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I just spent a half hour trying to figure out what testing is done to get SKG ratings. Anything that might go into details is not in english! I ask because I picked my first SKG** lock last night. First open was less than 3 minutes. Within 10-15 min., I was regularly opening the lock in about 30 seconds. So my question really is: does the SKG rating involve a component of pick resistance?

SKG rating only involves destructive entry , not picking.
The testing is done with "basic tools" (hammer , screwdrivers , vice grips , ...)

1 star : original : at least 1 minute of resistance, the rating was revisted in 2010 , now 1 star means : not able to provide 3 minutes of resistance on its own , only use together with other products
2 stars: at least 3 minutes of resistance
3 stars: at least 5 minutes of resistance , against more tools

I can't get you any more info (like what the tools are exactely) because the whole thing is subject to certain EN guidelines , and you have to pay to get the official documentation.


edit: if you found any detailed information in Dutch , show me , i can translate it.

Not as impressive as I had originally thought. Brute force only...

And I'm dumbfounded at the test. What kind of moron criminal sits there banging a lock with a hammer, making noise and attracting attention... and for 5 minutes?!? If I saw someone doing that, I'd call someone in a white coat, not in a blue uniform.

Not as impressive as I had originally thought. Brute force only...

And I'm dumbfounded at the test. What kind of moron criminal sits there banging a lock with a hammer, making noise and attracting attention... and for 5 minutes?!? If I saw someone doing that, I'd call someone in a white coat, not in a blue uniform.[/quote]

If criminals had the patience to learn skills they would not need to steal other people's stuff. When it comes to the attention that a thief gets when they are trying to break in, that is why it is great to have clear visibility and have a well lit surrounding. If they can be seen it is usually a deterrent. Criminals are not looking to pick locks, they want the path of least resistance.

The old adage I hear all the time on all these forums is, "the strongest most complicated lock in the world does nothing to protect your window". Security is all about the diversity of your protection. Best protection you can have is getting a big to medium size dog (every study and article I have ever seen with criminals and police alike agree that a dog deters most criminals more than any other factor).

As far as white coats versus blue uniforms go, I think it is insane to steal things period. Everyone knows the rules, if you aren't following them, it sounds like you are crazy to me. (We are talking about home security here, not Le Mis style stealing bread to survive).

We the pickers are not the thieves. And that is what makes such a cool hobby also a noble one. Share the love of picking!

I am a bit off topic but a few years back when out walking the dog I came across a large industrial gate with the padlock smashed off, being a decent citizen I phoned the police and explained it may have been broken in to and they may wish to investigate.......well, after a few minutes of interrogation by them and demanding my phone number etc which appeared to be more of a concern than the case I was reporting I told them ...."do what you want, I have reported it and if you want my details then go trace this call"

Honestly they really hacked me off with their attitude. So I reckon you could stand there and bang with hammer for ages and get away with it in many instances. Just recently announced in the UK that the police are unlikely to attend if your house is burgled as they dont have the resources any more.

It's common where I live in the states for the police to just grab your information and leave after a break in. You really have to pull some evidence like video footage, or have witnesses for the cops to pursue it.

Here in AZ I've only found one case of a criminal using a pick gun to gain entry in my town. The rest have drills, bolt cutters, cordless grinders, prybars ect. Most are junkies that are busy getting high, breeding kids that I pay for lol, and stealing things other people worked hard for. They don't bother learning a skill. Most of the time age and neglect with dirt and rust buildup make an easier lock much more difficult. Add uncomfortable picking positions, low light or darkness, sweating from the heat, or freezing cold it makes more sense for scum bags to break a window, drill a lock ect.. Just my 2 cents.