HOLE IN LOCK

[concerned]

I live in an area where there is a relatively high risk of crime. A few months ago I purchased two padlocks to secure two different pedestrian gates to my property. These inexpensive padlocks were purchased in a set and had identical keys. Recently I noticed that one of the padlocks has a small hole drilled into its main brass body. A photo of the padlock can be seen at http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=zkkh7a . The hole is located just above the letters S and E in the word security and has a 3 millimeter diameter. The brass body of the lock has dimentions 5 cm x 3 cm. When I turn the key of the lock I am able to dismantle the lock as shown in the other photo located at http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=zkki04

In view of the crime in my area I am concerned. I cannot be 100% certain but I cannot recall the hole when I purchased the lock a few weeks ago. Also, the other lock which is used at my other gate does not have such a hole. When I showed the lock to the owner of my local hardware shop he said that the whole is simply a lubricating whole. However, I have the impression that lubricating holes normally have a diameter that are far smaller than 3 mm for a lock of this size.

I would like to know the following:

1. Why would a burglar drill such a hole in my padlock?
2. Would it be easy to drill such a hole if no power source is readily available?
3. Do you think the hole is simply a lubricating hole?
4. Are brass holes easy to drill? If so what type of lock can one purchase that might avoid this problem?

I know nothing about locks, I am concerned about the security situation on my property and would be grateful to receive any advice and any insight into what might have happend in this case.

[Keyring]

OK. Here's my theory.

At the position where that hole is is most likely where a pin was inserted during manufacture to hold the shackle in. It will then have been covered with a little circular brass insert, and finally smoothed over to make it difficult to see. Such polished holes are typical in several places on brass padlocks. Usually they stay in place.

The padlocks you bought were obviously cheap and not terribly secure. For example the shackle is only bolted on one side. My theory is that the insert just fell out (and the pin it was covering as well - look for it on the ground). Anyone trying to open that lock would have done anything but drill a hole there, as it wouldn't help to open it.

The man in the shop was talking through his hat as he didn't want to refund your money.

[skold]

OK. Here's my theory.

At the position where that hole is is most likely where a pin was inserted during manufacture to hold the shackle in.

Correct!

And it is more than likely it just fell out.

Buy some decent locks.

[bembel]

I'm thinking the same: This "Security" lock is so cheap that it just fell out.
If somebody would have really drilled it, you'd see the difference: Scratches all over the place and the hole wouldn't look that clean.

[concerned]

OK. Here's my theory.

At the position where that hole is is most likely where a pin was inserted during manufacture to hold the shackle in. It will then have been covered with a little circular brass insert, and finally smoothed over to make it difficult to see. Such polished holes are typical in several places on brass padlocks. Usually they stay in place.

The padlocks you bought were obviously cheap and not terribly secure. For example the shackle is only bolted on one side. My theory is that the insert just fell out (and the pin it was covering as well - look for it on the ground). Anyone trying to open that lock would have done anything but drill a hole there, as it wouldn't help to open it.

The man in the shop was talking through his hat as he didn't want to refund your money.

Many many thanks for your reply. I did not find the insert on the ground. There is the possiblity that it was either sweep away by rain or by the wind. However, I have a second identical lock that is used for the other gate. Although only obvious upon close examination, I can see the outlines of a circular hole of the same diameter and in the same position as the damaged lock. So I think your theory is correct. It is comforting to know that this is the explanation because I was seriously considering going through the expense of upgrading my security system. Now, because of your explanation, that may not be necessary.

I take your point regarding the cheapness of the lock. The shackle somehow became unsecured around about the same time that I noticed the hole. The other lock is still works perfectly but will probably also need to be replaced in due course.

I have had difficulties with locks for my gates for quite some time now. I always seem to have to replace them. One of the main problems seems to be rust because I live near the ocean. I recently purchased a stainless steel lock with nickel plated inside components. Possibly that may last longer. This lock is not available in sets so I am considering contacting the manufacturer to see if they can supply a second lock with a spare cylinder set to one single key. The spare cylinder can be put into the recently purchased lock so that I will then have two locks that can be operated with the same key. Does that seem like a reasonably good plan?

[Keyring]

The best thing to do is fill in your location in your profile. Then someone who knows what locks are available in your part of the world can suggest a solution.

[Varjeal]

#1. Someone was hoping you wouldn't notice the hole.
#2. Cordless drill. Think about it.
#3. It is not a lubricating hole.
#4. Yes. Look at the Master Padlock 7030 or 6000 series, I believe they have stainless and hardened bodies respectively. Expensive? Yes, but if you don't want a repeat, buy good locks.


The guy at the hardware store is a moron. I have NEVER seen a lubricating hole on the body of a lock in that area. That hole was drilled in a (quite likely successful) attempt to bypass the padlock without completely destroying it. OR it fell out due to poor manufacturing assembly. Go to a locksmith and buy some decent locks.

There may have been a plug originally in that spot, but it either fell out or was drilled out by someone knowledgeable enough to know what to do.

[Keyring]

That hole was drilled in a (quite likely successful) attempt to bypass the padlock without completely destroying it.

was drilled out by someone knowledgeable enough to know what to do.

I'm sorry, Varjeal, but I find it hard to agree. I see no way that removing that pin helps anyone open the lock. They would need to shim or pick it at the same time, and in that case the hole has no purpose. The only object in removing the shackle retaining pin would be to remove the shackle entirely from the lock after it was already unlocked.

[p1ckf1sh]

2. Would it be easy to drill such a hole if no power source is readily available?
4. Are brass holes easy to drill? If so what type of lock can one purchase that might avoid this problem?

Yes. A simple battery powered drill with a fresh metal drill will do the job pretty quickly. For bypassing a padlock it does not make sense to drill the case though. One would just drill into the plug. Even the Abus Discus locks, which are deemed to pretty secure (hardened steel case, almost no room to put bolt cutters to the shackle, pretty hard to pick due to keyway dimensions) will open up in less than 2 minutes by drilling the plug.

[TOWCH]

That hole was drilled in a (quite likely successful) attempt to bypass the padlock without completely destroying it.

was drilled out by someone knowledgeable enough to know what to do.

I'm sorry, Varjeal, but I find it hard to agree. I see no way that removing that pin helps anyone open the lock. They would need to shim or pick it at the same time, and in that case the hole has no purpose. The only object in removing the shackle retaining pin would be to remove the shackle entirely from the lock after it was already unlocked.

Well, there is a shady reason for that hole to be there. It's the reason why they put serial numbers on some padlock shackles. But it doesn't make sense for them to have gone to the effort and then half finished the repair. It also doesn't make sense for what's being protected.

[LockNewbie21]

I would say two abus discus locks would do the trick, i have seen a thread where some guy did some test where he used brute force(slede hammer ect.) they with stood, the abuds locks like the Buffo are 14$ american each they have good warding on the key way and have also seen in another thread that these can be master keyed, if your area is prone to brute force abus discus are great for the pirce.


Andy

[Gordon Airporte]

The Masterlock 140 has a brass plug in the same location, although it seems proportionately smaller. If it was drilled, the driller was being very deliberate (whether or not he knew it would work). If not, your lock must just use a wider pin.

[jordyh]

I would say two abus discus locks would do the trick, i have seen a thread where some guy did some test where he used brute force(slede hammer ect.) they with stood....

Heh, that's me, i'm glad someone actually read it and learned from it.
Had a great time writing that, i was doing the DE-tests with a friend of mine, he bent the bar that operated the vice, but he didn't manage to open the lock.

For repelling destructive entry, the discus is great.

Yours,

Jordy

[LockNewbie21]

Ahh thank goodness the author came up , lol i really didn't feel like searching for the thread, if you have it post it, i think your demo's prove that there all this application needs as far as decent destructive resistance at a decent cost.


Andy

[jordyh]

On request:
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=11515

Before rushing to solutions though, i'd prefer if Concerned elaborated on his needs.

If it's deterring Destructive Entry, the discus is fine.
For Non Destructive Entry, i'd prefer a bit more pickproof lock with some serrated pins or mushrooms. American series, perhaps?

Also, remember that there are cheap replicas of the discus on the market that clearly lack the anti drill plates. (well, that's an assumption, but look at the darn depth of the thing, those plates take a lot of space, and i've seen some disturbingly slim knockoffs...)

All depends on the location, i guess.


Yours,

Jordy