A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pick a Medeco Lock

Welcome to my blog, where today we shall delve into the fascinating world of lockpicking. As a passionate lock enthusiast, I have spent countless hours honing my skills and exploring various lock mechanisms. From common brands like Schlage, Kwikset, Defiant, and Masterlock, I have gained valuable experience in picking locks. However, it was only recently that I achieved a significant milestone—I mastered the art of picking Medeco locks.

Medeco locks are renowned for their high-security features and resistance to picking techniques. They have long been a challenge for locksmiths and enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my newfound knowledge and techniques for successfully picking Medeco locks. Whether you’re a seasoned locksmith or a curious individual seeking to expand your understanding of lock mechanisms, this blog is your gateway to unlocking the secrets of Medeco locks.

So join me as we embark on a step-by-step journey that unravels the complexities of Medeco locks and equips you with the skills necessary to overcome their formidable security.

What Makes Medeco Locks So Hard To Pick?

Medeco locks are high-security locks known for their robust design and resistance to picking, drilling, and other forms of forced entry. They are widely used in commercial and residential applications where security is a top priority.

While it’s not impossible to pick a Medeco lock with the right skills, time, and special tools, certain security features make the task highly challenging. The following is a general overview of how a Medeco lock works and what makes them so hard to crack:

• Unique Keys: Medeco locks use a patented key control system that requires a specialized key to operate the lock. The keys have angled cuts on the side, and each cut must align with specific pin heights inside the lock. This unique design means you can’t just make a copy of the key easily, making it harder for unauthorized folks to get in.
• Specialized Pinning System: These locks have a pin tumbler mechanism with extra security pins, including sidebar pins. When you stick the key in, it needs to align everything just right for the lock to turn. So, trying to pick it with tools becomes quite a challenge.
• Won’t Rotate Easily: Medeco locks are designed to resist rotation during picking attempts. The sidebar mechanism, in combination with the angled cuts on the key pins, creates a rotational force that must be applied precisely to open the lock. This adds an extra layer of difficulty for anyone trying to pick it. 
• Built to Be Strong: These locks are made with super strong hardened steel parts, which makes them really tough to drill or break. They can handle a lot of force and tampering without giving in.
• Top-Secret Patented Design: Medeco locks have numerous patents protecting their design and technology. These patents restrict the availability of detailed information about the internal workings of the lock, making it more challenging for potential attackers to develop effective picking techniques.

Can Medeco Locks Be Picked?

Medeco locks are known for their high security and resistance to picking. However, like any lock, they can be picked with the right knowledge, skill, and tools. 

How To Pick Medeco Locks

In this section, I will guide you through three effective methods that you can use to pick a Medeco lock. These methods have proven to be successful and are widely used by locksmiths and lock enthusiasts. 

By mastering the single-pin picking method, the raking method, and the hybrid method, you will have a diverse set of techniques at your disposal to confidently and skillfully pick a Medeco lock. 

Let’s dive in and explore these three methods step by step.

Method 1: Clockwise Tension

Clockwise Tension is a lockpicking technique that focuses on applying clockwise tension to the lock’s core, specifically targeting the binding of the sidebar before the pins at the shear line. By setting all the pins to the shear line and listening for a slight false set, you can then concentrate on pin rotation. 

Here’s how,

• Step 1: Begin by applying clockwise tension to the lock’s core. This will bind the sidebar first, before the pins at the shear line.
  
• Step 2: Set all the pins to the shear line without going through the complete picking motion. This process is similar to other locks.
• Step 3: Look for a slight false set, indicating that you’re now on the sidebar. This signals that it’s time to focus on pin rotation.
• Step 4: Test each pin individually by applying heavy tension and using a back-and-forth motion under the pin. Listen for a distinctive ticking sound, indicating that the pin is not binding.
  
• Step 5: If a pin doesn’t make a sound or move, it’s likely binding. Release some tension and rotate the pick past the pin to one side, then give it a gentle pull to rotate the pin.
• Step 6  If a pin gets stuck in a false gate, tilt the pick to the opposite side and pull the pin back. Repeat the process until the pin rotates freely.
• Step 7: Reset the lock if necessary and repeat the process for other pins until you achieve an open.

Method 2: Counterclockwise Tension

By applying tension in the opposite direction, this technique focuses on manipulating the sidebar’s shape through pin rotation. Perform the clicky test to identify responsive pins, adjusting tension until they rotate freely. Ideal for counterclockwise picking or when clockwise tension fails.

Here are the steps for the same.

• Step 1: Apply counterclockwise tension to the core. This time, the shape of the sidebar will require pin rotation to be set first.
• Step 2: Perform the clicky test under each pin, looking for any sound or movement. Tilt the pick to the right or left based on the pin’s response
  
• Step 3: Adjust tension as needed and continue testing pins until they rotate freely.
• Step 4: For pins without false gates, you can skip the clicky test and move on to the next pin.
• Step 5: Use this method when clockwise tension doesn’t work or when a lock requires counterclockwise picking.

At first glance, this method may appear easier and capable of addressing some issues found in other methods. However, its execution becomes more challenging due to the requirement of memorizing the picking order and the specific tilt direction of the pick for each step. But I like this method better, as it works on most locks.

Method 3: Hybrid Method

The hybrid method is a technique that combines lifting and rotating the pins of a lock simultaneously. This method is useful in situations where the binding order or direction of the pins is uncertain or when a lock shows a preference for rotation in a specific direction. To employ the hybrid method, you lift each pin while simultaneously applying rotational pressure to determine if any pins require both lifting and rotation at the same time. By using this technique, you can efficiently explore the lock’s mechanism and determine the optimal combination of lifting and rotation to pick the lock successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I pick a Medeco lock without any prior experience?

Answer – Picking locks requires practice, patience, and a good understanding of the lock mechanism. While it’s possible to learn how to pick a Medeco lock without prior experience, it may take time to develop the necessary skills.

Q2. Can picking a Medeco lock damage the lock?

Answer – Picking a lock, if done improperly, can potentially cause damage. It requires finesse, control, and practice to avoid damaging the lock. It’s important to approach lock picking responsibly and be aware of the potential risks involved.

Q3. Is lock picking legal?

Answer – Lock picking is a legal activity in most jurisdictions as long as it is done with the owner’s permission or for legitimate purposes such as locksmithing or law enforcement. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations regarding lock picking in your specific area.

Conclusion

Picking Medeco locks can be a challenging yet rewarding skill to acquire. With the knowledge and techniques shared in this blog, you now have a solid foundation to approach Medeco locks with confidence. Remember always to practice ethical and legal lock-picking techniques, respecting the importance of security and privacy. Keep honing your skills, and with time and dedication, you’ll become proficient in picking Medeco locks. Whether you’re a locksmith, a lock enthusiast, or simply curious about the intricacies of lock picking, the journey to understanding and mastering Medeco locks is a fascinating one. Happy picking!

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