Shim making guide. with pictures

[pin_pusher]

i've found that one can use an aluminum can (re-fried beans, preferably)...and with a jewelry hammer, a sharpie marker, and a bench vise the same method can be applied with a greater strength material...that's my two cents, my first entry as a member as well...still working on my profile.

[New-York-Locksmith]

nice explanation and well presented. this Shim making guide is really helpful as it is fully illustrated with good quality images.

nice work

[bbulz]

If you get hold of one of those white plastic bar codes (usually on dvd case's etc) used to set off the sensor on a shop entrance and open it up its a nice we packet of shims. Ive never used this method to open a padlock though the shackle but i often use to shim locks apart with no key and [edit- sorry advanced not discussed in the open forum- unlisted] I got this tip about the shims from another locky but i dont bother as i dont pay for shims anyway.

[texguy]

it took some practice but I got them to work. The PDF was awesome!!!

[Sirtank11]

Very cool. I've used padlock shims quite a bit,

On some of the more expensive locks if you shim both sides of the shackle it'll open up for you, because some of them have a locking bar or roller on each side of the shackle.

Cool pdf though great job!

Tank

[anthrax28]

I will soon post my attempts with padlocks Brazilian nationals, unfortunately this technique does not work in such, but only in old locks.

[albert6014]

A month ago I tried this(still was noob at this, though). Such a guide exists in net for some time(or when I read that then). Anyway, I stumbled into two-way padlock, so imagine a noob trying to open such lock with DIY cola can shims
Though it was a failure, I somehow always managed to get ONE side to get in unlocked position, while I couldn't enter the second shim.
And yeah, you can use this only up to 10 times or something. If you are more careful and cut appropriately, maybe to 20-30 times.
The cola can is not sturdy enough, though, to be useful for permament tool. Let me know of other material, guys

[acesmith]

I've locked my keys in my locker a couple times. These shims saved me twice already from having to get someone to cut my lock open.

[meeks76]

This is about what I do as well.... Nice tutorial though

[GWiens2001]

Fantastic guide! Used a different type on a 50mm ACE (not tubular) padlock that I could not pick due to the spool pins. Know there are spool pins because I could feel two, and found two more when I cut open the lock to salvage the lock cylinder. Wanted the pins for rekeying/practicing an American 5200 padlock.

[ice_man]

nice grate work

[t|n|<]

Just what I needed to explain this to a friend. Thanks!

[ice_man]

thanks man good guide lots of detail

[luckey]

Nice guide. I recently bought a padlock picking kit that came with some comb picks, padlock shims and a Tri-Circle, 266, Made in China padlock. I can shim this easily but the shims that came with the kit are very flimsy and easily tear, so anyone that is into shimming is probably better off making their own. I am still trying to pick this lock though but having fun doing it.

[daniel22747]

Good guide, but I hate making shims. Good way to get cut.

If I want some shims I will probably just order them.

They are nice for combination locks, but ripping off the back and looking through that hole to open one is fun too! Tried that out on one of my combination locks at home.