Padlock Shim question...

by **maagop** » 19 Nov 2003 13:08

Quite old topic, I know... But I don't wanna open new one just for this, I just have a tiny question about the quality of shims.

Multipick-service web-page (www.multipick-service.com/en/start_en.htm ) says about their padlock shims: "These shim picks can be used 1 time". What on earth that means? That you only could use those for ones to try to open one single padlock, and ruin them? Should shims last like houdres of times to use? Must be poor quality disposable shims? :shock:

by **Varjeal** » 19 Nov 2003 13:21

That means that they're basically a one-time use item. Padlock shims must be made from extremely thin material in order to function properly. Thus, they generally don't have a long life span. The company is basically covering their butt by telling you they are single use. That way, if they work more than once you'll consider yourself fortunate. If they don't, you won't be overly disappointed.

I personally don't know of any shims that will last even more than a dozen uses per shim, but I don't have a lot of experience with shims anyways. That's probably why they usually sell in multiples.

Hope that helps.

by **maagop** » 19 Nov 2003 13:37

Thanks Varjeal, that helps a lot!

I just was wondering if there was quality problem, but souds like shims are like that. Makes me really doubt those DIY coke can shims mentioned here earlier...

Gee, my second post!

by **Varjeal** » 19 Nov 2003 13:40

If you feel ambitious, give those coke can ones a try and then post your experience on here so we can all share from the experience. Good luck.

by **maagop** » 19 Nov 2003 13:49

You know, it is really frustrating just look the pictures of picks and shims at webshops, and not be able to handle or feel used materials.
I haven't manage to find any picksets on store (here in Finland), so this forum really helps lot, especially a newbie like me.

by **maagop** » 21 Nov 2003 13:04

Yep, I've tried those beer can... eh, I mean coke can shims. Seems like those won't last, at least after that beer... :lol:

by **invaderzim** » 6 Dec 2003 18:30

do they work at least?

by **Chucklz** » 7 Dec 2003 0:56

Sometimes they do. But on a tough lock, you end up drinking so much "soda" to make your shims you forget to open the lock.

by **Dukemurmur** » 13 Mar 2004 3:09

What breaks on the shims the just crinkel or bend or break or what how do they where out??

by **David_Parker** » 13 Mar 2004 4:24

For ball-bearings, most of MasterLocks series consist of a silver, solid case. As oppose to the steel-shaded laminated padlocks or the solid brass padlocks.

The best way is to just browse the website and get a good knowledge of the different series of Master or whatever particular brand you're looking for. Most 'high-security' padlocks are equipped with ball bearings.

Ball-bearings increase the load limit about 3 fold I think....I'm not sure as towards how much, but as for breaking the shackel off of the housing, you're screwed if you come across one with balls....bearings.

-Dave.

by **jason** » 13 Mar 2004 4:28

The first couple of shims I bought I crinkled the ends of them - put the pointy bit down and turn it round into the locking bar - they work better that way (proved the instructions I got with my weren't written by someone who uses them - maybe it was a way to get people to buy more shims!)

by **Justroln** » 16 Mar 2004 16:56

I have tried making the shims and every time i tried to open a lock the shim would tear :cry:

I think though that all of my locks have ball bearings. I will try this week to make more and see if im doing something wrong. Maybe someone who actually has used one of the soda can shims could post a better picture of the shim.

by **marso** » 17 Mar 2004 3:23

If you go to FAQs then "MIT guide and videos" and then "popcan shims" and you will have a nice pretty picture of someone using them. If you have the key open the padlock and look inside.

by **phatty234** » 21 Mar 2004 21:18

well couldnt you repair a shim after it bends? i dont have any experience with them so i have no idea if it would work, but wouldnt you be able to take a pair of needle-nose pliers and bend em back to shape, them temper them with a torch or something and a cup of ice water? im considering buying some shims at the moment and i think i might try it out, but that might be a while and someone who already has a number of shims could try it out and post the results if the wanted to.

by **deek** » 21 Mar 2004 22:05

I tried making some shims after reading this thread and watching the video. Unfortunately I had no luck, ended up tearing or bending the ends of my can. Not sure if I was doing it wrong or if it was the locks.
O well, I'll keep trying.
If you have any advice it would be appreciated.
Thanks...

Padlock Shim question...

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