First lock: Masterlock combo

[noob]

Well, I am new to all this, and want to start out learning how to open a standard masterlock. I already have a lock I know the combo to: 2,16,6.
I have searched the forums and google, but can't find anything that works for me. By pulling out the "shaft thingy" and moving the knob, I find the last number is 6 b/c the gap is over 2 full numbers. Everything else isn't this big. Then, I am lost about how to find the first and second numbers.
I also tried to make a shim. From what I read, half the people say you cannot do this for a masterlock b/c the space isn't big enough, but others give various ways. I tried to make one out of coke can and one out of a floppy disk top. (http://www.tresoroeffnung.de/bilder/shims.jpg) However, they both don't work (seems like they aren't strong enough to seperate the "shaft thingy" and the metal lever that I can see when the lock is open).
Any help is welcome to teach me how to crack open master combo locks. Either by finding the numbers, or by picking it.


Thanks, hope this was clear!

[n2oah]

There is a way using a telephone receiver to figure out the combo (it's probably just a myth though). As far as shimming goes, I've made about eight shims that do work on master locks. I've never cracked a combination lock though.

[noob]

How did you make the shims? Idk if the space is too small on a combo lock though.


Thanks

[SFGOON]

Shimming is cheesy, learn to pick. There are a great deal of countermeasures that defeat shimming. Learning to manipulate combination locks is not generally discussed in open forums, so if I were you, I would grab myself some inexpensive locks and learn to pick.

[noob]

Learning to manipulate combination locks is not generally discussed in open forums

Why is this? I am just really interested in learning to open a combo lock, as it would be cool to entertain friends at school.


Thanks

[schoolglutton]

I know that discussing safes is banned in open forems, but I didn't know about combination padlocks. If this is true, please respond and cut me off. If not, I'd like to take a stab at this question. I've had some success with 12 gated Master combination padlocks to reveal the combination.

[noob]

I pmed u

[n2oah]

Shimming is cheesy, learn to pick.

I usually only use shims when time is a major issue.
Combination padlocks have always confused me. Combo lock are something I kind of bypassed in most books.
How would you "pick" a combination padlock?

[noob]

I want to know if it is possible to shim a masterlock combination lock. I got the impression from some posts in other threads that there was not enough room, or something like that.

If it is possible, can someone show me a shim set that would open a masterlock combination lock.

THanks!!!!!!!!

[dwkbb]

There are websites describing techniques for finding the three numbers of a Master Lock combination. It's been a long time since I visited any of them so I can't give directions to any specific ones. I believe I did a Google search using keywords like "Master Lock combinations and Picking", but I'm not sure. I just know they are out there. It may take a bit of searching. Some of the procedures are quite mathematic and seem very time consuming.

I found a PDA program about a year ago called Skeleton Key. It can be found on one of the Palm Freeware sites. It has some basic instructions to find the numbers. However, the program generates 64 possible combinations using the third number. You can zip through the listed combinations in a few minutes.

It doesn't work for all Master Locks and I seem to recall that one of the sites I visited identified model numbers for which the program doesn't work. I have found the combinations 4 of 5 locks I have. It's neat to know the combo and see it pop up among the ones generated by the program. There might be an online version too, but having it available on a handheld is better.

[Chucklz]

For those of you with a windows pda, there is an excel file that will generate all 100 possible combinations from the third number. The file is in yahoo locksports.

[Vodka1881]

Im actually working on a program that does what dwkbb and Chucklz are talking about it. I have a few bugs to work out but it should be up and running soon. By the way I have that excel sheet PM me who ever wants it.

[busst]

Im new here, and i was wondering this same question, how to go about making a shim for masterlock combos.

I've seen masterlock combonation locks, that have keyholes in the back, to open, if you forget the combo, i am assuming this is is also a pin/tumber lock. correct me if I am wrong.

[jamesphilhulk2]

just a question whats the hardest lock to pick