Shimming 'American' Combo locks

by **disko** » 1 Dec 2005 21:14

Well, as I'm just starting out and I have yet to procure proper tools, I decided to give two of my old high school combo locks a go using home made drink can shims; the first was an 8 year old Master combo lock with master key at the rear, and the second was a 6 year old American Combo lock with no master key.

Shimmed the master with absolutely no issue whatsoever, very satisfying feeling too I might add. Then came the American.

After two hours, cuts on my hand and 10 or so ripped shims of varying sizes, I was no closer to opening the thing. Is there a ball in the American combo locks that's doing this? How else can I get it open?

by **jellywerker** » 1 Dec 2005 22:09

From what i have read, shims only open certain locks that had a design flaw that is rectified in later models, it may be that although old, the american lock is one such lock.

by **DrStu** » 2 Dec 2005 16:13

I have shimed American Model 350CC Combo Locks with no problem. I am not too sure what Model you have (a picture would help). I was using manufactued shims when I did it so I don't think Aluminum can shims are strong enough.

by **Gordon Airporte** » 2 Dec 2005 21:20

The American combo lock that I have has what looks like a fingernail gash cut into the pawl, which I believe is there to catch shims and preventing them from sliding all of the way between the pawl and the gate. Open up your lock and take a look.

by **inbeforyou** » 2 Dec 2005 23:57

hey im currently picking such locks along with garbage stuff, im not the best with the right words, can someone explain shimm? is that goin down from the U part?

by **vector40** » 3 Dec 2005 0:10

Yep, and pressing back the locking bar.

by **inbeforyou** » 3 Dec 2005 0:14

thanks mate, glad to get that clear, i personally like filed down bobby pins. abit off subject but uh... any one know how to take apart a 5 pin tumbler pin padd lock to change the pins?

by **Chrispy** » 3 Dec 2005 0:44

What kind of padlock? You'll either need to drill out the retaining pins or unscrew the screw inside the shackle hole and remove the core.

by **lockedin** » 4 Dec 2005 3:20

I had the same experience with an American Lock. They are just too tight compared to master and other locks. You can feel the shim pushing on it but it just bounces back.

by **Pickermeapie** » 5 Dec 2005 11:49

lockedin wrote:I had the same experience with an American Lock. They are just too tight compared to master and other locks. You can feel the shim pushing on it but it just bounces back.

::Sigh::
Yet they are now the same. Master and American that is. Picked up my first Master that had an AM3 keyway. No security pins though.

by **pigeonbomb** » 11 Dec 2005 0:49

I need a lot of help shimming the master lock I have broken about 6 drink can shims on it and dont seem to be getting any closer!

by **jebus** » 11 Dec 2005 2:33

How did we get from talking about combo locks to talking about pin tumblers?

geez people, get on topic.

by **Chrispy** » 11 Dec 2005 5:49

jebus wrote:How did we get from talking about combo locks to talking about pin tumblers?

geez people, get on topic.

Thread hijacks are a common occurance around here. You'll get used to it. :wink:

by **digital_blue** » 11 Dec 2005 9:40

Yeah, so back to those air hockey tables... I really think the best one is...

j.k.

db

Shimming 'American' Combo locks

Shimming 'American' Combo locks

American lock

Re: American lock

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