Discover 7 lock pin types with pros, security ratings, and expert tips to choose durable, pick-resistant pins for home or business security.

Lock Pin Anatomy in 30 Seconds

A lock pin stack has three main parts: the top pin, the bottom pin, and the driver pin. These pins sit inside the cylinder and are pushed down by a spring. When the right key lifts the bottom pins just right, the pins align at the shear line, allowing the lock to turn smoothly.

The 7 Lock Pin Types Compared

Here’s a quick rundown of the 7 main lock pin types and how Vast’s options stack up for each:

Standard Pin Tumbler

• Pros: Simple, reliable, widely used. Easy to rekey and replace.
• Cons: Lower security, vulnerable to bumping and picking.
• Vast Basic: Great for budget setups and basic residential use.

Security Pin Spool

• Pros: Adds pick resistance by creating false feedback when picking.
• Cons: Can cause accidental lockouts if over-lifted.
• Vast Spool Pro: Ideal for better security without complexity.

Mushroom Pin

• Pros: Harder to pick than standard or spools, stops easy rotation of the core.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive and sensitive to key wear.
• Vast Mushroom+: Perfect for enhanced security on mid-range locks.

Serrated Pin

• Pros: Multiple grooves create additional false shear lines, increasing pick resistance.
• Cons: May cause increased key wear over time.
• Vast Serrated-X: Used where strong bump and pick resistance is required.

Dimple Pin

• Pros: Used in dimple locks, offers unique key control and durability.
• Cons: Less common, requires special keys and tools.
• Vast Dimple Elite: Ideal for high-end homes and commercial dimple cylinders.

Tubular Pin

• Pros: Circular arrangement complicates picking, suitable for vending and specialised locks.
• Cons: Not very common in standard UK doors, limited tooling.
• Vast Tubular-7: Excellent for tubular lock upgrades, especially in security systems.

Magnetic Pin

• Pros: Uses magnets to block incorrect keys, highly bump and pick resistant.
• Cons: Requires special keys and precise manufacturing.
• Vast MagLock: Top choice for high-security setups such as government or technology buildings.

Each pin type brings unique security levels and applications. Vast has you covered from basic home locks to advanced protection with their tailored pin sets.

Security Rating Breakdown Chart

Understanding lock pin security means looking at how well pins stand up to attacks like bumping, picking, and drilling. We rate lock pins from 1 to 5 stars based on these key factors to help you choose the right level of protection for your home or business.

• Standard Pins: Easy to pick and bump. Lowest security rating.
• Spool Pins: Offer excellent pick and bump resistance. Often rated high in ANSI Grade 1 cylinders.
• Mushroom Pins: Great middle ground for anti-pick with decent bump resistance.
• Serrated Pins: Create false shear lines, making picking tougher.
• Dimple Pins: High security options, often found in upscale locks and resistant to common attacks.
• Magnetic Pins: Use magnetic forces to resist picking and bumping, plus harder to drill.

When shopping in the UK, brands like Kwikset provide ANSI grading that reflects these resistances. Always look for locks that rate at least Grade 2 for decent protection in most residential setups. For higher security needs, go for Grade 1 with advanced pins like spools or magnetic pins to keep your door locked tight.

Choosing the right lock pin type based on this security breakdown helps you balance cost, convenience, and protection effectively.

Installation Cheat Sheet

When it comes to installing or rekeying lock pins, having the right tools makes all the difference. You’ll need three basic items: a pinning tray to keep your pins organised, a plug follower to hold the cylinder plug in place, and a quality lock pick or tweezers for handling tiny pins.

For a quick walkthrough, check out our 60-second rekey video on Vast’s YouTube channel — it’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Watch out for this common mistake: Over-lifting spool pins can cause the lock to jam or lock you out. Take your time and lift pins just enough to align them, especially when working with security pins. Patience here saves you from extra hassle and keeps your door secure.

Which Pin Type for Your Door

Choosing the right lock pin type can make a big difference in your home or business security. To help you pick, try our quick 3-question quiz that recommends the best Vast lock pin for your needs.

• Question 1: What kind of property do you have?
  • Apartment, house, commercial
• Question 2: What’s your main security concern?
  • Pick resistance, bump resistance, drill resistance
• Question 3: Do you want easy rekeying or maximum security?
  • Easy rekey, high security, both

Local tips for common properties in the UK:

• UK apartments often benefit from Dimple Pins — they offer great security with a compact design ideal for small doors and multi-unit buildings.
• Ranch homes or rural properties lean on Magnetic Pins for their strong anti-pick features and unique bump-resistant design, perfect for harsh outdoor environments.

By matching your answers, the quiz points you to Vast lock pins that fit your door and lifestyle. From standard to high-security options, we cover your specific needs with proven, reliable pins you can trust.

FAQ

What is the strongest lock pin type

The strongest lock pins are usually security pins like spool, mushroom, and serrated pins. These are designed to resist picking, bumping, and drilling better than standard pins. Magnetic pins also offer advanced protection but work best in specialised locks.

Can I mix pin types in one cylinder

Yes, you can mix different pin types in a single cylinder to improve security. For example, combining standard pins with security pins like spools or serrated pins makes your lock harder to pick. Just make sure the pins are the right size and compatible with your lock model.

Are Vast pins compatible with Schlage and Kwikset

Vast pins are designed for easy compatibility with major brands like Schlage and Kwikset. Whether you need security upgrades or standard rekeying pins, Vast offers options that fit these cylinders without issues, making your lock pin upgrade or replacement smooth and reliable.