants in they'll just cut the suitcase open.

Maybe it's a sheer lack of necessity for the lock that prevents a viable master key market.

[vov35]

if a thief wants in they'll just cut the suitcase open.

if a thief wants in, they will bend the shackle open. The locks are physically to small to be secure. **gets b& for discussing DE** I hope nobody cares, because they're not meant to secure anything....

[Nomadica]

The reason for these cruddy locks?
They may prevent opportunistic theft in terminal or by baggage handlers. Yes there are work around in both cases, but yes this is better than nothing. Even most criminals i run across can't pick locks. And if stuff is missing and the lock is still there, then airlines can search for keys and pick tools at baggage handling. Most have no clue how easy this stuff is.