Mechanical door locks have been securing properties for centuries, yet misconceptions about their capabilities and limitations persist. Let’s separate fact from fiction and explore the truth about these essential security devices.
Myth 1: “All Locks Can Be Picked in Seconds”
The Reality: While movies love to show thieves picking locks in mere seconds, real-world lock picking is far more challenging. High-quality mechanical locks with security pins, tight tolerances, and advanced cylinder designs can take even experienced lock pickers many minutes—or prove impossible without specialized tools and extensive practice.
Most burglars avoid picking locks entirely. FBI statistics consistently show that forced entry through doors accounts for the majority of break-ins, with lock picking representing less than 2% of unauthorized entries. Criminals prefer speed and simplicity: kicking in doors, breaking windows, or exploiting unlocked entry points rather than attempting the skill-intensive task of lock manipulation.
The key takeaway? A quality mechanical lock from a reputable manufacturer provides excellent real-world security against the methods criminals actually use.
Myth 2: “Mechanical Locks Are Obsolete Technology”
The Truth: Calling mechanical locks obsolete is like calling hammers obsolete. They remain the most widely used lock type globally because they excel at their primary function: controlling physical access reliably and affordably.
Mechanical locks have evolved significantly over recent decades. Modern high-security cylinders incorporate advanced features like sidebar mechanisms, rotating pins, magnetic elements, and complex keyways that make them incredibly difficult to compromise. These innovations represent cutting-edge security engineering, even without digital components.
Furthermore, mechanical locks serve as the foundation for many “smart” locks, which typically integrate electronic controls with traditional mechanical mechanisms. Even in smart lock systems, the mechanical component ultimately secures the door.
Myth 3: “More Pins Always Mean Better Security”
Not Quite: While pin count matters, it’s not the only factor determining lock security. A seven-pin cylinder with standard pins and loose tolerances may be less secure than a five-pin cylinder with security pins, tight tolerances, and quality manufacturing.
Security features that matter more than pin count include:
- Security pin types (mushroom, spool, serrated)
- Manufacturing precision and tolerances
- Cylinder material quality
- Keyway complexity
- Additional security elements like sidebars or magnetic pins
- Physical attack resistance of the lock body
A well-designed six-pin lock from a quality manufacturer will outperform a poorly made eight-pin lock every time.
Myth 4: “Bump Keys Can Open Any Pin Tumbler Lock”
The Nuance: Bump key attacks gained notoriety in the mid-2000s, causing concern about lock security. While bump keys can defeat some locks, modern security-conscious manufacturers have developed numerous countermeasures.
High-security locks incorporate bump-resistant features such as:
- Specialized pin designs that resist bumping
- Sidebars requiring precise rotation
- Telescoping pins with multiple shear lines
- Magnetic or electronic elements
- Modified keyways preventing bump key insertion
Additionally, bump key attacks require practice, proper technique, and aren’t silent—they create noise and take time. For most security applications, quality locks with anti-bump features provide robust protection.
Myth 5: “You Should Keep a Spare Key Hidden Outside”
Absolutely False: Hiding keys under doormats, flower pots, or fake rocks is one of the worst security decisions homeowners make. Burglars know all the common hiding spots and check them routinely.
Better alternatives include:
- Giving spare keys to trusted neighbors or family members
- Using a high-security key lockbox in a discrete location
- Installing a secondary mechanical lock with a different key
- Keeping a spare in your vehicle (if parked securely) or workplace
No matter how clever your hiding spot seems, a determined intruder with a few minutes can likely find it.
Myth 6: “Rekeying Means Getting New Locks”
Wrong: Rekeying is a cost-effective service that allows you to change which keys operate your existing locks without replacing the entire lock assembly. A locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the pins with a different configuration, and provides new keys.
This is ideal when:
- Moving into a new home or office
- Lost keys create security concerns
- You want to consolidate multiple locks to one key
- An employee or contractor returns keys but copies might exist
Rekeying costs a fraction of full lock replacement and maintains your existing hardware investment.
Myth 7: “Deadbolts and Door Locks Are the Same Thing”
Not Exactly: While both secure doors, deadbolts and spring-latch locks (like those in doorknobs) serve different purposes and offer varying security levels.
Spring-latch locks use a beveled latch that automatically extends when the door closes. They’re convenient but vulnerable to credit card shimming and provide minimal security against forced entry.
Deadbolts use a solid metal bolt that extends deep into the door frame and cannot be retracted without turning the key or interior thumb turn. They resist forced entry far more effectively and should be standard on all exterior doors.
For optimal security, use both: a quality doorknob or lever for everyday convenience and a Grade 1 deadbolt for serious security.
Myth 8: “Locks Are All About the Cylinder”
Incomplete Picture: While the cylinder is crucial, overall lock security depends on multiple components working together:
- Strike plate: Must be properly installed with long screws penetrating the wall framing
- Bolt: Should be hardened steel with at least one-inch throw
- Lock body: Must resist drilling, prying, and physical attack
- Door and frame: Even the best lock fails if mounted to a weak door or poorly installed frame
Comprehensive door security requires attention to the entire system, not just the lock cylinder.
Myth 9: “You Can Use Any Lubricant on Locks”
Dangerous Assumption: Using WD-40, 3-in-1 oil, or other petroleum-based lubricants in lock cylinders will eventually cause problems. These products attract dust and dirt, creating a sticky residue that gums up the delicate internal mechanisms.
Use only:
- Dry graphite powder (preferred for most applications)
- Silicone-based lubricants designed for locks
- PTFE (Teflon) based lubricants
Apply sparingly—locks need minimal lubrication to function optimally.
The Bottom Line
Mechanical locks represent sophisticated security technology when properly selected, installed, and maintained. Understanding the facts—rather than believing common myths—helps property owners make informed decisions about their security needs.
Quality mechanical locks from reputable manufacturers provide excellent real-world security against the threats properties actually face. They combine proven reliability with modern security features, delivering peace of mind without the vulnerabilities and dependencies of connected devices.