Lock Company Sues YouTuber Over Shimmed Lock, Sparking Backlash

Trevor McNally, a YouTuber with over 7 million followers, gained viral fame by showing how to open common locks with minimal effort, including a trailer hitch lock from Proven Industries. In April 2025, after McNally posted a video of him effortlessly opening Proven’s $130 lock using a shim, the company reacted with a lawsuit against him, claiming copyright infringement, defamation, and various other charges. Despite McNally’s video being factual and showing the lock being opened easily, Proven argued that it was misleading and damaging to their reputation. The legal battle escalated quickly, with McNally’s fans harassing Proven’s employees and posting sensitive information online. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of McNally, stating that his video was a fair critique, and Proven’s lawsuit was dismissed. The case serves as a cautionary tale about how companies mishandle public criticism, and the resulting Streisand Effect made the situation worse for Proven. McNally’s refusal to back down only fueled the drama, and the company’s attempt to suppress the video backfired, generating negative publicity instead of solving the issue.