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Lock Picking


Wake up in the middle of the night because of every noise thinking it might be lockpicking? Has someone told you another scary story about home intrusion? Many people have a totally wrong picture of lockpicking, so many myths and unfounded fears exist. That's why Sure Lock & Key has prepared for you a list of facts about this fearsome practice. Learn them once, and you won't be afraid about the safety of your locks without reason ever again. Let's not waste time and dive into it!

When Lockpicking Is A Good Skill


To pick a lock is one of the first skills a locksmith develops. There are many situations where this is the only solution. However, any skill or tool in the wrong hands can cause real harm.
man tries to pick a lock
Many people learn how to pick a lock just for fun, as a hobby, or to learn how a lock works. We bet almost everyone had a temptation to try it with some old lock after those movie scenes where people easily managed to unlock the door with a single bobby pin or paperclip. Thankfully, it's not as easy as it may seem. Actually, there are lots of myths about locks, keys, safes, etc. Movies are probably the greatest catalyst for these fears. These myths have dual polar consequences. Being afraid that someone might easily open their door or safe, should cause people to choose better security measures. Thinking that it’s easy to do often brings one to damage their own locks in vain attempts to repeat what they have seen on a screen.

man tries to pick a lock

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Burglars Don’t Use Lock Picking


We want to start with a fact you need to know, the most. Indeed, some burglars developed this skill perfectly, but they usually prefer other intrusion methods. To Pick a lock can take too long and requires lots of previous training. Your door lock type could spoil the whole operation if a thief isn't properly prepared. They will most likely choose a window as an entry point or break the entire lock.

Almost Every Lock Can Be Picked


structure of a lock
Please, don't panic. We've already figured out that burglars won't pick your lock because it's too much of a fuss. At this point, you're pretty safe. Also, the more pin stacks your lock has, the harder and longer it will be to pick it. The truth is that cheap locks won't provide you with the security you seek. However, a lock purchased at a low price is better than no lock at all. If you can't invest in a solid lock right now, buy the one on your budget and maintain this lock correctly. Also, you can ask your locksmith to make some changes to your lock while installing it to get some security bonus points. A great solution is to change the shape of top pins to make picking almost impossible. However, not all locks can be upgraded using this method.

structure of a lock

Lockpicking Is An Art


That concerns only professionally performed lockpicking. A skilled locksmith can open a door without leaving the slightest trace of what has happened. Reaching such a level of professionalism takes time, constant training, and intuition because we can't see through the lock.
This is probably the reason why people are scared of lockpicking.

Lockpicking Helps To Improve Locks


lockpicking of interior door
Let's suggest you've just invented a super cool lock. How would you test its security and durability? The best and the fastest solution is to give it to a locksmith expert to try to pick. The high-security locks, with anti-picking mechanisms that we have today, are a result of major testing.

lockpicking of interior door

Lock Picking: The Bottom Line


So, lockpicking isn't as scary as you used to think. On the contrary, we need this skill to develop manufacturing locks which open people's doors without causing them further issues. And all the texts on the Internet about "How does lockpicking work?" weren't written for burglars but for your entertainment or educational purposes.

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The Anatomy Of A Door Lock

A door lock is an important invention. It first appeared thousands of years ago, and changed throughout history. Through the years we see sets of new functions, new improvements followed by new functions and new improvements, etc. and throughout these cycles there is never a new alternative that actually arises. Traditional locks were just that, traditional. They didn't change drastically - not until today. Today's locks are fundamentally different. Why? You ask. Well, let's start with the basic reason. Physical keys. The most modern locks do not use physical keys anymore. They are essentially keyless. The most simple keyless lock opens by pressing buttons with numbers or you can have a lock where you just insert a card and whalla it's open. No key needed at least not the ones we grew up with. Sure Lock & Key still sells and services the most basic locks and keys as well as the most high tech, leading edge, facial recognition locks. We’ve been in the industry for over 35 years and we will attempt to answer correctly any questions that are posed to us, regarding all Locksmithing and Security matters.