When you want your properties protected from thieves and burglars, you would want to get reliable locks. They can be in the form of padlocks, door locks, deadbolt locks, and even modern innovations, such as smart locks.
However, some people can get around the security feature of most locks by picking them. That is why there are certain locks that make it difficult or impossible to be picked, making it more secure.
As of now, the best candidates are EVVA MCS, August Smart Lock, Baldwin Prestige 380, HYT Chain Key, Nuki Smart Lock 2.0, and Shi-He Chi-Me U-lock.
Read further into this article and find out about the locks that can’t be picked
Table of Contents
List of Locks That Can’t Be Picked and Why
There are only a handful of hardest locks to pick. Here are 8 of them and why they are unpickable:
1. EVVA MCS
The unpickable locking mechanism of EVVA MCS can be attributed to it being built as a magnetic lock. The master key is embedded with magnets, which interfere with the ones inside the lock, making it the only piece that can open the lock. Copying this key is next to impossible, given how complex it is.
Plus, the lock is also implemented with additional 2 mechanical encoding features, along with tough metal components for protection against drilling.
2. August smart lock
Some thieves are not oriented on how to bypass smart locks and can only work with traditional locks. That is why the August Smart Lock makes it hard for thieves to enter houses, considering the only way to bypass the lock is to hack the Wi-Fi password it’s connected to.
Additionally, even if the power is disrupted, this smart lock cannot be bypassed since it runs on battery. Due to the August Smart Lock’s regular update, you can be sure that coding issues or cloud issues will not arise.
3. Baldwin Prestige 380
You might think that the only way a thief can break inside your house is through lock picking, but you’re wrong—they can brute force into your home as well. Luckily, the Baldwin Prestige is a cylinder lock that can withstand drilling, sawing, and kicking.
Due to this lock’s reinforced strike plate, SmartKey® Re-key technology, and patented side locking bar, this deadbolt becomes basically unpickable on top of its hard-to-pick pins.
4. HYT Chain Key
The best way to make a lock unpickable is to make the security mechanism unique. The HYT Chain Key is one of the most difficult locks to pick with its unusual loose-chain key that opens the intricate design.
Because of the unique key, the inside of the lock is peculiarly curved, making basic picking difficult. Its rarity also adds to the difficulty of bypassing it.
5. The Nuki smart lock 2.0
The NuKi Smart Lock 2.0 is installed directly on top of a permanent interior key. As such, there’s no keyhole for burglars to pick, making it more challenging to bypass.
As the lock is connected to your phone and has end-to-end encryption, it’s not easy to hack. In addition, it provides 24/5 surveillance, so you can keep an eye on what’s happening at home.
And if a family member loses a phone that has access to this smart lock, you can easily disable that phone to avoid unauthorized entry.
6. Shi-He Chi-Me U-lock
Just like the HYT chain key, due to its unique design, the Shi-He Chi-Me U-lock has become one of the hardest padlocks to pick. On top of it rarely being used, the key is hard to duplicate, even for master locksmiths.
Originating from China, the Shi-He Chi-Me U-lock has an obstructed keyway, making it difficult to see what you are doing inside the lock. There are also sharp and narrow turns that you have to order to locate the pins that open the lock.
Features of Unpickable Locks
These are the things that make unpickable and challenging locks on top of other traditional locks:
- High-security lock mechanisms
Unpickable locks use strong materials to counter picking and drilling. These locks also include narrow and/or uniquely-designed keyways and pins that are not easy to push.
- Keyless entry options
In order to remove the need for keys and tumbler pins, electronic locks make it difficult or impossible to pick. With only your phone, you can access your door and even give access to anyone you trust.
- Tamper-proof technologies
High-tech locks, such as the EVVA MCS, have master keys that are nearly impossible to duplicate. You can’t also rekey these locks because of their sophisticated mechanism.
Pros and Cons of Unpickable Locks
- Increased security for peace of mind
- Harder to manipulate with their complex/keyless design
- Some may come with advanced technology, such as keyless entry or biometric sensors
- They are costly due to their rarity and better security features.
- Some locks are not readily available to buy.
- Difficult to remove in cases of lockout. If you accidentally lock yourself using the unpickable bedroom door lock, you might find yourself struggling to remove it from the locked position.
Are There Any Ways to Pick Them?
As of writing, the above-mentioned locks are still near impossible to be picked or bumped. Each of the locks has a unique locking mechanism where no one way of lock picking can bypass all the security systems.
However, it might not be long until some people uncover the secrets behind these locks and find a way to pick them.
Choosing the Right Lock
Before you grab a lock from the shelf at your local hardware store, consider the following things first:
- Budget for your lock.
When choosing a lock, you might want to check your finances first. In this way, you will not overspend and underspend to get the best value out of your money.
- Customer rating.
There are several sites where you can check the rating of the lock that you want to buy. You would also want to check the reviews and comments customers leave after their experience with the lock.
- Purpose of your lock.
Some locks perform better if they are used in a specific way. If you want to install an unpickable door lock, try locking mechanisms that are built-in.
- The type of lock.
If you want modern options, you might want to invest in smart locks where you don’t need keys to access your home. If you are the traditional type, go for padlocks.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Pick-resistant locks, like any other locks, are susceptible to damage due to wear and tear. In order to extend the life of your locks, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Lubricate your lock every 3–6 months. Locks have moving parts that grind against each other, which causes damaging friction. Lubrication will help these parts by smoothening the parts, preventing damage.
Note: use silicon or graphite-based lubricants instead of petroleum-based lubricants.
- Clear out the dust and dirt inside the lock, particularly outdoor ones. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate inside and stop the lock from working correctly. With wipes and water, carefully wipe the dust and dirt off the lock.
- Paint your lock. After installing your locks, you might want to paint the lock. This will prevent your lock from rusting, which won’t look good on your lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Unpickable Locks
Back in the 19th century, a Londoner by the name of Jeremiah Chubb created Detector, which was a security lock that was allegedly a door lock that cannot be picked. However, in 1851, an American locksmith by the name of Alfred C. Hobbs picked it in front of an audience not just once, but twice.
After such a feat, Hobbs then took on the challenge of the Bramah Lock Company, which produced another allegedly pick-proof lock. With just 51 hours of tinkering and trying to bypass the security system of the lock, the Bramah lock was opened by Hobbs, which shook the lock company.
The Future of Unpickable Locks
The pick-proof lock’s meaning might not stand since no matter how difficult it is to pick an unpickable lock, a person with enough knowledge and time can still bypass it. In the future, the unpickable locks we have now might be easily tampered with, and society will need more highly sophisticated locks to ensure security.
Conclusion
In this fast-paced and advanced world where information on how to pick locks is readily available with just a click, you can never be too careful in improving the security for you, your family, and your valuables.
Knowing the locks that can’t be picked can help you choose the right unpickable lock for you. Having security measures you know no one can’t bypass certainly gives you peace of mind.
Don’t be surprised if you don’t see the allegedly legendary Fenstermaker lock on this list. It’s only a made-up brand in the Elementary series to avoid potential legal issues.
I am the last member to join Revolar and might be just the luckiest to work with dedicated people like Teddy and John. Our team has established a process where my only job is writing the best content to deliver incredible ideas and guides.
