9 Of The LockPickingLawyer’s Best Locks Revealed
We have the LockPickingLawyers videos and put together this list of the best locks that he has spoken positively about and the ones he has said that he would use himself.
The LockPickingLawyer doesn’t just look for locks that are hard to pick. There are a lot of factors that he evaluates when determining if a lock is secure.
This is because there are many more ways to get into a lock than just simply picking it. There are also many different types of lock cores and keys, some harder and some easier to bypass or pick for different reasons.
LockPickingLawyer Recommended Locks
The LockPickingLawyer has tested many, many locks on YouTube commenting on their physical strength, and pick resistance, and showing if they have any data flaws.
Here is our list of the LockPickingLawyers recommended locks that have scored the best at his hands. Some of them with a personal recommendation from the man himself.
Looking for a specific type of lock?
LockPickingLawyer Best Padlocks
First up we have found what we believe to be a list of the top padlocks that the LockPickingLawyer has given a thumbs up to over the years. While the LockPickingLawyers doesn’t give direct recommendations, these are the ones he has talked about positively and from what we understand these are some of the LockPickingLawyers recommended locks.
ABUS Diskus 20/70
The LockPickingLawyer recommended this lock in this tweet and his early video #150 as one of the best available on Amazon back in 2017, and nothing has changed since then.
While not the strongest lock on this list, it is a very capable lock. Small enough for general use but not too small that it can’t put up with some punishment.
We have had one of these locks on a door in a high-crime area for several years now and it has never let us down. It has been outside in the rain and weather through all of this and still works perfectly. The dust cover over the keyhole helps with this a lot.
This lock is not too big, not too small, and not too heavy. It is the perfect size for almost any application, and it really is the Goldilocks padlock.
For its strength, durability, and size we have given this lock the title of the best padlock.
If you are securing a gate, garage, or another door, then you can combine this lock with the ABUS 140/120 Hasp that covers the shackle of the lock to add even more security from cutting and other types of attacks. Together with the hasp, it becomes one of the strongest combinations you can find on the market.
Note: Make sure that what you attach this lock to is strong, there are several reports of people finding that thieves have been able to get past this lock not by breaking it but by cutting or breaking what its attached to.
You can read more about this lock in our review here.
Benefits
- Great Security
- It is one of the best value locks we have ever seen for its level of security
- Small for its level of security
- Weatherproof
Drawbacks
- Price
While not expensive, you could buy a number of smaller locks for the same price as one of these.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 10 mm |
| Lock Core | ABUS Plus |
| Type | Disc-padlock |
| Weight | 12.8 Ounces / 360 grams |
| Body | Stainless Steel |
| Shackle | Stainless Steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
Commando Lock Total Guard
Covered by the LockPickingLawyer in his video number 133, LPL speaks very highly of this padlock, and for good reason.
Probably the most impressive security-wise laminated padlock that I’ve seen in a while
The LockPickingLawyer
Medium-size padlock, the commando total guard really is built to be a real pain for anyone who doesn’t have a key. The quality of construction is great overall, and smooth and the lamination gives it a nice textured feel. The rubber on the bottom helps to keep it from damaging anything.
With a special high carbon laminated riveted body this will deal with a lot of punishment without giving up. On top of that, the high-carbon hardened shackle is covered with an anti-cut shroud. This all means that brute force, bypasses, and cutting are off the table for this little bad boy of a lock.
Finally the lock core… reviewed by Bosnianbill this lock is a nightmare even for the best lock pickers out there.
This nasty padlock has all security pins. Yes, that’s right, every single pin in this lock is designed to make picking it as hard as possible.
Altogether this is the kind of lock that we want more of in the industry. This is exactly what we look for here on LockJudge and that’s why this one gets a full 5 stars from us. Nice work Commando Lock! 🙂
Benefits
- Very Strong lock body
The rivets and laminated body sections make it very strong. - Weatherproof
Good protection from the elements - Difficult to open
This is good to make it harder for anyone to remove it - Very hard to cut
With the large should someone will not get into this lock easily.
Drawbacks
- Somewhat difficult to use
With the shroud and double locking shackle, opening and closing can be difficult.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 5/16″ – 8mm |
| Lock Core | High-security 5-pin cylinder with 10 security pins |
| Type | Shrouded Padlock |
| Weight | 1 lbs / 450 grams |
| Body | Zinc-plated laminated carbon steel |
| Shackle | Steel-alloy Shrouded shackle |
Ratings
*Paid Links
ABUS Granit 37RK/80
For those who are not worried about the weight and want a lock that is imposing and will turn a thief away after just one look, this is the one that you need.
This is certainly a lock that I would consider using
The LockPickingLawyer
With its hardened steel body and shackle guard, this padlock is one of the strongest padlocks you can get before going to something truly huge like the SS100CS further down this list.
With its CEN 5 rating, this lock is certified to be used when insurance companies require it. This means if you have an expensive motorbike and need to lock it up with an insurance-rated lock then you are in luck this is the one to go for.
If you like the heavy feeling of good build quality then you will love this lock, while it is not overly heavy it does have a good weight behind it. That being said it’s not one you want to be carrying around with you.
Great for use on a lock and chain, a thick hasp or a big ground anchor is where this lock will work best.
Plus it’s matte black and everyone loves matte black.
Benefits
- Insurance Grade Padlock
With its CEN 5 security rating, this padlock is certified to be used when insurance companies require it. - Weatherproof
The coatings on the lock will protect it from most weather but probably not quite a marine-grade lock - One of the most secure padlocks on the market
Drawbacks
- Price
It’s not cheap but it is one of the most secure padlocks money can buy. - Size
It is quite a large padlock and is not what you would call a portable lock.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 14 mm |
| Lock Core | ABUS Plus |
| Type | Padlock |
| Weight | 2.25lbs / 1 kg |
| Body | Hardened alloy steel with Black Granit coating |
| Shackle | Hardened alloy steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
Mul-t-lock Junior TSR-Series Padlock
Mul-t-lock has a great little lock here, with Mul-t-lock’s high-precision telescopic pin tumbler system. This means that unless someone has the right tools and knows what they are doing a thief will not be getting into it.
With a hardened steel boron shackle, steel body and ball-bearing locked shackle this padlock has all the good stuff. While it does look small in the picture it is actually a decent size and weight, check the dimensions below.
This is not the kind of lock that you can break simply with a hit of a hammer or any other brute-force attack for that matter. The round body makes this especially hard to hit the lock in a way that will cause it to break. It will also put up a decent fight to bolt cutters with its strong boron shackle.
There are also drill-resistant elements throughout the lock core making it very resistant to those kinds of attacks.
We recommend this lock for use on a toolbox, or other storage containers where you keep your valuable tools, it is easily strong enough for this application and will not let anyone into a lock box easily.
While this one can be used outside on a truck or similar application we would suggest this one should be kept out of the worst of the weather as Mul-T-Lock locks have a lot of small moving parts that have some very small tolerances.
Benefits
- Comes with 3 keys
It’s nice to have several keys for spares or to share with other trusted people - High-Security
Mul-t-lock is known for its high-security products - Drill Protection
If you are in an area where thieves drill out locks this is the one you want. - No weaknesses or bypasses
- High build quality
Strong materials used throughout the lock - Option for a longer shackle
Drawbacks
- Price
Not a cheap padlock so you will want to use it for protecting things of higher value. Like a toolbox.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 7/16″ (11 mm) |
| Lock Core | Mul-t-lock Junior High-precision telescopic pin tumbler |
| Type | Padlock |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs / 720g |
| Body | Steel body |
| Shackle | Hardened Boron Steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
Squire SS80CS
This was the first lock that the LockPickingLawyer and BisnianBill decided to try and destroy by shooting it. This lock took the punishment of 120 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition and didn’t fail… You can see them try to take this one down in video number 897.
An absolute beast of a lock
The LockPickingLawyer
This is the smaller, more useful, brother, of the SS100CS padlock below. It being smaller isn’t a bad thing because this one is more of a usable size, kind of…
The shackle of the padlock comes completely out of the body, unlike most padlocks. This allows the shackle to be locked down on both sides and makes it fit tightly into the shroud stopping it from being turned to remove a chain even if the shackle is cut. Because of this, a thief would have to cut the shackle twice to remove the top piece, taking twice as long to cut through as normal.
The 16mm shackle will also take a lot of punishment but this also means that with its size it will be much harder to find a chain or a hasp big and strong enough to go with this lock. If you want a chain to go with this one we recommend this 22mm security chain.
This lock is still a beast, coming in at 4.8 lbs or 2.2 kg. This thing is huge and most thieves will be turned away simply by looking at this thing.
Benefits
- Great Security
- One of the best value locks we have ever seen for its security level.
- Small for its level of security
- Weatherproof
Drawbacks
- Weight
Not as big as its bigger brother but still not a portable lock by any stretch.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 16mm |
| Lock Core | Mauer MW4 |
| Type | Padlock |
| Weight | 4.8 lbs / 2.2 kg |
| Body | Hardened Steel |
| Shackle | Hardened Boron Alloy Steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
Squire SS100CS
This lock is simply not to be underestimated and as the LockPickingLawyer said himself this is the strongest lock in the world. He features this lock in video 927.
This is definitely the strongest padlock in the world I have no doubts about it
The LockPickingLawyer
This lock was also featured in video 944, where the LockPickingLawyer and BosnianBill shot the lock with several guns including a 50 caliber rifle until it failed. Here is the list of what it took to get through the lock.
- 20 rounds of .50 cal BMG
- 40 rounds of .308 Armour Piercing
- 60 Rounds of .556
The biggest selling feature of this lock is that it is simply huge. This is its best selling point but it is also its biggest drawback. It’s also hard to find something to attach it to that is strong enough to make it worth it.
This insane lock is rated SR4, meaning it should withstand an angle grinder attack, including 3 cutting discs and spare batterie for at least 10 minutes.
When you have a lock of this size securing something it makes more sense to cut or break whatever it is attached to rather than trying to get into the lock.
This is a dual custody padlock meaning that you need two separate keys to open it. For those that need this, it is a perfect option but for those that just want a normal padlock, this could be a pain as you actually need to carry two keys to be able to open it.
So when would you need a lock like this?
For locking up your nuclear weapons maybe, or protecting millions of dollars of gold bars or an armory. we are not quite sure really. This is more likely a lock intended for military purposes.
You can read more about this lock in our dedicated review here.
Benefits
- It’s HUGE
Bigger than locks used by the military, simply comically huge - Dual Custody Padlock
Two lock cores, and two separate keys. Great if that’s what you are looking for as they are quite rare. - Possibly the most secure padlock in the world
- Weatherproof
Drawbacks
- It’s HUGE
For most situations, this is just too big. - Overly Specialized
With its dual custody keys, this lock is meant for very specific use cases. - 20mm shackle
this is simply too big for most normal purposes but if you need to lock up your nuclear weapons silo then this is definitely the way to go. - Weight
Unless you are looking for a beast of a lock this one is probably too big for you.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 20mm |
| Lock Cores | 2 x (Mauer MW4 lock cores) |
| Type | Padlock |
| Weight | 8 lbs / 3.65 kg |
| Body | Hardened Steel |
| Shackle | Hardened Boron Alloy Steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
PACLOCK UCS-9S Puck Lock
This puck lock from PACLOCK is a great design that is very surprising that we have not seen it more often. As LPL talks about in his video #1293 of this lock its cone-shaped outer face, makes it extremely difficult to drill.
PACLOCK has made a compromise to make the lock more secure with this one by not including its logo on the face of the lock. This meant that they didn’t get the same advertising benefit from the lock but it increased its security. Something we don’t see many companies doing.
It also has the PACLOCK lock core in it that can be changed easily to allow you to change the key or buy a set to key-a-like all your locks.
This is why we think PACLOCKs are particularly good for tradesmen and anyone who needs a selection of good security locks that are versatile and can all be keyed together.
When used with a good quality hasp for a puck lock this will make for a formidable challenge for any thief no matter how well-equipped they are.
Benefits
- Conical shape to stop drilling
- Interchangeable lock core
This allows key changes easily or you to key a-like all your own PACLOCKs
Drawbacks
- Weight
This one is a bit heavier than a flat version so this might be something to consider - Size
If you have limited space this puck lock may not fit
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 10mm |
| Lock Core | PACLOCK |
| Type | Puck Lock |
| Weight | 2.23lbs / 1kg |
| Body | Stainless Steel |
| Shackle | Stainless Steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
Bowley Model 543 Padlock
Covered by LPL in Video 653, this is one of the very few locks that he does not pick on camera because he simply can’t pick this lock.
Well done to the Bowley Lock Company this is a very nice product
The LockPickingLawyer
The Bowley Padlock is an innovative new type of lock that began its life as a Kickstarter. It uses a unique design that is extremely hard to pick, making this a black belt lock and one of the most secure locks currently available. See the LockPickingLawyer discuss it in this video.
The key for this lock is like nothing you have ever seen before and will have people asking you about it. In fact, the design of this lock is so different that you can be quite confident that no one will have ever seen one before and it truly is unique in the world of locks.
The key is awesome and while it may look a bit funny and possibly a bit fragile it is very strong and is made of high-strength steel. You wouldn’t be able to break it even if you were trying.
There are only a handful of people in the world who have ever opened one of these locks. We have not been able to open the lock either because of how unique and difficult this one is to open.
The Bowley Company is one of the most innovative companies in making locks in the world right now and this padlock shows every part of that innovation.
Benefits
- Possibly the most secure lock in the world
- Almost unpickable
So different and difficult that it is as close to unpickable as you can get - Innovative
This is one of the most innovative locks produced in the last 100 years.
Drawbacks
- Rare
These locks are so new and different that getting your hands on one can be quite difficult
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 11mm |
| Lock Core | Bowley Lock |
| Type | Padlock |
| Weight | — |
| Body | Stainless Steel |
| Shackle | Stainless Steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
ABLOY PL342
If you haven’t found what you are looking for above then maybe this is the lock you are looking for. Abloy has just hit the mark with this lock, it is strong and has a covered shackle to make it very hard to cut, hardened steel all over, and a great lock core to avoid anyone picking their way in.
It has an awesome premium feeling as the body is one large piece of machined metal.
This is just a super practical lock and it even looks great. Not something that is usually said about padlocks but in this case, it is deserved.
Benefits
- Great Security
- It is one of the best value locks we have ever seen for its security level.
- Small for its level of security
- Weatherproof
Drawbacks
- Price
While not expensive, you could buy a number of smaller locks for the same price as one of these.
Specifications
| Shackle Thickness | 15 mm |
| Lock Core | ABLOY PROTEC |
| Type | Padlock |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs / 1.27 kg |
| Body | Case-hardened steel |
| Shackle | Case-hardened boron steel |
Ratings
*Paid Links
How the LockPickingLawyer Evaluates Locks
The LockPickingLawyer chooses locks with some very strict criteria. Much more than most people would have for a lock.
From our analysis of the exploits and picking it appears that Harry will spend a decent amount of time with each lock testing and thinking about all the possible ways he can pick it or get into it.
This could simply be him picking it open, through to using bypass tools, or in some cases even making new tools of his own to get into the lock.
There have even been times when he has used nothing at all and has opened something with his bare hands. Like the time he simply slapped open a lockbox.
No Bypasses or Security Flaws
For the LPL to speak about a lock in a positive way and for him to mention in a video that he would use, he has to put up with him trying to break into the lock in any way that he can imagine.
We have seen Harry get into locks with all kinds of tools using all kinds of techniques so it is obvious that he spends quite a bit of time creatively thinking of ways to bypass the locking mechanisms to be able to
High Level of Pick Resistance
Lock Picking resistance isn’t everything when it comes to locks as the LockPickingLawyer knows but it is still a necessity.
He will usually only say that a lock is good and indicate that he would use it himself if the lock has a moderate to hard pick level to begin with. The lowest level locks we have seen him talk positively about are green belt locks and this puts them at an intermediate level for picking.
To Sum Up
While the LockPickingLawyer has picked and reviewed many many locks on his channel, thousands now, there are not that many that he has actually recommended.
We hope that you found what you were looking for but if you didn’t please take a look at our list of the best padlocks or door locks if that’s what you are looking for.
Or if you found this article helpful please leave a comment below or share the article with someone it will benefit.
Would love to see your recommendations for bluetooth deadbolt locks
We will look into it, thanks for the recommendation.
Hi, I luv the LPL’s videos from the tech perspective, but we need affordable locks in this society… master puck locks are cheap, heavy duty, lots of accessories etc – but can be raked in 5 seconds – so USELESS AS IS…
But, the lock core and pin can be removed by the owner, easily. So where is the “unrakeable replacement core” that I can buy to upgrade my useless puck lock to at least “hard to pick” status?!? Seems like a HUGE market opportunity, or, at least I would buy a few!
Cheers,
DEF
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hi I want to buy a padlock which is unpickable. I am facing problem of picking of lock again and again due to one of my relative. Lock remains safe but it’s duplicate key is made with the help of keyman. please guide me. Bowley model 543 not found available.
Hi Asha, there is no such thing as a lock that can not be picked but there are some that are extremely hard to pick. If this is the case then a lock like the Abus Granite 37/80 has good pick resistance and is a very secure lock.
Alternatively, if your problem is due to the lock needing to be changed all the time due to lost keys then maybe the Kwikset smart key is the best option as you can easily change the key without needing to change the lock.
I hope this helps
Is there a combination lock worth buying ..?
There are not a lot of good combination padlocks that have a decent level of security but here are our recommendations. These pass the test, one bigger high-security and then down to a smaller one for lockers.
Thanks for the quick reply .. I will check them out .. 🙂
You may want to rethink your recommendation of the commando total guard padlock.
100% cut resistance (youtube.com)