5 Locks That Are Difficult To Pick and Why

For professional locksmiths and dedicated locksport enthusiasts, mastering the craft means understanding the toughest challenges. This list of five locks that are difficult to pick and why explores some of the most formidable designs on the market today. These locks test skill, technique, and patience, thanks to advanced security features and clever engineering that resist common picking methods.

Abloy Protec2

The Abloy Protec2 is renowned for its disc detainer mechanism, which immediately sets it apart from standard pin tumbler locks. Its rotating discs require precise alignment to unlock, and the lock resists common attacks such as bumping and raking.

Each disc has false gates, designed to catch pickers off guard, adding to its complexity. The unique keyway also limits which lock picking tools you can insert. These features make the Protec2 a benchmark for high-security applications.

Mul-T-Lock MT5+

Mul-T-Lock’s MT5+ combines several advanced mechanisms that make it incredibly tough to pick. It features a telescopic pin system, where inner pins move independently within outer pins, creating multiple shear lines that must all be perfectly set.

Additionally, the MT5+ includes an interactive element—a moving part on the key that interacts with a sidebar inside the lock. This feature adds yet another layer of difficulty, requiring advanced skills and exceptional control. Its hardened components also resist destructive attacks, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most secure mechanical locks available.

BiLock NG

The BiLock NG is an Australian design famous for its dual-blade key and innovative sidebar mechanism. This lock contains two sets of pins on either side of the keyway, each interacting with its own sidebar. The key must lift all pins to the correct height while aligning them to engage the sidebars.

The BiLock NG also has false gates to mislead the picker. Because of its dual-action and precise tolerances, the lock demands refined technique and careful manipulation, making it a staple in high-security settings and a serious test of skill.

EVVA MCS

The EVVA MCS (Magnetic Code System) is unique because it relies on magnetic encoding rather than mechanical pins. The key contains magnets that interact with rotors inside the lock to align them properly. Since magnetic forces are invisible and non-mechanical, traditional lock picking tools are ineffective.

Additionally, the lock also contains mechanical elements to further complicate unauthorized entry. This combination of magnetic and mechanical security provides unmatched resistance to picking, making it one of the most advanced and challenging locks in the industry.

Medeco M3

The Medeco M3 is a staple in North American high-security locks, thanks to its angled cut pins and sidebars. You must rotate each pin in the M3 to a precise angle in addition to lifting it to the correct height. This process creates a three-dimensional picking problem that is difficult to solve, even for experienced professionals.

It also includes a secondary locking mechanism that a locksmith must manipulate correctly to fully open the lock. The M3 is a perfect example of how precision engineering can keep skilled hands at bay.

Our list of the five locks that are difficult to pick, and why, showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship behind modern security. Each of these designs challenges locksmiths and hobbyists, encouraging continuous improvement and respect for the trade. Whether you’re honing your skills with lock picking tools or learning about the art of physical security, understanding these locks is an essential step toward mastery.