Throughout the centuries the art of lock-making and lock-picking have been trapped in a constant struggle, with basic lock designs being replaced by ever more complex ones that seek to thwart any lockpicking attempts, as well as less gentle approaches. When it comes to the very common pin-and-tumbler lock design, the main issue here is that the keyway also provides direct access to the lock’s mechanism. This led [Works By Design] to brainstorm a lock design in which the keyway is hidden.
The ingenious part here is that because the actual key is rotated away after insertion, there is no clear path to the pins. This did require some creative thinking to have a somewhat traditional style key as well as a way to turn the internal mechanism so that the key would be pressed against the pins. Here inspiration was drawn from the switchable magnet mechanism as seen with e.g. magnetic bases. This ensures the key and key handle can be detached and attached quite firmly.
After many 3D printed prototypes, a metal version was CNCed and subjected to some early testing by a locksmith, who even with having seen the CAD model of the lock was stumped. With this initial result and some user feedback in the bag, it was time for large-scale testing with more lockpick enthusiasts, as there are many more ways to open a lock beyond pushing pins. That said, a mechanism was also added to the lock to prevent bumping attacks.
The next testers were found in the Lock Pickers United community, one of whom raised the issue of an impressioning attack. With a couple of test locks on their way to said lockpicking enthusiasts it’ll be exciting to see whether this new lock design will set the standard for future locks or not.
I love this channel, and this lock is very cool as a concept, BUT…More than anything else, a lock in the real world has to be robust. I think this key is not (the magnetic haft is going to get separated and lost), the lock is trivial to destroy by over torquing or putting gun in the slot and rotating it. Again, nothing against this lock. I think it is very cool, but I don’t think it will ever replace more traditional locks.
i think locks are primarily useful for the psychological effect it has on would be criminals. it’s a surprisingly effective way to communicate phrases like “this isnt yours” or “stay out” and placing an inconvenient hunk of steel in your way. of course these are impotent in the presence of a diamond cutoff wheel or a shotgun and a breaching slug, or for the commando types, thermite. still you cannot argue their efficacy as a crime prevention device.
i want to see a lock that maximizes the psychological effects (not absent in a lock such as this mind you). not necessarily the one that would be the hardest to pick, but which makes the picker question reality itself to the point where you come to your shed the next day and find a criminal on the ground in the fetal position crying with lockpicking tools strewn around.
“diamond cutoff wheel or a shotgun and a breaching slug, or for the commando types, thermite. ”
or you know the more practical, swift hard kick, crowbar, or boltcutter solution.
the sad thing is even the most well engineered lock can be defeated in seconds with a bit of thermite.
with the way the internet acts you would think this would happen every 15 minutes. With 2 brother, a father and a grandfather on the force, combiled they have heard exactly ZERO reports of thermite being used in a break in and have never heard another officer who had taken a call involving thermite.
As a welder, I can imagine far more ways applying thermite to a lock would turn it into a chunk of nearly permanent obstruction than being lucky enough to have it OPEN anything.
combiled=combined. Not sure what happened there