# (Not) picking a lock **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 1, 2024, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688 "2024-04-01T17:55:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/61 "2024-04-05T12:43:08Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > no one will ever find it. I know where it is. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/62 "2024-04-05T14:03:00Z")
Plot Twist: Tonight @Sigene will startle awake to see @TriPolar standing over his bed. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/63 "2024-04-05T14:35:33Z")
Party at @Sigene’s tonight at 11! ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/64 "2024-04-05T17:14:19Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > I keep it in a little rubber pouch What, no “Hide-a-Key” rock? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/65 "2024-04-06T22:58:56Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > …no one will ever find it. Did you put a glowtag on it in case it’s at night? ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/66 "2024-04-07T13:03:21Z")
In a few days, @Sigene will return to thank us for helping break ground for the new vegetable garden in the NW corner. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/67 "2024-04-07T16:38:30Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > I love watching the Lock Picking Lawyer use a rake. It takes him about 3 seconds of rapidly sliding it back and forth I discovered the Lock Picking Lawyer shortly after locking myself out of my flat. I called a locksmith who easily picked both locks, while I watched. I have 10 yr old nephew who is really into theatrical magic and … woah, what the perfect gift! He was raking padlocks successfully after about 2 or 3 hours. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/68 "2024-04-07T16:47:52Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > My solution was to hide a key is a secret place on the north west corner of the house tucked into the siding behind the air conditioner unit, about 2 feet from the ground. I keep it in a little rubber pouch fashioned from a bike inner tube…no one will ever find it. Dick Tracy’s Crimestoppers Pro Tip: Don’t tell people your secret hiding place. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/69 "2024-04-07T17:32:16Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Don’t tell people your secret hiding place. I’m pretty sure @Sigene posted that sarcastically. Thus my remark in kind. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/70 "2024-04-07T17:47:01Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > Raking a common padlock is so easy that I don’t bother keeping track of the keys… This suggests a question…why hasn’t anyone invented more robust locks? Doubtless there are some crazy mechanisms out there but I mean more consumer level, easy to use and reasonably inexpensive (even if a bit more than the easy to pick locks). If I were the Lock Picking Lawyer I would get to work on a lock that he’d find difficult to pick and sell that. He could make a lot of money I’d think. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/71 "2024-04-07T18:10:22Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > consumer level, easy to use and reasonably inexpensive As the saying goes ‘Pick two.’ There’s, at least, one lock out there that’s extremely difficult to pick, the [Bowley Lock](https://www.bowleylockcompany.com/) ~ $134.99 - $795.99. Here’s the two problems; thieves don’t pick locks and the lock is only as good as the door and the wall it’s in. If you have the option to gain entry destructively the lock, no matter how good, isn’t even going to slow you down. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/72 "2024-04-07T18:52:54Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > Here’s the two problems; thieves don’t pick locks and the lock is only as good as the door and the wall it’s in. If you have the option to gain entry destructively the lock, no matter how good, isn’t even going to slow you down. Yeah, the whole structure needs to be more secure before you really worry about better locks. If I lock myself out, I’m not going to break a window pane unless I’m pressed for time. I’m probably just going to jimmy a window open. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/73 "2024-04-07T19:20:18Z")
You can absolutely buy security locks that are not at all trivial to pick or drill, at least not by a non-professional, except they are by no means cheap. Look at the Fichet F3D for instance (interestingly enough, the Fichet 787 is vulnerable to a decoding attack… perhaps a deliberate backdoor?) ---
**Author:** ![brasstacks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d26b3c/32.png) [@brasstacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brasstacks)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/74 "2024-04-07T19:35:57Z")
[Just putting this here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qu8iHkBHGg) ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/75 "2024-04-07T20:04:31Z")
Yeah, that’s really the problem with looking to YouTube videos about the real security of locks The YouTube lock community is overwhelmingly dominated by folks into locksport, > **[Locksport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locksport)** > > Locksport is the sport or recreation of defeating locking systems. Its enthusiasts learn a variety of skills including lock picking, lock bumping, and a variety of other skills traditionally known only to locksmiths and other security professionals. Locksport followers enjoy the challenge and excitement of learning to defeat all forms of locks, and often gather together in sport groups to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and participate in a variety of recreational activities and contests. > Lock ... Not folks that want to get through doors as easily and quickly as possible. (Which is understandable, they’re showing off their cool picking skills not providing a B&E 101.) That said, Think LPL is good with picks? Here’s what he can do without them, https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLpIvUbO_777weU0UyeczsnFmq-hbdH-0b&wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=1&enablejsapi=1 ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/76 "2024-04-07T21:16:29Z")
A Mk 3 Mod 0 HEDP rocket will get you through that door. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/77 "2024-04-07T21:21:37Z")
Bosnian Bill and LPL did a whole series of lock vs firearm . . . don’t temp Bill with even more fun. And I think Bill has the connections to get a Mk 3 Mod 0 HEDP rocket lock pick. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zuw7-3nDslE?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque&list=PLTSWkYxuSlkWByhFJOkp4HBFANQl5J1V5 https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLTSWkYxuSlkWByhFJOkp4HBFANQl5J1V5&wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=1&enablejsapi=1 ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/78 "2024-04-07T21:21:58Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > Think LPL is good with picks? Here’s what he can do without them, That’s pretty cool but, ISTM, angle grinders are the beat everything tool and cheap and easy to use (also some are battery powered). > [@scabpicker](#): > > Yeah, the whole structure needs to be more secure before you really worry about better locks. If I lock myself out, I’m not going to break a window pane unless I’m pressed for time. I’m probably just going to jimmy a window open. I live in a hi-rise so, either you climb up 20 floors or you come in through my front door. And my front door is surprisingly robust. Very solid and in a steel frame. I doubt police could bash it down with that handheld bashing rod they use (I dunno…maybe they could…do not want to find out). Which means the simplest way into my place is probably bashing through the drywall next to my door which would put you in my guest bathroom. Not sure what pipes and conduits are there though so still probably not easy. In the end, given time and some tools, anything can be got through. You could probably break into NORAD given enough time and welding torches and a lot of determination. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/79 "2024-04-07T21:25:56Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > That’s pretty cool but, ISTM, angle grinders are the beat everything tool and cheap and easy to use Yeah a cordless angle grinder would get through that in about 10 seconds, maybe less. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2024, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688/80 "2024-04-07T21:29:29Z")
Tangent, but this has led me to seeing videos about comically huge bike locks. At some point it can’t be worth it to lug these things around can it? [![](https://bikersunited.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/altor-safe-bike-lock-1080x675.jpg) ](https://bikersunited.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/altor-safe-bike-lock-1080x675.jpg) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-picking-a-lock/999688.md?page=5)