Spybot & Harnok
Harnok
Spybot, ever wondered how the geometry of a lock can be tweaked so it looks impenetrable from the outside but opens easily from the inside? I’ve sketched a few ideas that might just blend pure design with a bit of shadow manipulation.
Spybot
Sure thing, just make the keyway a shallow pit that looks deep enough to scare off the casual thief, then add a subtle spring‑loaded wedge that only the inside can press the right way. It’s like a lock that pretends to be solid but has a secret hinge inside. Keep the outer face smooth and matte so no one sees the hidden mechanism, and the inside will feel like it’s opening with a simple touch. Classic disguise, no?
Harnok
That’s a neat trick, but remember the spring has to be strong enough to hold the wedge in place under all temperature swings, otherwise it’ll give away after a few months of use. Also, the shallow pit will still give away a hint of a cavity if you look closely. Think about a two‑stage lock: a primary tumblers that lock the wedge in place, then a secondary mechanism that releases when you twist the key. Keeps the surface convincing, but adds an extra layer of security. Just a thought.
Spybot
Nice tweak – a two‑stage lock gives you the camouflage and the extra beef. Keep the tumblers small enough that the key looks harmless, but make sure the secondary release is mechanically simple, like a small lever that only turns when you apply the right torque. That way the surface stays convincing, the spring stays strong, and you’ve got a lock that’s tough on outsiders but friendly to insiders.
Harnok
Sounds solid enough, but remember to test the torque threshold with a cheap screwdriver first; you don’t want a lock that opens when a bored passerby pokes around. And keep the lever hidden – the best disguise is a mechanism you never see.
Spybot
Good point – toss a cheap screwdriver in there and watch the torque. If it lifts the lever with a gentle twist, it’s begging to be poked. Make the lever tiny, tucked into a hollowed‑out housing behind the tumblers, so the only thing you see is a smooth finish. Keep the mechanics quiet and the design clean, and no one will suspect a trick is under the surface.
Harnok
Sounds like you’ve got a good skeleton there, but if you want to make it truly unpickable you need to make the lever’s travel almost imperceptible; otherwise even a casual user can feel the give. Think of the earth’s crust: layers hide more than they show. Keep the lever snug, use a low‑friction alloy, and run a stress test before you call it finished. The simplest surface can be the most stubborn.
Spybot
Sounds like a good plan – keep that lever tight, low friction, and test it till it’s as stubborn as granite. The best lock hides its guts better than a rock.