The lock works and would come in handy for storage, but they still don't want to open with the lock released. There's no springiness to them at all, they'll stay in whatever position you put them in. I like when tongs close with pressure and open on their own when you release the pressure, I don't want to have to hook my fingers around in a weird position to push them back open or use two hands. They feel defective and will be returned.