Mechanical Shabbat Locks: A Locksmith’s Opinion

The number one reason people install these locks is convenience. No need to carry a key, relatives or friends people can be let in without a key and with children coming in and out, there is no key to lose.  Most of these locks let you change the combination.

The mechanical lock seems like an ideal solution for people who want to have some sort of security and not require a key. But are they really secure? What can be the problem of using them on the front door of your apartment?

There are tradespeople who will sell you the lock and do the installation, but before you make that decision, understand how easy it is to defeat these “locks”.

Ask your insurance company and they will likely tell you that unless your steel door is locked with a Rav Bariach type of lock mechanism, you do not qualify for insurance. And even if you do have a Rav Bariach type of lock mechanism on your door, and you choose to not use it and instead use a mechanical pushbutton lock you are likely not covered in case of theft, because there is no evidence of a forced entry.

A locksmith or handyman might tell you that they are fine to use, but think again. If your home has ever been broken into, whether you were away, or asleep at night, you know that the feelings of vulnerability go on months afterwards and sometimes years. The damage done by thieves can take weeks to repair and the loss of precious, expensive and sentimental items is immeasurable.

It is not just thieves that are the concern, opening your apartment and finding that someone moved in while you were away is a concern. If you are ever away for more than 30 days and you come back and discover someone entered your apartment and is there illegally, you have to go through legal channels to get rid of that person.

One of the simplest ways that thieves can bypass a “Shabbat mechanical lock” is by using a UV marker and flashlight. Since there is no specific order that the buttons are pressed, just knowing the numbers enables thieves to enter your property.

How? First, the UV marker is used to place a dot that is invisible in daylight on each key. After a few days of use, the dot is rubbed off. A UV flashlight is used to reveal the “secret” combination.

Can you guess the combination of this lock?

If you think it takes an experience safe cracker to open your door, you have to watch this video. Watch Roy Sammons defeat a mechanical pushbutton lock without any tools.

This video shows how easily some mechanical locks can be opened by using a magnet. Watch BosnianBill defeat a mechanical pushbutton lock with a magnet.

Once a mechanical lock goes on a door, even for occasional use, there is no control over when and how it is used. Someone might use it for a short time, while they run to pick up groceries or a trip to the beach. There is no way to control it. Break-ins do not always happen in the middle of the night or when you expect them. You can never tell when someone will test your home’s vulnerabilities. Make a smart decision.