Lock picking, an activity that combines skill, patience, and sometimes a touch of audacity, has fascinated both the security industry and the public for centuries. While many locks are designed to be impenetrable, history has shown that even the most secure locks can be defeated by determined and skilled lock pickers. This article delves into five famous locks that have been successfully picked, revealing the intriguing stories behind these feats and their impact on lock design and security.

1. The Great Seal of England

The Great Seal of England, used to symbolize the Sovereign's approval of important state documents, was protected by a lock thought to be unpickable during its time. However, in the early 20th century, Alfred Charles Hobbs, an American locksmith, managed to pick the seal's lock. Hobbs, who was demonstrating his lock-picking skills at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, aimed to prove that no lock was impregnable. His successful attempt didn't just shock the British public but also forced governments to reconsider the security of their most significant seals and documents.

2. The Bramah Lock

The Bramah lock, created by Joseph Bramah in 1784, was famed for its security and was considered unpickable for many years. The lock featured a cylindrical key with precise notches, making it far more complex than the locks of its time. Bramah was so confident in his invention that he offered a reward to anyone who could pick it. It wasn't until 67 years later, in 1851, that Alfred Charles Hobbs, the same American locksmith mentioned earlier, managed to pick the Bramah lock after 51 hours of work spread over 16 days. This event dramatically highlighted the need for ongoing innovation in the world of lock-making.

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3. The Chubb Detector Lock

Another victim of Alfred Charles Hobbs' lock-picking tour of England was the Chubb detector lock. Created by Jeremiah Chubb in 1818 as a response to a government competition for a lock that could only be opened by its own key, the Chubb lock contained a unique security feature that would alert the owner if someone had tried to tamper with it. Despite this, Hobbs managed to pick the lock in front of an astonished crowd at the Great Exhibition of 1851, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest lock pickers in history.

4. The San Quentin Prison Lock

In a more contemporary example, the maximum-security cells of San Quentin State Prison were outfitted with high-security locks designed to be tamper-proof. However, in the 1970s, Raphael Sperry, then a Stanford University student, managed to pick one of these formidable locks as part of a class project on the vulnerabilities of prison security systems. Using only basic tools, Sperry demonstrated that even locks designed to contain some of the most dangerous individuals were not immune to the ingenuity of a skilled picker.

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5. The Kryptonite Bike Lock

The Kryptonite bike lock, known for its toughness and reliability, faced a significant setback in 2004 when it was discovered that certain models could be easily picked using a common Bic pen. Videos surfaced online showing people picking these locks in mere seconds, leading to widespread concern among cyclists about the security of their bikes. Kryptonite quickly addressed the issue by offering free lock exchanges and redesigning their locks to prevent such vulnerabilities, but the incident remains a stark reminder of the importance of continually testing and improving security devices.

Conclusion

The successful picking of these famous locks serves as a testament to the ingenuity and persistence of lock pickers throughout history. Each instance prompted a reevaluation of lock designs and pushed the industry toward developing more secure locking mechanisms. While no lock can ever be deemed entirely unpickable, the evolution of lock technology continues to be a fascinating arms race between lock makers and those who seek to test their limits.

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