The invention discloses a gear string key mechanical anti-theft lock, and relates to the field of mechanical anti-theft locks. A key hole and a handle rotating shaft are arranged on a same vertical line; a key is formed by connecting a plurality of small gears in series; each small gear is a complete gear, or an incomplete gear, or a gear with no tooth; and the key drives all racks to run for different distances through an intermediate gear. After the key is rotated for one circle, the handle drives a cam to firstly push a locking plate to be inserted into saw teeth of the racks, then the racks cannot move any more, the cam pushes an unlocking inserting plate to be inserted into rectangular openings of the racks, and the cam can continuing rotating for unlocking. When the key is incorrect,the locking plate can still clamp the racks firstly and the racks cannot move, but the unlocking inserting plates cannot be inserted into the rectangular openings, so that the cam is prevented from rotating, and the lock cannot be unlocked. If the handle is twisted strongly, the handle is idle. Locking can be completed without using a key but reversely lifting the handle. The racks, the intermediate gear and the like are simple in structure, can be stamped and processed, and are low in manufacturing cost. The lock has the characteristics of preventing technical unlocking, preventing unlockingby damage, large key amount, stability, durability and the like.