# Why are high security cylinder locks vulnerable to cheap bic pens?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-high-security-cylinder-locks-vulnerable-to-cheap-bic-pens/266055>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 25, 2004, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-high-security-cylinder-locks-vulnerable-to-cheap-bic-pens/266055 "2004-09-25T17:20:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2004, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-high-security-cylinder-locks-vulnerable-to-cheap-bic-pens/266055/1 "2004-09-25T17:20:46Z")

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Looking for a locksmith or lock savvy person to answer this.

There have been several stories in the news lately about how a cheap bic pen can be used to quickly open up high security cylinder lock mechanisms on bicycle, vending and gun cabinet locks.

What’s happening (specifically) to the hardware mechanism via the use of this pen that allows this to be effective on a (purportedly) high security locks.

[Twist a Pen, Open a Lock](http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,64987,00.html?tw=wn_15culthead)

> [@](#):
>
> A 50-year-old lock design was rendered useless last week when a brief post to an internet forum revealed the lock can be popped open with a cheap plastic pen.
> 
> On Sunday, bike enthusiast and network security consultant Chris Brennan described opening an expensive Kryptonite bike lock using a ballpoint pen
> 
> It’s the same problem," said Tobias. “Isn’t it incredible? There are millions of people who are reliant on these locks. The problem for Kensington and Kryptonite is that everyone knows it now.”
> 
> Tobias said not all axial locks are vulnerable, depending on several factors such as the lock’s diameter (to match the pen) and the lock’s engineering tolerances. He claims to be a veteran lock-and-security consultant who has worked for lock manufacturers, government agencies and law enforcement.

[Gun cabinet locks no match for pen - via Fark](http://www.qctimes.com/internal.php?story_id=1035941&l=1&t=Local+News&c=2,1035941)

[Kryptonite Evolution 2000 U- Lock hacked by a Bic pen](http://www.engadget.com/entry/7796925370303347/)

[The pen is mightier than the U lock](http://www.bikebiz.co.uk/daily-news/article.php?id=4637)

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**Author:** ![John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ccd318/32.png) [@John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Kentzel-Griffin)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2004, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-high-security-cylinder-locks-vulnerable-to-cheap-bic-pens/266055/2 "2004-09-25T18:09:24Z")

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We are not going to discuss how to bypass security.

This is closed.

**DrMatrix** - GQ Moderator