Awesome Locks

Magician and puzzle fanatic Chris Ramsay shows off an incredibly complicated “Level 10” puzzle by designer Rainer Popp. The beautifully-crafted T11 Popplock weighs in at about 5 pounds, and requires a sequence of 13 tricky steps to unlock it. The only clue provided is to use the key in the keyhole – but there is no keyhole.

There are lots of videos out there which show you how to pick basic padlocks, but most of them don’t involve running 900 amps of current through them. This is that video, courtesy of LockPickingLawyer, who connected an ordinary Master lock between the electrodes of a powerful transformer. That sound is terrifying.

Looking for a lock with a security advantage? This unique padlock features a special key that’s extremely difficult to copy with precision, and a mechanism that’s much less likely to be picked by the average YouTube-watching thief.

Igloohome’s digital padlock combines the convenience of PIN locks with the versatility of Bluetooth locks. It lets you send PIN codes to users via SMS and other text messaging apps. You can set the duration or timing that the codes will work and monitor access.

Watch as maker of things The Q crafts a fully-functional giant padlock from cardboard, plastic, hot glue, and syringes. While this oversize lock would easily be defeated with a cigarette lighter, it’s still a pretty nifty build.

This smartly-designed lock attaches to the throttle and brake control of most motorcycles and mopeds, adding a layer of security that goes beyond cables and ignition locks. Its internal mechanism is made using hardened steel, making it extremely difficult to defeat.

Most locks unlock with either a few turns of a dial, or inserting a key. But the Schloss 250 is a lock puzzle that requires 250+ moves in order to open its hasp. The solution is relatively simple once you get it, but quite time consuming. The Generation Lock is even more challenging.

Sparkfun founder Nate Seidle loves to create robots and is a genius with electronics. So for the fun of it, his wife gifted him a small safe that was locked, and provided no combination to open it. It was then up to Nathan to build a robot that could open it.

Paul Myers designed this replacement interior door knob which can only be opened by dropping a marble into its top. It’s made from 3D printed PLA, Airsoft and skate bearings. You can pick one up in his Etsy shop, Beta Things. We dig his business card embosser too.

Unlike most smart locks, Monkey works with intercom systems instead of door locks. Just plug it inside your intercom handset and near a Wi-Fi connection to activate it. It can also control smart locks installed in doors.

Like other smart locks, Ola lets you open your door with your phone via Bluetooth as well as grant temporary access to other people. But it also has a fingerprint sensor, so you can open it even if you don’t have your phone with you.

The Seatylock combines a bicycle saddle with a hardened steel folding lock, protecting both your bike and seat from theft, and removing the need to carry a separate U-bolt lock. Available in two saddle styles and numerous colors.

The Yerka Project aims to create a bicycle where the frame and seatpost work together to form a giant lock, making it virtually impossible to walk off with it, and eliminating the need to carry a U-Lock, chain or cable.

Like Lockitron, August is a Bluetooth-enabled door lock. It attaches to your existing deadbolt and will allow you to open the door without using your keys. It also lets you bestow access to other people without giving them actual keys.

The Covert is a discreet lock that you can attach to the inside of practically any storage with a door or drawer. It comes with a magnetic “key” that moves the Covert’s latch to lock or unlock it.

Perhaps inspired by Walter White, here’s another compartment that’s hiding in plain sight. Turn the fastener hidden in the fake vent’s louvers to reveal the removable shelves.