Lock Security Debate

Cluster centers on debates about the effectiveness of physical locks like padlocks, bike locks, and smart locks, arguing that despite vulnerabilities to picking, brute force, or circumvention, they still provide deterrence against casual thieves.

πŸ“‰ Falling 0.4x Security
5,422
Comments
20
Years Active
5
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#7037
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Keywords

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Sample Comments

bkdbkd β€’ Jun 9, 2021 β€’ View on HN

exactly. "its not that the lock is insecure, its just that sometimes thieves figure out how to make keys."

aeonflux β€’ Jul 9, 2021 β€’ View on HN

I guess you don’t use locks, since expert can pick them in few seconds? Every little thing helps.

eurasiantiger β€’ Feb 13, 2022 β€’ View on HN

A lock with no keys can still be opened with a lockpick or just brute force.

ontoillogical β€’ Aug 24, 2012 β€’ View on HN

More difficult than hotel locks? :)

qkhhly β€’ Oct 30, 2024 β€’ View on HN

if a locksmith can open your door, others can, too. in this rare event, i think brute force is an acceptable price to pay for the extra security.

jhbadger β€’ Feb 21, 2017 β€’ View on HN

Locks are physically impossible by exactly the same argument. In order to enter cars and homes, at some point doors must be opened. The fact that people have managed to circumvent locks hasn't made them any less desirable -- the mere act of making it difficult, if not impossible to circumvent has value.

readthenotes1 β€’ Feb 1, 2024 β€’ View on HN

Locking doesn't deter thieves in several locales ...

anon1395 β€’ Sep 18, 2025 β€’ View on HN

You could just break it, and someone may find out a way to pick this lock

scotty79 β€’ Jan 14, 2010 β€’ View on HN

Are you sure your lock can't be opened without trace (bumped)?

eropple β€’ Jan 24, 2014 β€’ View on HN

Make sure the lock itself doesn't suck, though. A lot of cylinder locks can be opened with a Bic pen, for example.