Masterlock - marketing to pickers?

[kizza8484]

Masterlock. They slap so many words like 'maximum security' all over their packaging. The boast features such as security pins to increase pick resistance. Yet, every masterlock I have, despite the price, is a piece of pie to open.

Could it be that they are marketing this way to temp pickers? This hit me as I observed that my practice lock collection has over half a dozen masterlocks. More than any other brand of my other locks. If it is true, it sure worked on me.

Judging by the 'picked list' post, alot of other people own a large number of these locks themselves. Your average joe wouldn't buy nearly as many locks as a semi-serious locksport hobbyist. I think I can see the logic behind such a marketing plan.

P.S.
I tried to post this topic in the general section but it wouldn't let me. So I'm posting it here even though it doesn't strictly belong.

[raimundo]

medeco is marketing to pickers, only pickers really appreciate them, homeowners just think a key is a key, and burglars just break something, like the doorframe. pickers see a medeco and their eyes get big and round.

[Eyes_Only]

I don't know if Master Lock had that intention in mind when developing their locks but they sure don't seem to mind when such locks are used to introduce hobbyists to this activity.

[jla]

In a way it is effective to get both hobbyists to purchase them as well as people actually looking to lock something up. I know that when I use to shop for locks to lock something I was always assured by the "High Security" sticker. And now that I purchase locks simply for the challenge of picking them I am still attracted by the "High Security" sticker. If it is not targeted at hobbyists then they are accidently making many more sales then they ever would have otherwise.

-Justin

[n00bking]

I love how locks say, "Pin Tumbler to resist picking"

WTF does that mean?

[zeke79]

Some of the newer 6 pin locks found in the pro series padlocks can be a fun pick for a low/middle level security lock. 6 pins with serratted bottom pins and serratted spool top pins. Similar to an american lock.

[nothumbs]

I would be very surprised if the number of locks purchased with the intent to pick them could amount to any appreciable fraction of a percent of MasterLock's total annual sales.

"Master Lock is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO - News), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion."

"World's Largest Padlock manufacturer, approximately 50,000,000 locks sold each year."

[zeke79]

Yeah, I bought 10,000,000 of those for picking practice last year though . I am almost through the first 25,000 of them now.

[freakparade3]

I love how locks say, "Pin Tumbler to resist picking"

WTF does that mean?

I have never seen a lock that says that.

[LockNewbie21]

The just use Lockie lingo to spoof people into buying it.

People do know nor care what pins are, but if there specail and the type is in Red and Bold, then heck.

[kizza8484]

So true.

I bought a new lock yesterday. It was on the bottom shelf and looked almost tacky in its no frills packaging. It has six pins, most spools I think, and a super restriced keyway. It zig-zags several times. Leaves masterlocks for dead!

[ObiWonShinobi]

freakparade3:

Master and Brinks use that on the packaging all the time.

[ObiWonShinobi]

also: "pin tumbler design for maximum pick protection"

[Gordon Airporte]

also: "pin tumbler design for maximum pick protection"

They must have finally woken up and designed a lock more secure than their plain tumbler locks, which don't have parts that block the plug from turning .

[Vennie]

i think Kwikset is marketing to pickers.

i mean just look at the name (the person who made the brand name must have been a picker with a sense of humour.)