Post by KenBelmont on Jul 13, 2014 22:08:59 GMT
Creating Shims
To create the shims needed to open padlocks, you’ll first need a coke can. Take the can and trim off the top and bottom, leaving the middle piece. Make a single cut vertically in the can to create one long piece of aluminum (You may have done this already when trimming off the top and bottom).
Cut the remaining strip of aluminum lengthwise creating two long strips. From here you’ll need to cut multiple pieces approx. 2.5″ in width and 1.5 to 1.75″ in height. You should end up with around six shims out of a single can.
Once your blanks are cut, you’ll need to make cuts in each blank to create an “M” looking shape. The mid-point of your “M” can either be rounded as shown in the video below, or angular as shown in the photos. Either will work, but the rounded mid-point seems to wedge itself better into the locking mechanism.
After the “M” shape is cut, simply fold the top quarter in half and fold the legs of the “M” up and around (see photos and video). You can also shape the completed shim around a pen to give it the necessary curvature it will need to slide into the shackle.
www.itstactical.com/skillcom/lock-picking/how-to-open-a-padlock-with-a-coke-can/
Single Lock Padlock
The first thing you’ll need to take note of when shimming a padlock is whether it’s a single or double-lock shackle. This can often be hard to determine just by looking a a padlock, but a general rule is that most numerical combination padlocks are just a single lock.
What this means is that only one side of the padlock shackle engages with the internal locking mechanism within the padlock. See the photo to the right for an example.
Double-Lock Padlock
On a double-lock padlock, there are two locations on the shackle that engage with the internal locking mechanism. This is important, because this kind of padlock will require two shims to open.
Each side of the shackle will need to be independently shimmed to allow the locking mechanism to release. See the photo at the right for an example of the double-lock padlock.
How To Pick A Padlock Using Shims
Padlock shims are designed for use on padlocks with spring operated latches. Generally, they are more effective on cheaper types of padlocks. More expensive padlocks tend to be made to better specifications and are therefore more resistant to opening with padlock shims. For padlock shims to be effective there must be sufficient clearance between the shackle diameter and the holes in te padlock body to enable insertion of the shims. On single latch padlocks, any slack in the pivot side will help if the clearance is minimal.
First determine whether the padlock is single or double latched. If you don't know, then start by sliding a single shim down the inside of the pivot leg of the shackle to feel for a latch. Ideally, knowledge of the lock is the best way of knowing whether it is a single or double latch. For most padlocks, the latched leg of the shackle is generally on the same side as the serrations of the key. Choose a shim having the same or slightly larger bend radius than the shackle diameter. A slightly larger radius will close down to the correct shape more accurately than an undersized one will open up. It may also be necessary to shorten the length of the arms before using a shim on smaller padlocks. Exert some pressure on the pivot side of the shackle to ease the shackle towards the latch side and increase the clearance between the shackle diameter and the hole. Then insert the shim into the clearance on the outside of the shackle opposite the latch and twist and push the shim down as far as possible. When the shim is fully inserted, rotate the shim around the shackle so that the tongue of the shim approaches the latch from the side and eases it back. Once the shim had been rotated until the wings of the shim are pointing outwards away from the lock, it is likely that the latch has been sprung and the shackle can be pulled to open the lock. On some types of padlocks with weak latch springs, it may be possible to force the shim down onto the latch(es) directly from above, and ease it (them) back. However, if this technique is used on a latch with strong springs, the tip of the shim could bend and the latch would not be pushed back far enough to release the shackle.
To create the shims needed to open padlocks, you’ll first need a coke can. Take the can and trim off the top and bottom, leaving the middle piece. Make a single cut vertically in the can to create one long piece of aluminum (You may have done this already when trimming off the top and bottom).
Cut the remaining strip of aluminum lengthwise creating two long strips. From here you’ll need to cut multiple pieces approx. 2.5″ in width and 1.5 to 1.75″ in height. You should end up with around six shims out of a single can.
Once your blanks are cut, you’ll need to make cuts in each blank to create an “M” looking shape. The mid-point of your “M” can either be rounded as shown in the video below, or angular as shown in the photos. Either will work, but the rounded mid-point seems to wedge itself better into the locking mechanism.
After the “M” shape is cut, simply fold the top quarter in half and fold the legs of the “M” up and around (see photos and video). You can also shape the completed shim around a pen to give it the necessary curvature it will need to slide into the shackle.
www.itstactical.com/skillcom/lock-picking/how-to-open-a-padlock-with-a-coke-can/
Single Lock Padlock
The first thing you’ll need to take note of when shimming a padlock is whether it’s a single or double-lock shackle. This can often be hard to determine just by looking a a padlock, but a general rule is that most numerical combination padlocks are just a single lock.
What this means is that only one side of the padlock shackle engages with the internal locking mechanism within the padlock. See the photo to the right for an example.
Double-Lock Padlock
On a double-lock padlock, there are two locations on the shackle that engage with the internal locking mechanism. This is important, because this kind of padlock will require two shims to open.
Each side of the shackle will need to be independently shimmed to allow the locking mechanism to release. See the photo at the right for an example of the double-lock padlock.
How To Pick A Padlock Using Shims
Padlock shims are designed for use on padlocks with spring operated latches. Generally, they are more effective on cheaper types of padlocks. More expensive padlocks tend to be made to better specifications and are therefore more resistant to opening with padlock shims. For padlock shims to be effective there must be sufficient clearance between the shackle diameter and the holes in te padlock body to enable insertion of the shims. On single latch padlocks, any slack in the pivot side will help if the clearance is minimal.
First determine whether the padlock is single or double latched. If you don't know, then start by sliding a single shim down the inside of the pivot leg of the shackle to feel for a latch. Ideally, knowledge of the lock is the best way of knowing whether it is a single or double latch. For most padlocks, the latched leg of the shackle is generally on the same side as the serrations of the key. Choose a shim having the same or slightly larger bend radius than the shackle diameter. A slightly larger radius will close down to the correct shape more accurately than an undersized one will open up. It may also be necessary to shorten the length of the arms before using a shim on smaller padlocks. Exert some pressure on the pivot side of the shackle to ease the shackle towards the latch side and increase the clearance between the shackle diameter and the hole. Then insert the shim into the clearance on the outside of the shackle opposite the latch and twist and push the shim down as far as possible. When the shim is fully inserted, rotate the shim around the shackle so that the tongue of the shim approaches the latch from the side and eases it back. Once the shim had been rotated until the wings of the shim are pointing outwards away from the lock, it is likely that the latch has been sprung and the shackle can be pulled to open the lock. On some types of padlocks with weak latch springs, it may be possible to force the shim down onto the latch(es) directly from above, and ease it (them) back. However, if this technique is used on a latch with strong springs, the tip of the shim could bend and the latch would not be pushed back far enough to release the shackle.