High Security Locks, Abloy vs Mul-T-Lock vs Medeco

Our company supplies and installs Abloy locks that are high security with restricted keys. Abloy Protec2 is our favourite choice out of the current set of high security options, including Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. Here is the research and the experience behind that choice.

There are two reasons our customers need high security locks

1) A restricted keyway

They want to keep the people who have the key from making unauthorized copies. All three brands listed above have physically and procedurally restricted key copying. Generally, when a customer has a restricted key, they need to go back to the locksmith who supplied that key and lock system to make a copy. Other locksmiths cannot make a copy because they do not have the key copying equipment or access to the original key blanks of that brand, which are physically different and will not fit into another locksmith's restricted keyway. On top of finding the originating locksmith, you also have to show proof that you are allowed to copy the key, by a registration card or other signed documentation. How do you find the originating locksmith? It should be stamped or marked on your high security key.

2) They have important stuff to protect

So it matters that the lock has no weaknesses against surreptitious and unauthorized entry. They should not be able to be picked open or bypassed, even by locksmiths, and they should take forever to get through even by forceful destruction.

mul-t-lock issues

1. Patent expired. The patent for Mul-T-Lock Interactive expired in 2013 [1]. That means it can be legal to make equipment to copy keys and to copy keys, though third party solutions might not be readily available to the general public at the time of writing.
2. Can be picked. We consider a high security lock to be a lock that no one can pick.
   • Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Mortise Cylinder Picked and Gutted
   • Mul-T-Lock Interactive Super Spool Lock Picked and Gutted
   • Mul-T-Lock Picked (Thanks Jacob!)
3. Wear and tear. We have had a few calls in the field where keys to these locks wore out and would not smoothly open the lock, or would not open it at all. Often the key is hard to push in because the pins are worn and the key has difficulty ramping up.
4. Springs. This lock uses a pin tumbler design, though a neat inner and outer set, and that means springs. Springs wear out.
5. Limited master key range. Because it is a pin tumbler design, the master key combinations are limited by the length of its pins.

medeco issues

At the time of writing, our company supplies and installs Medeco brand M3 locks.

1. Locks can be opened via a photo of the keys and a special work around [2].
2. Keys can sometimes break, especially when they are cut deeply. We have a few customers who need to order more Medeco keys once in a while, as theirs snap at the deep points on the cut.
3. Patent expires soon. The latest M3 Medeco expires in 2021. Key patent expiration dates
4. Springs. This lock uses a pin tumbler design, though with angled pins, and that means springs. Springs wear out. Some of our customers who have had their Medeco locks for about ten years need them rekeyed due to simple wear on the key and pins. They grind down just enough for the cylinder to no longer be as exact as it was originally.
5. Limited master key range, for the same pin tumbler reason.
6. Keys can theoretically be 3D printed.
7. Research has shown that certain models can be bumped open, given the correct setup of bump key.

abloy issues

1. The core of Abloy locks might be able to be punched through when it is not installed into the lock housing. Wayne Winton of TriCounty Locksmiths has suggested this is a non-issue once the core is installed into a lock housing. We believe that to be the case for mortise and key-in-knob housings, where there is something behind the core.
2. Because it is a disc detainer design and not the pin tumbler design more people are used to, certain installations such as storefront mortise deadbolts require an extra quarter turn on the rotation. It feels slightly different from traditional designs, though in our experience untrained customers have not mentioned that as an obstacle in daily use.

Interesting facts for conspiracy theorists

• Medeco is owned by the ASSA ABLOY Group, which also owns Abloy and many other lock manufacturers.
• Mul-T-Lock is fully owned by the ASSA ABLOY Group.
• Abloy is owned by, surprise, the ASSA ABLOY Group.

Bibliography

1. lockpickingforensics.com/articles/mul_t_lock.pdf
2. wired.com, Electronic Locks Defeated
3. youtube.com/watch?v=4tc8LJiBuOc
4. Locksmith Ledger, Abloy Protec2, The Ultimate Locking Solution

We supply and install Abloy high security locks with restricted keys. Ask us what suits your door.

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