Master #40

[mcm757207]

I was wondering around Home Depot today (department store in US), and came accross the section labled "High Security." I decided to give it a go and payed for a Master lock no. 40 (the round silver one). I had it picked in under 4 minutes... and even looking at the key I thought it would be a ton harder (high low high low configuration). I can't believe they actually consider this thing "high security"

[CaptHook]

Marketing. If Master put out a padlock, and said, "this can be picked by anyone who knows what they are doing". How many do you think they would sell? Most of the time, with nonlocksmith quality locks, security means a hardened shackle and heel and toe dogging. Putting "pick resistant" on the package oooh and ahhhs the consumer who isnt aware of what to look for.
Chuck

[AcidMeister]

When i first got into picking i would go to stores such as home depot and spend ungodly amounts of cash trying to find a daesent lock to pick, after i got done with various master locks, american etc.. etc... all indistructible fire proof bomb proof bla bla bla, all failing to mention pick proof In any case after spending $150 on locks i found one that i couldnt pick, it was a brinks high security lock, for some reason i just cant get it, so after a month or so of buying locks i decided to pick some door locks, and so i picked my friends apartment door which took me all of 2 seconds, and then i picked another door and another door, and another door, and for some reason i find the padlocks to be a better challenge most of the time, i even had a friend of mine ask me to pick a lock like you are describing, the only thing that made it slightly difficult for me was the angle at which it was locked onto the storage building, so just to take a break i practiced ons ome other locks, and after about 5 minutes (and 3 picked locks later) i went straight to my friends lock and picked it in 45 sconds or so, i just hate it when sometimes it just wont turn all the way and you know its just that one stupid pin.... oh well.... My recommendation is look for some higher security locks and order them online or perhaps you can find somewheres more local....

[ReverseLogic]

The Home Depot closest to me actually markets the Master No. 3 as high security. I think the only locks there tha don't fall into "high security" are their warded padlocks. Oh well.

[mcm757207]

That's almost false advertising... oh well- nothing we can do. Except maybe send nasty letters to their manager

[AcidMeister]

I just love the look on peoples face when they go and buy a lock and its super duper indistructible and people feel safe, and then you pick it for them in 5 minutes.... In any case i felt a lot more secure before i could pick because i didnt realise how vulnerable i was... hehehe

[mcm757207]

yeah it's one of those dont ask don't tell kinda things...

[yungning]

AcidMeister...

mind telling people which Brinks padlock you couldn't pick?

[Outsideboy]

I actually use the #40 lock as an example for layered security in my shop. It's one of the more common locks at home storage facilities and on tractor trailers - and it does look really nice with it's polished stainless steel exterior, but it's fairly easy to pick.

Honestly, I do have problems picking this one reliably - there seems to be at least one or two shaped pins, but the magic comes in the scrubbing. Using the a snake rake, it can be scrubbed almost immediately. It rarely takes more than 2-3 strokes. I've actually not come across a lock that scrubs open as easily as this one.

It is strange that Master Lock would consider this a "High-Security" lock. However, I could imagine this lock being fairly difficult to overcome using brute-force methods.

[Cman22]

When scrubbing with a snake rake do you use up and down movements?